bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refractive and visual function changes in twilight conditions
Authors: Iizuka Tatsuya , Kawamorita Takushi , Handa Tomoya , Ishikawa Hitoshi
Published: April 2022

Purpose

We investigated the effect of luminance on refraction and visual function under twilight conditions.

Methods

Twenty young adults (mean age 20.5 ± 0.5 years) without ocular diseases and 20 eyes were included in the study. Subjective and objective spherical equivalent power (SE), logMAR, pupil diameter, ocular aberration, and ocular axial length were evaluated. Measurements were conducted in a light room with high luminance (300 cd/m2) targets (photopic), in a dark room with low luminance (10 cd/m2) targets (twilight), and a dark room after 15 min of adaptation to low luminance (10 cd/m2) targets (after adaptation: AA). Differences between the three conditions were analyzed using the Friedman test and Scheffe’s multiple comparisons.

Results

The results of logMAR were -0.20 ± 0.07, -0.08 ± 0.08, and -0.11 ± 0.08 in photopic, twilight, and AA, respectively, with significant differences between photopic and twilight (p < 0.001) and between photopic and AA (p < 0.001). Then subjective SE were -3.58 ± 2.04 D, -3.75 ± 2.08 D, and -3.74 ± 2.04 D in photopic, twilight, and AA, respectively, with significant differences between photopic and twilight (p = 0.007) and photopic and AA (p = 0.023). However, none of the other objective SEs produced a significant difference (p = 0.63). The pupil diameter and ocular aberration changed significantly in all conditions (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Subjective myopic refraction increased and visual resolution decreased in younger subjects. However, this change in refraction is less than one level (±0.25 D) in clinical optometry, so fully corrected eyeglasses are important when assuming refraction in twilight, and there is no need for additional correction.
Do-It-Yourself digital archaeology: Introduction and practical applications of photography and photogrammetry for the 2D and 3D representation of small objects and artefacts
Authors: Cerasoni Jacopo Niccolò , do Nascimento Rodrigues Felipe , Tang Yu , Hallett Emily Yuko
Published: April 2022

Photography and photogrammetry have recently become among the most widespread and preferred visualisation methods for the representation of small objects and artefacts. People want to see the past, not only know about it; and the ability to visualise objects into virtually realistic representations is fundamental for researchers, students and educators. Here, we present two new methods, the ‘Small Object and Artefact Photography’ (‘SOAP’) and the ‘High Resolution “DIY” Photogrammetry’ (‘HRP’) protocols. The ‘SOAP’ protocol involves the photographic application of modern digital techniques for the representation of any small object. The ‘HRP’ protocol involves the photographic capturing, digital reconstruction and three-dimensional representation of small objects. These protocols follow optimised step-by-step explanations for the production of high-resolution two- and three-dimensional object imaging, achievable with minimal practice and access to basic equipment and softwares. These methods were developed to allow anyone to easily and inexpensively produce high-quality images and models for any use, from simple graphic visualisations to complex analytical, statistical and spatial analyses.
Risk and predictive factors for severe dengue infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yuan Kangzhuang , Chen Yuan , Zhong Meifeng , Lin Yongping , Liu Lidong
Published: April 2022

Background

Dengue is a major public health issue worldwide and severe dengue (SD) is life threatening. It is critical to triage patients with dengue infection in the early stage. However, there is limited knowledge on early indicators of SD. The objective of this study is to identify risk factors for the prognosis of SD and try to find out some potential predictive factors for SD from dengue fever (DF) in the early of infection.

Methods

The PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies from June 1999 to December 2020. The pooled odds ratio (OR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of identified factors was calculated using a fixed or random effect model in the meta-analysis. Tests for heterogeneity, publication bias, subgroup analyses, meta-regression, and a sensitivity analysis were further performed.

Findings

A total of 6,848 candidate articles were retrieved, 87 studies with 35,184 DF and 8,173 SD cases met the eligibility criteria. A total of 64 factors were identified, including population and virus characteristics, clinical symptoms and signs, laboratory biomarkers, cytokines, and chemokines; of these factors, 34 were found to be significantly different between DF and SD, while the other 30 factors were not significantly different between the two groups after pooling the data from the relevant studies. Additionally, 9 factors were positive associated with SD within 7 days after illness when the timing subgroup analysis were performed.

