bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Greater soil carbon stocks and faster turnover rates with increasing agricultural productivity
Authors: Sanderman Jonathan , Creamer Courtney , Baisden W. Troy , Farrell Mark , Fallon Stewart
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Devising agricultural management schemes that enhance food security and soil carbon levels is a high priority for many nations. However, the coupling between agricultural productivity, soil carbon stocks and organic matter turnover rates is still unclear. Archived soil samples from four decades of a long-term crop rotation trial were analyzed for soil organic matter (SOM) cycling-relevant properties: C and N content, bulk composition by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, amino sugar content, short-term C bioavailability assays, and long-term C turnover rates by modeling the incorporation of the bomb spike in atmospheric 14C into the soil. After > 40 years under consistent management, topsoil carbon stocks ranged from 14 to 33 Mg C ha−1 and were linearly related to the mean productivity of each treatment. Measurements of SOM composition demonstrated increasing amounts of plant- and microbially derived SOM along the productivity gradient. Under two modeling scenarios, radiocarbon data indicated overall SOM turnover time decreased from 40 to 13 years with increasing productivity – twice the rate of decline predicted from simple steady-state models or static three-pool decay rates of measured C pool distributions. Similarly, the half-life of synthetic root exudates decreased from 30.4 to 21.5 h with increasing productivity, indicating accelerated microbial activity. These findings suggest that there is a direct feedback between accelerated biological activity, carbon cycling rates and rates of carbon stabilization with important implications for how SOM dynamics are represented in models.
Building a Youth Development System in Kenya: Comparing Kenyan Perceptions of Local and National Systems
Authors: Allen Lawrence R. , Garst Barry A. , Bowers Edmond P. , Onyiko Kennedy K.
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this paper is to begin a dialogue of developing a integrated and comprehensive system for youth in Kenya by identifying factors impacting the creation of a youth development system and exploring recommendations supporting and advancing such a system.  The results of two collaborative assessments of the needs and strengths of Kenyan youth and the youth-serving programs based on the perspectives of practitioners, policy-makers, and scholars of youth-development are presented. The study was framed from the perspective of a systems approach to youth development in Kenya (Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2006; Overton & Lerner, 2012). Osgood (2012) identifies four steps for developing a systems approach for serving the needs of youth: (1) self-assessment, (2) goal identification, (3) planning, and (4) networking. The first step, self-assessment, was initiated through a SWOT analysis with two different groups of youth development professionals across a 2-year period (2014-2015).  The 2014 SWOT analysis presented the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to developing a youth development system from a national level, whereas the 2015 SWOT analysis focused on these same factors but from a more local level of youth development programs and services.  The results of these two analyses are presented and initial recommendations for building a more integrated and comprehensive youth development system in Kenya are presented.  The need for further input and investigation is also discussed. This is a correction to the original article. For information about the changes made, please see the erratum http://dx.doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2017.498.
A Church, University, and Extension: A Partnership for Creating Healthy Youth and Healthy Living
Authors: Webster Nicole , Smith Jr. Maurice D.
Published: January 2017

Within many urban communities, there has been a steady decline in healthy living practices among minority families.  This decline is often due to the lack of health services and health knowledge of youth and adults (Shirley, Roark, & Lewis, 2012).  In order to better reach these particular audiences it has been suggested by scholars and practitioners to focus on community based programming. Partnerships formed through entities such as universities and community organizations have been shown to be quite successful in creating healthier families. This paper discusses one such program focused on increasing health knowledge of urban families. Activities offered included health screenings and healthy living programming for youth.  Program results showed that nearly 95% of youth found the activities informative and gave them ways to think about their health and the health of their families.
Evaluation of the Health Rocks! Program: The Association of Youth Engagement with Program Outcomes
Authors: Xia Yan , Taylor Sarah , De Guzman Maria Rosario T.
Published: January 2017