Conclusions

Practical factors and biomarkers for the identification of SD were established, which will be helpful for a prompt diagnosis and early effective treatment for those at greatest risk. These outcomes also enhance our knowledge of the clinical manifestations and pathogenesis of SD.
Theatre of the Imagination: A blueprint for design and making in primary education
Authors: Pulley Robert
Published: April 2022

Theatre of the Imaginationaims to demonstrate that making artefacts provokes a transformative way of thinking about the world while fostering independent learning skills in children. Signature pedagogies from art and design education help to build a learning culture that embraces the concept of childhood as a time of being and becoming. The workshops set out to explore the potential of making as a way of thinking in primary education through a constructionist epistemology, which demonstrates how sharing three-dimensional artefacts can help cultivate mutual respect. Transition design thinking is introduced to foster a socially and culturally inclusive vision for the future. Children and their teachers are encouraged to undertake interventions aimed at incremental change in the way we collaborate with others who live locally and with those who live on other continents. The UN global goals for sustainable development framework is used to set up situations worthy of debate at a time of social and environmental disruption. Insights emerging fromTheatre of the Imaginationsuggest new ways of exploiting the value of design and making in mainstream primary education at a time of impecunity. Making as thinking provokes reflection and helps children and teachers to visualize ideas about how we may protect non-human and human life on earth.
Crafting latex-coated fabrics: An experimental study with a local material of southern Thailand
Authors: Kawkamsue Pharitporn , Kritsanaphan Prachya
Published: April 2022

This article presents an experimental study of patterns created on latex-coated fabric by applying artistic and local craft techniques to create value-added aesthetics. The study sample was a southern community enterprise group in Southern Thailand, where the primary career was growing rubber trees. At present, rubber latex is used to coat fabrics in agricultural products such as artificial flooring pound, lime planting and planting trees for propagation. The experimental creative research was set up with the latex formula used for ponds or planting containers, local, readily available fabrics and techniques that can be applied by the community enterprise. The results found that the latex formula needed to be adjusted to reduce the stickiness so that it was suitable for particular pattern-making techniques. Using latex, it was possible to mix it with poster paint, acrylic paint, latex pigment and coloured latex to create other new colours. The rubber coating material was excellent in terms of water, and friction resistance, was washable and durable. The resulting coatings were combined with different textile techniques and applied as a material to enhance the aesthetics of other fabric and rubber-based products. The experiment resulted in new ways to create added value in the field of aesthetics to develop handicrafts imbued with local cultural identity. This innovative crafting process has the potential to be developed in association with a wide range of products, while increasing the economic value of rubber and the sustainability of the community.
Hepatoprotection of Cinnamomum burmannii ethanolic extract against high-fat and cholesterol diet in Sprague–Dawley rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Susilowati Retno , Setiawan Abdul Malik , Zahroh Afida Fatimatuz , Ashari Zadani Nabila , Iffiyana Alifatul , Hertanto Ricky , Basyarudin Muhammad , Hartiningsih Isnaeni , Ismail Mahrus
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim: The pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis involves non-alcoholic fatty liver, oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. Although the long-term use of cinnamon bark in larger doses can negatively affect good health, proper use of its extracts effectively and efficiently improves health. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the minimal dose of Cinnamomum Burmannii extract through its activity in inhibiting oxidative stress in rats' livers treated with a high-fat and cholesterol diet (HFCD).

Materials and Methods: Forty-two Sprague–Dawley rats (Rattus norvegicus), weighing 200-250 g body weight (BW), were divided into seven treatment groups with six replications: Normal, HFCD, atorvastatin, quercetin, and C. burmannii ethanol extract group, after which they were administered different dosages (i.e., 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg BW). Except for the normal group, rats were concomitantly administered HFCD with each treatment for 21 days. Then, their malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were assessed using colorimetry. However, their steatosis levels were determined based on histological preparations with hematoxylin-eosin staining.

Results: Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT) results indicated that all treatments had a significantly lower MDA than HFCD and normal rats (α=0.01). DMRT results also showed that treating with the C. burmannii ethanol extract at all dosages resulted in a significantly higher SOD activity level in HFCD rats than those treated with quercetin and atorvastatin (α=0.01). Furthermore, results showed that treatment with C. burmannii extracts at a dosage of 300 mg/kg BW incredibly maintained SOD activity as effective as quercetin, atorvastatin, and normal rats. Besides, while steatohepatitis levels of C. burmannii ethanol extract at dosages of 200 and 300 mg/kg BW commensurated with normal rats, steatohepatitis levels were significantly lower than those administered other concentrations or treatments (α=0.05).

Conclusion: Ethanolic C. burmannii extracts protected the liver by regulating oxidative stress. Therefore, a 200 mg/kg BW dose is proposed as the minimal hepatoprotection dose to prevent fatty liver formation.
Hydrolyzation of snail (Achatina fulica) meat with rice water as novel probiotic supplements for animal feed
Authors: Suryadi Ujang , Hertamawati Rosa Tri , Imam Shokhirul
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim: Snail meat and digestive tract hydrolyzate fermented with a consortium of preserved rice water microorganisms could serve as new sources of probiotics. Microorganisms from the examined feed supplement were isolated, identified, and characterized for resistance at low pH and with bile salts. The study aimed to determine the potential hydrolysate of the snail meat and digestive tract as a novel probiotic supplement for animal feed at various pH values and Oxgall.

Materials and Methods: The submerged fermentation method was conducted for 21 days to examine the novel probiotic that originated from snail microorganisms in the hydrolyzed liquid fermented by finely ground snail meat and the digestive tract. The microorganisms in the hydrolyzate were isolated by a spread plate method, while the potential of the probiotic hydrolyzate was tested for resistance to pH values of 2, 2.5, 3, and 4, as well as resistance to bile salts at Oxgall concentrations of 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%.