This evaluation research examined the relationship between program process and program outcome, specifically, youth engagement in the national 4-H Council Health Rocks! program and their program outcomes.  Based on program evaluation surveys completed after the program by participants, youths’ engagement in the program was associated with their gains in knowledge and skills about substance use, and personal assets related to avoiding risks.  When youth participants find a program interesting, are actively engaged in the program, and find the program staff friendly, they benefit more from the program.  Findings underscore the importance of engaging curriculum and friendly staff to the success of extension or afterschool youth programs. The evaluation method may offer an example of balancing rigor of evaluation design and feasibility of implementing an evaluation.
Examining the Use of Social Media among Four-H Alumni in Louisiana
Authors: Zammit Kali B.
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the use and determine the preferred method of social media among 4-H alumni in Louisiana. Based on a review of literature, communicating with youth through social media has become a major trend and necessity, especially among 4-H Youth Development and Cooperative Extension Service professionals. A 24-item instrument was developed and administered online to Louisiana 4-H alumni who received the 2011 Louisiana 4-H Senior Honor Cord and provided usable e-mails.The overall preferred method of social media among Louisiana 4-H alumni was Facebook and text messaging. A majority of 4-H alumni use their smart phones or personal computers to utilize social media. Some of the primary reasons that 4-H alumni use social media are to communicate with friends, view photographs, and become updated with current events. Overall, 100% of surveyed 4-H alumni use some form of social media.
Evaluating the Ecological Impact of a Youth Program
Authors: Grant Natalie , Bennett Jo , Crawford Marcus
Published: January 2017

Youth are the weakest population within the workforce and long-term unemployment leaves them unable to develop work skills, reaches into their future prospects, and can weaken the economy, education systems, and overall social structure. Through ecological qualitative methodology, the reported research gathered in-depth accounts of experiences of ten urban youth who participated in a federally-funded Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). To develop an understanding of aspects of the youth’s lives, individual interviews were conducted and ecomaps were completed with participants. Personal narratives support the premises that documenting the ecosystems of individuals provides insights into daily lives, histories, and lived experiences in a way that provides a window into how services and prevention efforts can be targeted. Results concluded that for these participants, the SYEP made a difference in their lives in terms of helping them make connections to positive role models, learning workplace communication, and providing an entrance into the workforce on varying levels consistent with their barriers. This research can be applied to inform practitioners, teachers, and decision makers with a better understanding of the social, emotional, educational, and workforce realities of adolescents. The research advances the conversation about federally funded youth employment programs creating opportunities for marginalized youth to learn skills for succeeding in the mainstream economy.
Protocol for improving nursing performance towards placental examination at labor units
Authors: Hassan Hanan Elzeblawy , Mohamady Shaimaa Hassan , El-Gawad Neama Abd El-Fattah Abd
Published: January 2017

Objective: The placenta is derived from both maternal and fetal tissue with approximately one fifth derived from fetal tissue at term. The placenta should be examined, as it reflects disease in the mother and the fetus. Aim: The aim is to implement a protocol for improving nursing performance towards placental examination at labor units.Methods: Design: A quasi-experimental design was adopted. Setting: The current study was conducted at the labor unit at Ain Shams maternity hospital and Beni-Suef University hospital. Sample: 42 nurses who were affiliated to labor units (21 nurses of Ain Shams maternity hospital group and 21 nurses of Beni-Suef University hospital group). Tools: Two tools were used for data collection; structured interview questionnaire and an observation checklist.Results: There was no significant difference between both groups in general characteristics. The majority of the studied nurses from Ain Shams and Beni-Suef hospital, respectively, did not attend any training related to placental examination before conducting the study. Meanwhile, there was a significant improvement in nurses’ performance towards placental examination after implementing the program.Conclusions: The placental examination program was effective in improving the nurse’s performance at labor units.Recommendation: Policymakers should formulate a national plan of continuing education to help nurses already in the labor force to retain and update their knowledge and clinical skills especially in such topic placental examination and encourage nurses to participate in programs in order to maintain a high level of health care in maternity hospitals.
POEMS Syndrome: a case report and review
Authors: Nisar Tosia , Parr David G.
Published: January 2017