Results: The hydrolyzate profile of snail meat and digestive tract contained five isolates of lactic acid bacteria that could serve as potential probiotics.

Conclusion: The application of fermentation technology using a consortium of preserved rice water microorganisms can convert snail meat and the digestive tract into novel probiotic products that could be utilized in feed supplements.
Age features and reference intervals for the concentrations of some essential and toxic elements in laying hens
Authors: Lebedev Svyatoslav , Zavyalov Oleg , Frolov Aleksey
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim: Micronutrient imbalances pose a severe threat to the health and productivity of livestock and poultry. In this regard, a further stage in feeding science development will control and optimize the intake of mineral substances, including determining the elemental composition in some biosubstrates. One of these biosubstrates can be a feather. However, the amount of available information on the content of trace elements in laying hens is limited, complicating the laboratory data interpretation. Therefore, this study established reference intervals for the concentrations of the main essential and toxic elements in laying hens in different periods of ontogenesis.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on clinically healthy Hisex Brown laying hens at the age of 10 (n=150), 30 (n=150), 120 (n=150), 150 (n=150), and 210 (n=150) days. All examined birds were born and raised on the territory of the South Ural biogeochemical province of Russia. The sampling of feathers was carried out by plucking the flight feathers of the wing. Inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell mass spectrometry determined the elemental composition of the feather according to 25 parameters.

Results: The results showed that at the minimum age (10 days), the highest concentrations of chemical elements were observed in laying hens. Subsequently, as they grew older, in the period from the 30th to the 120th day, there was a significant decrease in these indicators. Later, from the 120th to the 150th day, a statistically significant increase in concentrations was replaced. Little growth and relative concentration stability were observed in the last part of the experiment (150-210 days). Chemical element concentrations in feathers were computed in reference ranges for each age group.

Conclusion: The calculated ranges of chemical element concentrations in laying hens can be used to compile norms for their content in the body; however, it is worth noting that these ranges can vary depending on the biogeochemical province of breeding and the bird's age.
Hubungan Kelengkapan Isi Asesmen Awal Pasien dan Tema Komplain Pasien
Authors: Putra Mahabara Yang , Dwiantoro Luky , Arso Septo Pawelas
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACTBackground: The hospital is a plenary individual health service with one of the service standards in the form of patient assessment. The incomplete rate of filling out the initial medical assessment of patients in April 2018 at the inpatient polyclinic reached 37.35% from the standard which should have been 0% incomplete in 1x24 hours. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between the level of completeness of the patient's initial assessment with the patient's complaint theme area.  Method: This research is an analytical descriptive study used total sampling. Data were collected from December 2020 to February 2021. The research variable used was the level of completeness of the initial patient assessment as an independent variable with the patient's complaint theme field as the dependent variable. Data analysis was performed using a frequency distribution table and relationship analysis using the chi-square test.Results: The most (67.2%) complaints were made by patients or their families with incomplete initial assessments. The highest complaints with incomplete initial assessment were found in the medical field (75.0%). There was no relationship between the level of completeness of the patient's initial assessment and the patient's complaint theme area (p-value = 0.680). Evaluation of the hospital is needed to improve the quality of service. Further research can be conducted to determine the factors causing the high number of complaints in the medical field.Keywords: patient assessment, complaint, hospital
Efektivitas Pelatihan Peer Educator Berbasis Masyarakat terhadap Pengetahuan dan Sikap dalam Upaya Pencegahan Perilaku Berisiko pada Masa Pandemi COVID-19
Authors: Mediastuti Fitriani , Lestari Reni Tri
Published: April 2022

Background: The pandemic COVID-19 has had an impact on various sectors. One of those affected is teenagers. During the pandemic, teenagers are unable to carry out activities such as school and extracurricular activities. This can affect risky behavior in adolescents if adolescents do not have the knowledge to prevent it. Community-based peer educator training during the pandemic COVID-19 is urgently needed by youth as agents of change. Health promotion by involving youth has a more effective impact.Objective: This study aims to determine the application of community-based peer educator training on an adolescent knowledge and an attitudes in preventing risky behavior during the pandemic.Methods: This research is a quasi-experimental research with one group pretest-posttest design. The research location is Village A, Ngaglik District, Sleman Regency. Respondents were selected by purposive sampling. Data analysis was carried out with a sample paired t test and using SPSS supporting software.Results: Statistically, the results showed that adolescents' knowledge after receiving the training material increased compared to before and had a significance (p-value=0.01). The attitude of adolescents after receiving the material increased compared to before and had a significance (p-value = 0.01).Conclusion: Training peer educator based on community during the pandemic was effective on adolescent knowledge and attitudes to prevent risk behavior.Recommendation: There needs to be a joint commitment (BKKBN, educational institutions through the PIKM forum and village government) so that training peer educator based on community is more optimal and sustainable.
On the rigidity of harmonic-Ricci solitons
Authors: Anselli Andrea
Published: April 2022

We introduce the notion of rigidity for harmonic-Ricci solitons and provide some characterizations of rigidity, generalizing known results for Ricci solitons. In the complete case we restrict to steady and shrinking gradient solitons, while in the compact case we treat general solitons without further assumptions. We show that the rigidity can be traced back to the vanishing of certain modified curvature tensors that take into account the geometry of a Riemannian manifold equipped with a smooth mapφ, calledφ-curvature, which is a natural generalization in the setting of harmonic-Ricci solitons of the standard curvature tensor.
Development of a liquid chromatography mass spectrometry method for the determination of vitamin K1, menaquinone-4, menaquinone-7 and vitamin K1-2,3 epoxide in serum of individuals without vitamin K supplements
Authors: Meinitzer Andreas , Enko Dietmar , Zelzer Sieglinde , Prüller Florian , Alonso Nerea , Fritz-Petrin Eva , Herrmann Markus
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Vitamin K and metabolites have a beneficial role in blood coagulation, bone metabolism and growth. However, the determination of vitamin K concentrations in the blood in patients consuming a diet with naturally occurring vitamin K is currently challenging. We aim to develop a cost-effective and rapid method to measure vitamin K metabolites with potential application for clinics and research.

Methods

We developed a simple liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination of vitamin K1, menaquinone-4 (MK-4), menaquinone-7 (MK-7) and vitamin K1-2,3 epoxide in human serum and validated the method in a study cohort of 162 patients tested for carbohydrate malabsorption and in 20 patients with oral phenprocoumon intake.

Results

The overall precision (CVs) ranged between 4.8 and 17.7% in the specified working range (0.06–9.0 nmol/L for all analytes except for MK-7 with 0.04–6.16 nmol/L). In the malabsorption cohort samples, measured values were obtained for all different vitamin K metabolites except for vitamin K1-2,3 epoxide. This metabolite could be detected only in patients with phenprocoumon intake. The good performance of the method is especially achieved by the interaction of three factors: the use of lipase in the sample preparation, the use of an atypical fluorinated reversed phase column, and a logarithmic methanol gradient.

Conclusions

The described method is able to determine the concentration of four vitamin K metabolites in a time-efficient, simple and cost-effective manner. It can be suitable for both routine clinics and research.
Asymmetric CPW-fed hexagonal monopole antenna with Boomerang-shaped Fractals for ultra-wideband applications
Authors: Ramya C. Muthu , Rani R. Boopathi
Published: April 2022

In recent days, miniaturized antennas have gained significance in portable ultra-wideband (UWB) applications owing to its broad coverage spectrum. Fractal antennas have become popular in this context owing to the three properties: self-similarity, space-filling, and lacunarity, thereby producing miniaturization with a broad spectrum. Conventional Fractal antennas achieve a good impedance bandwidth, relatively high gain, at the cost of trade-off between compact size, radiation characteristics and broad spectrum. In this paper, an asymmetric coplanar waveguide–fed hexagonal monopole antenna with Boomerang-shaped Fractals is proposed for UWB characteristics with relatively high antenna gain and wide bandwidth. The miniaturization of the antenna is realized by the Fractal structure. The size of the antenna is to be 0.287 λr × 0.287 λr × 0.009 λr, whereλris the resonating wavelength at 3.45 GHz. The proposed antenna is printed on a 0.8-mm-thick FR-4 substrate with relative dielectric constant of 4.4 and a loss tangent of 0.02. From frequency-domain analysis, the experimental results reveal that the fractional bandwidth is 101.7% and the peak antenna gain detected is 5.1 dBi. The radiation performance of the antenna was nearly omnidirectional. From the time-domain analysis, group delay and three different Fidelity Factors i.e. Fidelity Factor (FF), System Fidelity Factor (SFF), and Fidelity Factor of System (FFS), the proposed antenna is found to have negligible distortion. As the bandwidth meets up to fractional bandwidth above 20% and absolute bandwidth greater than 500 MHz, the proposed antenna is suitable for 3.45–10.6 GHz UWB applications.
Clinical investigation of lipoprotein (a) levels in type 2 diabetics for cardiovascular diseases prediction and prognosis
Authors: Bustanji Yasser , Barham Noor , Abu-rish Eman Y. , Alhyari Abdelkareem , Albustanji Basil , Alnajjar Majd , Abu-irmaileh Bashaer , El-Huneidi Waseem , Abu-Gharbieh Eman , Mohammad Mohammad , Fararjeh Mohammed , Issa Ala , Semreen Mohammad , Bajes Hana
Published: April 2022

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the levels of serum lipoprotein a, LP (a), in Jordanian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM); and to examine its relation to glycemic control, metabolic syndrome (MS) and duration of DM. The LP (a) is considered one of the independent risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) in the general population.