POEMS syndrome is a rare multi-system condition that arises from an underlying plasma cell disorder. We report a case of a 69-year-old lady who presented with symptoms of exertional breathlessness and leg swelling, and a recent history of peripheral neuropathy, borderline diabetes mellitus and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).  The development of worsening right heart failure, which remained refractory despite diuretic therapy, pulmonary hypertension, organomegaly, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, right pleural effusion and ascites, did not lead to a definitive diagnosis until cutaneous abnormalities were recognised.  A presumptive diagnosis of POEMS was subsequently confirmed with the finding of raised serum levels of VEGF and bone marrow histopathology. Our case highlights the complex nature of this multi-system syndrome, the potential for delayed diagnosis and the importance of an integrated sub-specialty approach to management.
Study of Behavior of Human Capital from a Fractal Perspective
Authors: Guzman-Aguilar Leydi Z. , Machorro-Rodriguez Angel , Morales-Acoltzi Tomas , Montano-Alvarez Miguel , Salazar-Medina Marcos , Romero-Flores Edna A.
Published: January 2017

In the last decade, the application of fractal geometry has surged in all disciplines. In the area of human capital management, obtaining a relatively long time series (TS) is difficult, and likewise nonlinear methods require at least 512 observations. In this research, we therefore suggest the application of a fractal interpolation scheme to generate ad hoc TS. When we inhibit the vertical scale factor, the proposed interpolation scheme has the effect of simulating the original TS.
Men in nursing: The early years
Authors: Christensen Martin
Published: January 2017

Objective: Nursing is as old as mankind and the nature of what it means to be a man in nursing has a wide and varied history. Men have been at the forefront of nursing practice from before the birth of Christ – the first record of male nursing originates from ancient India. Slowly over time the image of the male nurse has given way to the dominance of women largely thanks to Florence Nightingale. The aim of this paper is to discuss the contribution men have made to the profession of nursing through the early years of nursing’s history in particular from 250BC to the early 1900’s.Methods and result: Design: A historical review. Data Sources: The search strategy included research studies both qualitatively and quantitatively, as well as anecdotal and discursive evidence from 1900-2015. Implications for Nursing: The predominance of the history of has always had a focus on the female perspective. Men have had played a significant part in the development of that history. Acknowledging the role men have contributed in developing and promoting nursing practice is equally as valid and as such should be recognised accordingly.Conclusions: Male nursing has had a varied history from the first recoded nursing school in 256BC to its slow eventual slow demise from the 1840’s. Records reveal the work of the male nurse was seen predominately within secular institutions and personified aspects of care that focused totally on patient wellbeing both physically and spiritually.
Prevalence and awareness of hypertension among Sudanese rural population, Sinnar State, Sudan, 2016
Authors: Elfaki Badria A. , Mustafa Hassanat E. , Elnimeiri Mustafa K.
Published: January 2017

Objective: The aim of this study to estimate the prevalence of hypertension and determine awareness among rural population.Methods: Cross-sectional community based study, conducted in rural community. Population was the resident citizens in age of 25-64 years. A cluster sampling technique was used and total sample size mounted to 341 subjects. The collected data was cleaned, edited and analyzed using SPSS program.Results: Prevalence of hypertension was 21.1%, systolic was 5.9% and diastolic hypertension was 10.0% with no significant differences among gender (p-value .409). About 59.7% of hypertensive subjects were unaware with their diagnosis, men were more awareness than women with proportion of 62.0% in men and 38.0% in women. Awareness with hypertension diagnosed was increased by increasing age, income and education. Most of known hypertensive subjects (86.20%) were on treatment. Approximately 80% of known hypertensive subjects were complained of signs and symptoms and 31.0% with complications. Also controlled blood pressure was 34.0% with proportion of 36.4% among women and 33.3% among men.Conclusions: The study reflected high prevalence of hypertension, systolic and diastolic among rural population, also the level of awareness among hypertensive subjects generally was low; however the level of awareness among elder, educated was better and females were more control hypertension.
Negatieve rente op consumentenspaarsaldo een Europese no-go?
Authors: Spanjaard J.H.M.
Published: January 2017

Negatieve rente op consumentenspaarsaldo een Europese no-go?