Methods

Fasting blood samples were drawn from 51 diabetic patients with type 2 DM and 31 non-diabetic age and sex control subjects. Serum LP (a) was measured along with other parameters, including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Correlation analyses were performed between LP (a) and the various variables measured.

Results

LP (a) measurement showed a skewed distribution towards the lower levels in both groups. Mean LP (a) levels showed a statistically insignificant difference between the two groups. No correlations of LP (a) were observed with age, sex or body mass index (BMI). No correlations of LP (a) with LDL-c, HDL-c, TG, TC, MS, DM duration or HbA1c were observed. The LP (a) serum levels were significantly higher in type 2 diabetic patients with retinopathy.

Conclusions

LP (a) serum levels are not increased in type 2 diabetic patients; so, LP (a) may not be a reliable marker for early therapeutic interventions in DM patients, even in high-risk for thrombosis groups.
The pseudosymmetric crystal structure of 3-((1R,2S)-1-methylpyrrolidin-1-ium-2-yl)pyridin-1-ium hexachloridostannate(IV), C10H16N2SnCl6
Authors: Wolke Marie Barbara , Reiss Guido J.
Published: April 2022

C10H16N2SnCl6, monoclinic, I2 (no. 5), a = 14.0477(4) Å, b = 8.9140(2) Å, c = 27.6199(6) Å, β = 93.060(2)°, Z = 8, V = 3453.67(15) Å3, R

gt
(F) = 0.0395, wR

ref
 = 0.0858, T = 290 K.
The chair’s use of address terms in workplace meetings
Authors: Park Innhwa
Published: April 2022

This conversation analytic study investigates the chair’s practice of addressing participants in multiparty meeting interaction. Paying close attention to the participants’ verbal and embodied actions, I examine 12 h and 30 min of video-recorded faculty meetings in a U.S. school district. I focus on how the meeting chair uses terms of address (e.g., first name, occupational title) during the meetings. The analyses show that when the chair uses an address term, she not only establishes a recipient, but also invokes and makes her institutional identity relevant as a meeting chair. In particular, the chair uses an address term while carrying out actions such as 1) opening or closing a topic, 2) managing the floor for different speakers, and 3) conducting relational work (e.g., welcoming a new member). The findings show that the address terms facilitate the chair’s actions that promote progressivity – between and within (a) topic(s) in the meeting agenda – and foster social solidarity by displaying affect toward individual participants. This study contributes to research on address terms and their functions, as well as to meeting interaction, particularly with regard to chairing practices.
Cu(C2N4H4)2Br2·2H2O: an antiferromagnetic cyanoguanidine coordination compound and its characterization
Authors: Zhang Jing , Corkett Alex J. , van Leusen Jan , Nelson Ryky , Dronskowski Richard
Published: April 2022

Phase-pure copper(II) cyanoguanidine bromide hydrate, Cu(C2N4H4)2Br2·2H2O (1), was precipitated from aqueous solution and its structure was solved and refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data at 100 K. 1 crystallizes in space group P21/n with a = 12.09(3) Å, b = 3.925(9) Å, c = 13.79(3) Å, β = 96.62(6)°, Z = 2, and V = 650(2) Å3. The copper(II) cation is coordinated by two cyanoguanidine molecules adopting the cyanoimine shape and four bromide anions in a Jahn–Teller-distorted motif, forming infinite chains of edge-sharing octahedra along the crystallographic b axis. IR spectroscopic and magnetic susceptibility measurements were carried out in addition to density-functional electronic-structure calculations performed to assess both the magnetic ground state and the exchange interactions. Experiment and theory agree as regards antiferromagnetism and weak magnetic exchange.
Does Attention to One’s Own Emotion Relate to the Emotional Interpretation of Other People’s Faces?
Authors: Munin Shaina , Beer Jennifer S.
Published: April 2022

Do individual differences in attention to one’s own emotion relate to the way individuals interpret emotion in other people? For example, although the accuracy has been debated, people’s facial expressions are often perceived as providing information about their emotional state. Previous research on individual differences in attention to emotion has mostly looked at how individuals categorize the emotions they believe other people to have or to the extent to which individuals have dysregulated attention to emotional information. However, less is known about other facets of emotional interpretation such as perceptions of emotional intensity and genuineness. One hypothesis, suggested by previous literature on categorization, is that higher attention to one’s own emotion may result in greater differentiation of the cues perceived to relate to emotional intensity and genuineness. On the other hand, previous research on dysregulated attention to emotion suggests a second possibility: higher attention to emotion might instead result in heightened weighting of facial expressions which tend to be perceived to indicate emotional intensity and genuineness. Across two studies, participants rated their perception of emotional intensity in facial expressions and their perception of genuineness in Duchenne and non-Duchenne smiles. Contrary to both hypotheses, attention to emotion did not significantly relate to perceived emotional intensity or genuineness (Study 1). Furthermore, whereas an exploratory test suggested a significant relation between attention to emotion and the average perceived intensity of different emotion categories (Study 1), the relation was not significant in a conceptual replication study (Study 2). The current research highlights the possibility that future research may benefit from explorations of an expanded range of biased perceptions of facial expressions in relation to individual differences in attention to emotion.
Strategies in Teaching and Engaging the Millennial Generation
Authors: Hatmanto Endro Dwi , Purwanti Eko
Published: April 2022

Higher education has witnessed the birth of Millennial generation who forms the majority-group students in universities. Given the generation unique characteristics, teachers need to apply strategies that can develop the Millennial students’ potentials. The inability to properly address the matter may cause impediments in cultivating the generation’s full potentials. Hence, this paper aims to explain teachers’ strategies in developing productive engagement with this generation through the teaching learning process in the classroom. Qualitative methodology was employed in this study in which ten teachers were interviewed concerning their strategies in teaching their Millennial students. Using focus group interviews, the data revealed that six strategies were employed by the teachers in teaching and engaging with the students which include promoting collaboration, promoting students’ engagement inside and outside the classroom, encouraging knowledge creation, developing critical thinking, applying research-based teaching and incorporating technology. These findings have brought significant changes to the teachers in adjusting their teaching paradigm and engaging students to learning i.e. from teacher-centred to student-centred learning. Therefore, teachers at higher education particularly, should consider appropriate teaching strategies that are compatible with the Millennial generation’s characteristics in engaging them into learning.
Barriers to Technology Integration in Teaching English as a Second Language among English Educators in Pakistan
Authors: Abbasi Wajahat Taj , Ibrahim Ainol Haryati , Ali Fatimah , Elhussein Faiza Abdalla
Published: April 2022

The integration of information and communication technology is becoming a must for todays’ English as a second language teaching. Of late, worldwide situations and proven effectiveness have made technology integration necessary for educators to move with the flow. However, technology integration for English as a second language teaching environment among English educators in Pakistan is questionable. Therefore, this study aims to find out the barriers English language educators face in integrating technology in their teaching environments in the country. The study employed a mixed-method research design to collect data via an online questionnaire and interview protocols. The samples consist of 39 tertiary-level Pakistani ESL educators who responded to the online survey, and eight were chosen as interviewees. The findings revealed the unavailability of technology resources and lack of computer knowledge and skills training as part of the educators’ professional development as the core barriers to the technology-integration teaching in the country. The study calls for rigorous development and implementation of technology-based facilities and resources from the local authorities to be made available for the educators to incorporate in their English language teaching environments. The research also advocates for more intensive upskilling technology-based training for the educators as part of their continuous professional development programmes.
Information and Communication Technology Literacy in Language Teaching and Learning
Authors: Elyıldırım Selma
Published: April 2022

This paper highlights the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in language teaching and learning. In the rapidly developing world, information sharing and communication have become quite easy via web applications. However, learners still face some difficulties as they do not know how they can benefit from technology for learning a language, or they are not given the opportunity and guidance they need for effective use of ICT. In this paper, first some background information is given about the development of ICT and its place and role in language teaching, and then, effective language learning through ICT is discussed considering the advantages and disadvantages of integrating this technology into language classes. It is also pointed out that various technological devices should be used in classroom language teaching to familiarise learners with ICT and motivate them to learn on their own with the technological tools and sources available for their use. It should be kept in mind that learners need guidance, particularly in the initial part of their formal education, about the sources they can use as the number of tools such as softwares, applications and websites is increasing day by day. They cannot cope with the devices and sources without help of the teachers.
Developing a Checklist for Evaluating the Presentation of New Vocabulary in ELT Textbooks
Authors: Mat Hussin Nur Izyan Syamimi , Nimehchisalem Vahid , Rezvani Kalajahi Seyed Ali
Published: April 2022

Textbook evaluation can be a guide and reference to the educational institutions, curriculum designers, writers and educators in selecting the suitable material regarding their learners‟ needs. A checklist is one of the common instruments used in textbook evaluation studies. Many checklists have been developed to evaluate whole textbooks. However, few checklists are available that focus on a specific feature of an English language learning-teaching textbook. This study presents the development procedure of a checklist that focuses on the presentation of vocabulary in ELT textbooks. The instrument was developed in the light of a number of previous evaluation checklists. It was further refined based on interviews with a number of English language teachers, who commented on the relevance and clarity of its items. The reliability test revealed very high overall internal reliability of the instrument. The paper presents the checklist that can be used as a guide and reference to other researchers, curriculum designers, writers, teachers, as well as material evaluators.
Implementing a “Big and Little” Mentorship Program in Pekan, Malaysia
Authors: Santos Nathalie
Published: April 2022