In veel bankvoorwaarden wordt de spaarrente als positieve spaarrente gepresenteerd: de bank betaalt een spaarrente aan de consument. In toenemende mate, daartoe gedreven door ontwikkelingen op de kapitaalmarkt, zijn banken zich aan het voorbereiden op het heffen van negatieve spaarrente. Dit wil zeggen dat de consument aan de bank rente moet betalen over zijn spaarsaldo. Aan de hand van de Richtlijn Oneerlijke bedingen in consumentenovereenkomsten wordt onderzocht of banken überhaupt een negatieve rente mogen heffen.
Partij-invloed op het intreden of vervallen van voorwaarden
Authors: Stolz H.
Published: January 2017

Partij-invloed op het intreden of vervallen van voorwaarden

In de rechtspraktijk vormen ontbindende en opschortende voorwaarden een vaak gebruikte rechtsfiguur bij overeenkomsten. Veelal hebben partijen bij een overeenkomst een vorm van invloed op het toekomstige intreden of vervallen van een dergelijke voorwaarde. Deze partij-invloed wordt door het recht in beginsel aanvaard en is derhalve als breed uitgangspunt ook mogelijk. Op dit uitgangspunt bestaan echter twee beperkingen: de vaak veronderstelde onmogelijkheid van (vormen van) potestatieve voorwaarden en de redelijkheid en billijkheid die leiden tot toepassing van artikel 6:23 BW. Onderzocht wordt in welke gevallen deze beperkingen van de partij-invloed toepassing vinden en welke mogelijkheden bestaan om met deze beperkingen contractueel om te gaan.
Update mededingingsrechtelijke aspecten van postcontractuele concurrentieverboden in franchiseovereenkomsten
Authors: Urlus H.E.
Published: January 2017

Update mededingingsrechtelijke aspecten van postcontractuele concurrentieverboden in franchiseovereenkomsten

De bijdrage ziet op mededingingsrechtelijke ontwikkelingen bij postcontractuele concurrentieverboden in franchiseovereenkomsten en de implicaties van de uitspraak van het Hof van Justitie van de Europese Unie in de beschikking La Retoucherie de Manuele. De auteur stelt de vraag of dergelijke bedingen in de context van franchise nog kunnen worden aangemerkt als noodzakelijke nevenrestricties. Dat is van belang, omdat dergelijke nevenrestricties zijn onttrokken aan mededingingsrechtelijke toetsing, waardoor de merkbaarheid geen rol meer speelt. De auteur wijst erop dat bij een mededingingsrechtelijke toetsing van postcontractuele concurrentieverboden meer factoren van belang zijn dan slechts een belangenafweging tussen partijen.
Een verkenning van het fenomeen ‘reliance’ verstrekken in de overname- en financieringspraktijk
Authors: Koops K.J. , Schrama H.K.
Published: January 2017

Een verkenning van het fenomeen ‘reliance’ verstrekken in de overname- en financieringspraktijk

De auteurs duiden in dit artikel de situatie waarin een advocaat een derde door middel van een ‘reliance letter’ laat afgaan op zijn due diligence-rapport. Zij gaan daarbij in op de vraag of in die situatie een zorgplicht van de advocaat tegenover de derde ontstaat en wat de omvang van die zorgplicht is. De auteurs zien goede redenen om aan te nemen dat de advocaat en de derde op basis van de reliance letter een overeenkomst aangaan, maar achten onaannemelijk dat een (eigen) zorgplicht van de advocaat tegenover de derde ontstaat.
Nieuwe Europese IPR-verordeningen inzake huwelijksvermogensrecht en vermogensrechtelijke gevolgen van geregistreerde partnerschappen
Authors: Knot J.G. , Maasland J.L.D.J.
Published: January 2017