The objective of this study is to measure the feasibility of a mentorship program between preuniversity students (age 19 years old) and high school students (ages 13 to 14 years old) in Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Dato’ Mahmud Mat. This study also aims to determine whether building a relationship between older and younger students will improve writing scores, boost confidence, and increase the frequent use of English at home. In this context, a pre-university student (e.g., big brother) spent one-on-one time with a high school student (e.g., little brother) for one period each week. Their interactions were at structured times and included informal activities and games. All activities were in English to encourage students to interact with each other in English. A survey and written test with open-ended questions were given to the students before and after the intervention to assess improvement in writing, confidence level, and frequent use of English. An analysis regarding barriers to implementation was also conducted through a survey given to the teachers involved.
Ujaran Implisit dalam Filem Melayu Klasik Sri Mersing
Authors: Abdul Kadir Fatin Rabiha , Hamzah Zaitul Azma Zainon
Published: April 2022

Filem Melayu klasik merupakan khazanah filem negara yang menyimpan pelbagai elemen budaya dan penggunaan bahasa yang indah. Filem ini padat dengan penggunaan ujaran implisit dalam setiap kata, frasa dan ayat yang digunakan. Kajian ini mempunyai dua fokus utama iaitu mengenal pasti ujaran implisit yang terdapat dalam filem Melayu klasik ‘Sri Mersing’ dan menganalisis makna ujaran yang implisit menggunakan teori Relevans. Teori ini mengandungi tiga komponen penting iaitu konteks, kesan konteks dan kos proses. Kajian analisis teks dijalankan dengan menyata dan menghuraikan pengujaran implisit yang telah dikenal pasti serta mendedahkan peranan konteks, kesan konteks dan kos proses dalam merungkai makna ujaran yang implisit dalam filem tersebut. Hasil kajian mendapati lima petikan ujaran dalam filem ‘Sri Mersing’ yang mempunyai makna implisit. Elemen implisit tersebut mendedahkan keperluan memahami ujaran yang disampaikan dengan menggunakan konteks dan kesan konteks. Dapatan kajian memperlihatkan pemahaman masyarakat terhadap penggunaan bahasa Melayu yang kaya dengan ujaran dan makna implisit. Di samping itu, kajian ini juga telah menonjolkan keindahan dan keunikan bahasa yang terdapat dalam filem Melayu tradisional terutamanya sekitar 60-an
The Contribution of Collaborative Assessment of Classroom Participation to Learners’ Sense of Classroom Community
Authors: Jangi Mozhgan , Farjami Hadi
Published: April 2022

In the past few decades, developing a sense of classroom community (SCC) in learning environments has gained momentum. It is believed that there is a bond between students’ SCC and their interaction and cooperation. SCC and students’ collaboration in learning and assessment are well documented in online environments; however, these issues have been overlooked in traditional settings. To fill this gap, the current study investigated the effect of collaborative assessment (CA) of students’ classroom participation (CP) on their SCC in faceto-face classes. 18 Iranian intermediate EFL learners of an institute were randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group with 9 students in each. During 16 sessions, the control group received only conventional instructions while the experimental group additionally engaged in five pair or group activities in each session and had 6 class discussions followed by self- and peer assessments. Two whole-class meetings were also held in which the students collaborated with their teacher to score learners’ participation. In order to carry out a validated CA, two observers attended the discussion sessions and monitored the learners’ performance. They filled an observation checklist and scored the learners’ CP twice. To measure learners’ SCC, Rovai’s Classroom Community Scale (CCS) was administered to them after the treatment. The experimental group significantly outperformed the control group on this scale. In the light of this finding, CA is recommended to enhance SCC.
Investigating Online Dialogue Journal Writing Impacts on Low Proficiency Students’ Writing Anxiety
Authors: David Anne Rowena , Azman Hazita , Siew Ming Thang
Published: April 2022

This mixed methods case study was conducted in a Malaysian public university and it investigated the impact of online dialogue journal writing (ODJW) on low proficiency ESL undergraduates’ writing anxiety levels and types of writing anxiety. The ODJW intervention project was conducted as a supplementary writing activity outside the regular contact hours of the Preparatory English Course. This case study required students to write dialogue journal entries to the researcher and to their partner based on topics provided in the university’s e-learning portal (eLearn@USM). The participants were 26 first year Social Science undergraduates who were involved in this 12 week study. Purposive sampling technique was utilised to select the respondents who belonged to an intact group. The Second Language Writing Anxiety Inventory (SLWAI) was employed in the study to measure students’ writing anxiety and also types of writing anxiety, namely somatic anxiety, cognitive anxiety and avoidance behaviour. The findings revealed that students’ writing anxiety levels were significantly reduced and most of them experienced a shift in the type of writing anxiety, from somatic anxiety to cognitive anxiety. It is recommended that the ODJW be used as a tool to alleviate writing anxiety among low proficiency ESL undergraduates.
Student Perceptions on the Effectiveness of Using Tell Me More for Pronunciation Learning
Authors: Uthayakumaran Arulselvi , Kassim Hafizoah
Published: April 2022