Nieuwe Europese IPR-verordeningen inzake huwelijksvermogensrecht en vermogensrechtelijke gevolgen van geregistreerde partnerschappen. Belangrijkste wijzigingen voor de notariële praktijk

IPR-vragen omtrent huwelijksvermogens- en partnerschapsvermogensrecht worden vanaf 29 januari 2019 beantwoord aan de hand van de regels uit twee nieuwe Europese verordeningen. Dit artikel beoogt een overzicht te geven van de hoofdlijnen van deze verordeningen. De nadruk ligt daarbij op het toepassingsgebied van beide verordeningen (welke onderwerpen regelen de verordeningen zoal?) en met name de regels van toepasselijk recht. Welke mogelijkheden zijn er tot het uitbrengen van een rechtskeuze en welk recht beheerst het huwelijksvermogens- of partnerschapsvermogensregime als partijen geen rechtskeuze hebben uitgebracht? Beide verordeningen worden besproken vanuit hun belang voor de notariële praktijk. In dat kader komen ook het overgangsrecht en het geldingsbereik van artikel 1:88 BW in grensoverschrijdende gevallen uitdrukkelijk aan de orde.
Van ‘levensexecuteur’ tot executeur, waar ligt de grens?
Authors: Bauduin N.V.C.E.
Published: January 2017

Van ‘levensexecuteur’ tot executeur, waar ligt de grens?

Bevoegdheden in levenstestamenten zijn vaak ruim verwoord en omvatten vaak ook allerlei erfrechtelijke bevoegdheden. In deze bijdrage staat de vraag centraal of de gevolmachtigde namens de volmachtgever een executeursbenoeming al dan niet mag aanvaarden én namens de volmachtgever de bevoegdheden van de executeur mag uitoefenen.
Samenwerking tussen inspecties over de grenzen heen: vormen, redenen, uitdaging en strategie
Authors: Groenleer Martijn
Published: January 2017

Samenwerking tussen inspecties over de grenzen heen: Vormen, redenen, uitdaging en strategie

In vrijwel alle beleidssectoren is sprake van afstemming tussen nationale inspecties over de wijze waarop ze toezicht houden op de uitvoering van Europese regels. In sommige gevallen wordt verregaand Europees samengewerkt tussen inspecties of vindt zelfs centralisering van toezicht plaats op Europees niveau. De vraag is dus niet zozeer of nationale inspecties samenwerken, veel meer in welke vorm ze dat doen en met welke redenen. Deze vragen staan centraal in dit artikel. Het artikel maakt een eerste inventarisatie en classificatie van de institutionele vormgeving van Europese samenwerking en ontwikkelt een voorlopige typologie van de overwegingen die inspectiediensten hebben voor zulke samenwerking.
Financial Literacy Education in the United States: Library Programming versus Popular Personal Finance Literature
Authors: Faulkner Ashley E.
Published: January 2017

It is essential that librarians providing financial literacy programming understand how their programming ties in with the available personal finance literature. Consequently, this article intends to explore the interplay between the differing audiences, content and goals addressed by the popular personal finance genre and financial literacy library programming respectively. The author will explore how library programming and the most popular financial literacy resources compare and contrast, and address how overlap, and the surprising degree of separation between these mediums, will impact the financial literacy education accessible to various demographic groups and the role library programming may play in the movement to come.
From Committees of RUSA: Outstanding Business Reference Sources 2015
Authors: Business Reference Sources Committee BRASS
Published: January 2017

Each year, the Business Reference Sources Committee of BRASS selects the outstanding business reference sources published since May of the previous year. This year, the committee reviewed sixteen entries; of these, two were designated as “Outstanding,” six as “Notable,” and one as a “Notable New Edition.” To qualify for the award, the title must meet the conventional definition of reference: a work compiled specifically to supply information on a certain subject or group of subjects in a form that will facilitate its ease of use. The works are examined for the following: authority and reputation of the publisher, author, or editor; accuracy; appropriate bibliography; organization; comprehensiveness; value of the content; currency; distinctive addition; ease of use for the intended purpose; quality and accuracy of index; and quality and usefulness of graphics and illustrations. Additional criteria for electronic reference titles are accuracy of links, search features, stability of content, and graphic design. Works selected must be suitable for medium to large-size academic and public libraries.
Book Review: Global Happiness: A Guide to the Most Contented (and Discontented) Places Around the Globe
Authors: Bemis Michael F.
Published: January 2017

As the sampling of epigrams above may attest, everyone from penmen and poets to park bench pundits have—and have voiced—opinions on the topic of happiness. And why not? Happiness concerns us all; it is a subject of universal import. That, in fact, appears to be the impetus for the author’s undertaking this project, as when he states that “We think that there is a need for a book such as this because there is indeed a wide public interest in knowing the best and the worst places, and because we think that the myriad rankings of countries, cities, and states that exist to this point measure something other than contentment with place” (xix). Cybriwsky goes on to opine that many of these happiness/satisfaction/grass is greener report cards are unfairly skewed toward rich and powerful nations, while ignoring the fact that joy may still be found in some of the most deplorable places on the planet. This, then, is the author’s attempt to rectify the situation.
Information Literacy and Instruction: How Can This Column Help You?
Authors: Grassian Esther , LeMire Sarah
Published: January 2017

In recent years, Reference and User Services Quarterly’s “Information Literacy and Instruction” column has covered diverse topics related to information literacy, including MOOCs, universal design, discovery layers, and, of course, assessment. This column has provided a space for librarians from all types of libraries to share how they are engaging with information literacy and instruction in their libraries, as well as to unpack the challenges they faced. As new editors, we will continue to use this space as an opportunity to explore emerging topics in information literacy.As co-editors of “Information Literacy and Instruction,” we bring our own perspectives and experiences to RUSQ, along with some overlapping interests. To better reflect our perspectives, we will alternate editorial responsibility for pieces published in this column, although both editors will be providing feedback. Following is biographical information about each of us, as well as a lengthier description of our column interests.
Amplify Your Impact: Communications and Engagement at West Vancouver Memorial Library: Successfully Promoting the Imagine IT Technology Fair
Authors: Carson David
Published: January 2017

A recent winner from the ALA’s PR Xchange competition lets us in on some of their secrets as they describe their process for creating and promoting their first IT Technology Fair. Perhaps it will stimulate similar ideas in your library.—Editors
Readers' Advisory: In the Readers’ Own Words: How User Content in the Catalog Can Enhance Readers’ Advisory Services
Authors: Spiteri Louise F. , Pecoskie Jen
Published: January 2017

It’s always challenging and exciting to find topics for the readers’ advisory column, and professionals willing to write for them! I’ve been so thankful to the many professionals who have so generously given their time and shared their expertise for this column. From lessons learned, case studies and differing opinions on RA and its future, it is amazing how various and rich this area of librarianship is—and how rewarding and frustrating! In an effort to continue to provide a broad spectrum of thoughts and ideas, I asked Dr. Louise Spiteri of Dalhousie University to write for this issue. Spiteri recently completed two stages of research examining subject headings and user-generated content and how these connect with RA access points. Jen Pecoskie was Spiteri’s research partner in both studies.—Editor
A Corpus-based Study on the Use of Contractions by EFL Learners in Argumentative Essays
Authors: Babanoğlu M. Pınar
Published: January 2017