This article addresses students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of using TMM as a pronunciation learning software. A mixed method design was employed to find out how the students perceived TELL ME MORE (TMM), a language learning software that claims to develop language skills that are needed to communicate. However, in this study, the emphasis is given to the oral exercises in TMM specifically word, sentence, and phonetics pronunciation. A mixed method study consisting of 28 students were conducted to explore the pronunciation issues surrounding a technical university in Malaysia. The data from TMM was collected using stimulated recall and all responses from 28 students were interviewed, to pursue in-depth information on the perceptions of effectiveness. The findings indicated that most of the students had mixed perceptions of the effectiveness of using TMM as a pronunciation learning software.
Reflections in Cartoon Animation: A Discourse Analysis Approach
Authors: Jaafar Nur Hidayu , S. Sahil Sharifah Azizah
Published: April 2022

Recent development in multimedia technology has seen its relevance to children’s language development. Despite numerous advantages technology has to offer, parents hold mixed opinions in allowing young children to be exposed to multimedia resources. As such, the main objectives of the study are twofold: (1) to identify children’s reflections on utterances via ‘Upin and Ipin” animation film and (2) to analyse the children’s utterances in post viewing sessions based on their reflections of the multimedia animation tool. The study employed Brown and Yule’s Discourse Analysis framework as the underpinning theory. Subjects comprised twenty one nine-year-old children from one suburban area in one state in Malaysia. The methods used were observations and interviews while Upin and Ipin animation was utilised as the study instrument. The interactions among the subjects were recorded and documented in written transcriptions. Subjects were asked to view the animation film after which they were grouped into four focus groups and reflected upon the animation. Despite the children’s limited communicative skills and given the right stimulus, subjects were observed to have adequate self-confidence while producing each of their respective utterances and managed to reduce shyness and low self-esteem in speaking during post viewing sessions. The employment of animation has shown that animation viewing has its place in training children to communicate confidently and systematically. This was evident as the subjects’ utterances contained diversity in meaning, and they were also able to discuss their opinions, present information, retell the story and recall their memories based on what they viewed as well as their life experience. In short, it can be concluded that the children’s utterances follow specific principles in utterances as proposed by Brown and Yule.
The Genesis of Yi’an Style (易安體) in Medieval Chinese Poetry
Authors: Dashchenko Hanna
Published: April 2022

This article deals with the genesis of Yi’an style (易安體), the poetic style of the outstanding Chinese female poet of the Song dynasty Li Qingzhao (李清照, 1084–1155?). The empirical material for this research is her extant early 22 ci (1098–1108). The first part of the article briefly discusses the specific features of ci genre, which reached its heyday during the Song dynasty (宋朝, 960–1279). The second part examines the peculiar features of Li Qingzhao’s early ci, which indicate her pushing the limits of writing traditional Chinese poetry. These features are 1) modification of the classical themes and images; 2) introduction of love and erotic ci from a female perspective; 3) experiments with the composition of ci and their rhythmic and melodic structure. She introduced the lyric element into conventional ci, composing the poems with strong personal engagement. Her genre innovations lie in overcoming the limits and conventions of the genre, legitimating the Self of a poet in her distinctive personal style – Yi’an style.
Contemporary Russian Literature in Latvia: Children’s Literature
Authors: Vasiljeva Elina , Isajeva Elvira
Published: April 2022

Throughout the 20th century, Russian children’s literature in Latvia was a unique phenomenon. Against the background of the general trends of Soviet children’s literature, Latvian children’s literature (in both Latvian and Russian) developed in a space that was less constrained in respect of ideological censorship. 21st century children’s literature in Latvia is developing both taking into account the previous history and current trends. The article is devoted to the specific features of children’s literature in Russian, taking into account the general status of the Russian language as a foreign language and general trends in the socio-cultural space of Latvia. The study considers two main issues. First, it is a sociological analysis of the situation: an assortment of children’s books, the specifics of the school programme, awareness of contemporary Latvian and Russian children’s literature. On the other hand, the corpus of texts of contemporary children’s literature is studied, and an overview of the oeuvre of contemporary Latvian authors is presented. The material for literary analysis was the book by Vladimir Novikov, “The Mischief of the Obedient Martins”. In the course of the analysis, the specifics of the traditional children’s story, the cultural and historical context of the cross-border identity of the author and his potential readers, the specifics of the contemporary narrative, the identification of the concept “one’s own – other’s” were revealed.
Reflections on Henrikas Nagys’ Life and Works in “Diary”
Authors: Babonaitė-Paplauskienė Virginija
Published: April 2022

The article discusses the “Diary” (1944–1946) by Henrikas Nagys (1920–1996), а  diaspora poet, translator, literary critic, a member of a movement of zemininkai-lankininkai and Doctor of Humanities,  as one of the objects of ego-documentary heritage, kept in the Maironis Museum of Lithuanian Literature. It records the period of one post-war year, which became a decisive turning point for his generation. Applying the descriptive and interpretive methods of analysis of the archival material, the philosophical, existential and personal aspects that have formed in the writer‘s mind are revealed; the historical, social and cultural context is assessed, revealing the value criteria of the generation. Via texts, the scenario of Henrik Nagys’ personality becomes clearer. The diary text in scientific discourse is revealed for the first time.