Contraction forms in English are mostly occur in speech and informal writing and they are generally avoided in formal writing types such as academic prose, business reports and journal articles, therefore, most teachers discourage their use in academic essays (Biber, Johansonn, Leech, Conrad and Finegan 1999). Contractions in English have two types; negative contractions (isn’t, haven’t, doesn’t) and verb contractions (I’m, they’ve, that’s). This corpus based study attempts to investigate contraction usage in learner and native English speaker essays. Major goal is to examine whether learners consider essay writing rules in respect of contractions which are accepted inappropriate for academic prose style. Five corpora, three learner and two native English, were utilized in order to analyze verb and not-contraction forms. Frequency calculations of contraction forms in each corpus compared via log-likelihood measurement for statistical significance.  Results revealed that learners use considerably more contraction forms, especially negative ones, than native English students in their argumentative essays.Keywords: English for Academic Purposes, learner corpus, contractions
Realization of Attitude and Engagement Markers in Students’ Presentations
Authors: Mameghani Alireza Afshar , Ebrahimi Seyed Foad
Published: January 2017

Speakers use some interactional resources to convey their feelings or feedbacks to the prepositional content and attempt to build personal relationships with the listeners. Two of these resources are attitude and engagement markers and are used to express speakers’ attitudes to preposition and to build relationships with listeners, respectively. This study intended to analyze the use of attitude and engagement markers in native English student presentations. To this end, eleven student presentations were extracted from the MiCASE corpus and analyzed to ascertain the use of attitude and engagement markers using Hyland (2005) taxonomy. The results showed that students try more to engage listeners and build relationships with them to ensure they are attentive and follow the presentations. The most common engagement markers were “you” and “see”. These two markers engage speakers and listeners in an explicit manner. Attitude markers received less attention compared with engagement markers; the most common attitude marker found in the presentations was “interesting”. The results of this study could be included in instructions on how students should use interactive resources such as engagement and attitude markers in their presentations. Keywords: attitude, engagement, student presentations
Black’s Survival Strategy: Tricksterism in Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man
Authors: Fu Meiling
Published: January 2017

This paper is intended to investigate tricksterism in Ralph Waldo Ellison’s Invisible Man. Through analyzing the successful tricksters and the unsuccessful tricksters, this research concludes that tricksterism is a survival strategy in the society of white supremacy, and black people have to wear the mask and trick the white people for the cause of eliminating racial discrimination.Keywords: tricksterism; Invisible Man; survival strategy; equality
On the Acquisition of the Prenominal Adjective Order by Kuwaiti EFL Learners
Authors: Alotaibi Maye A. , Alotaibi Abdullah M.
Published: January 2017

This study aims to test the extent to which 80 Kuwaiti EFL learners are aware of prenominal adjective ordering system in English, particularly how it affects Kuwaiti EFL learners’ grasp on English grammar. In addition, it checks whether the English proficiency level of the participants plays a role in their answers on the test. Therefore, a prenominal adjective ordering test was used to measure the participants’ ability to produce the correct order of prenominal adjectives in English. This research instrument was chosen on the basis of the researchers’ belief that this type of test leads to uncovering the causes beyond the correct/wrong answers provided by the participants on the test. Following data analysis, the results reveal that Kuwaiti EFL learners may not be fully aware of the prenominal adjective ordering system in English (total mean=48.75%). The t-test shows that the English proficiency level of the participants plays a crucial role in the production of prenominal adjectives in English. In particular, there is a statistically significant difference between the answers of the advanced (65%) and intermediate learners (32.5%). The number of correct answers provided by the advanced learners is higher than that provided by the intermediate learners. Regarding the types of error made by the participants, it has been argued that the most noticeable ones are due to first language (L1) negative transfer. Finally, the study concludes with some pedagogical implications and recommendations for further research.
Rhetorical and Linguistic Analysis of Bush's Second Inaugural Speech
Authors: Hayif Sameer Imad
Published: January 2017

This study attempts to analyze Bush's second inaugural speech. It aims at investigating the use of linguistic strategies in it. It resorts to two models which are Aristotle's model while the second is that of Atkinson's (1984) to draw the attention towards linguistic strategies. The analysis shows that Bush's second inaugural speech is successful because it manifests and achieves these strategies.
Undergraduate ESL Students’ Difficulties in Writing the Introduction for Research Reports
Authors: Diyana Binti Maznun Mirrah , Monsefi Roya , Nimehchisalem Vahid
Published: January 2017

This study was conducted to investigate the difficulties encountered by undergraduate ESL students in writing the introduction section of their project reports. Five introduction sections of bachelor of arts students, majoring in English language, were analyzed and a lecturer was interviewed regarding the areas of the students’ weaknesses. Swales’ create-a-research-space (cars) model was used as the analytical framework of the study. The results revealed that students confronted problems in writing their introduction for each move especially for move 2, which consists of counter claiming, indicating research gap, raising questions from previous research and continuing tradition. It was also found that the students had difficulty in writing the background of the study, theoretical framework, and statement of the problem which indicated their unawareness of the appropriate rhetorical structure of the introduction section.
The Development of Effective English Teacher Improvement Program Based on a Case Study of English Teaching in Madrasah in Indonesia
Authors: Nurul Azkiyah Siti
Published: January 2017

Teachers play very important roles, yet not all teachers can teach well and hence it is important to develop a teacher improvement program. Therefore, this study observed teaching and learning process to understand current teacher instruction so that priorities could be easily set up. 11 English teachers participated in the study. The eight classroom factors of the dynamic model (Orientation, Structuring, Modeling, Application, Questioning, Assessment, Building Classroom as a Learning Environment, and Time Management) are used as the framework since they are theory-driven and have been empirically proven to lead to better student outcomes. The data on the teaching of reading were descriptively analyzed, the results of which show almost no teachers did orientation and structuring, which could serve as pre-reading activities. Modeling was not really provided and students were left not to have sufficient tasks, hence during reading activities were not well delivered. Questioning was practiced by teachers but was limited to “product” questions. Lastly, collaboration and competition among students were not really promoted. The findings of this study suggest that all eight factors should be trained to teachers. It is expected that when teachers practice those factors, student outcomes will be better. Keywords: teacher instruction, the dynamic model, teacher improvement program
The Influencing Factors of Cultural Knowledge in Translating Cultural Specific Concepts from Arabic into the English at Jazan University in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almubark Amin Ali
Published: January 2017

This study was set out to explore and evaluate the importance of having mastered the cultural knowledge throughout the process of depicting the culture-specific concepts involving two languages namely Arabic and English. In doing so, the participants sampled in this study were a group of final year Bachelor’s degree students majoring in Translation in ALAradha College at the Jazan University. The findings of the study method employed in this study statistically confirmed that the students of the Translation at AL AlAradh college- Saudi Arabia faced considerable difficulties throughout the process of translating cultural concepts owing to inadequate mastery of knowledge in relation to the culture involved. Among the measures which can be taken in addressing the issues in this context are training the learners by means of exposure to real cases involving culture-specific concepts which may help them deal with such difficulties in the translation process.Keywords: Culture, Translation, Influencing factors
Understanding Cognitive Language Learning Strategies
Authors: Di Carlo Sergio
Published: January 2017

Over time, definitions and taxonomies of language learning strategies have been critically examined. This article defines and classifies cognitive language learning strategies on a more grounded basis. Language learning is a macro-process for which the general hypotheses of information processing are valid. Cognitive strategies are represented by the pillars underlying the encoding, storage and retrieval of information. In order to understand the processes taking place on these three dimensions, a functional model was elaborated from multiple theoretical contributions and previous models: the Smart Processing Model. This model operates with linguistic inputs as well as with any other kind of information. It helps to illustrate the stages, relations, modules and processes that occur during the flow of information. This theoretical advance is a core element to classify cognitive strategies. Contributions from cognitive neuroscience have also been considered to establish the proposed classification which consists of five categories. Each of these categories has a different predominant function: classification, preparation, association, elaboration and transfer-practice. This better founded taxonomy opens the doors to potential studies that would allow a better understanding of the interdisciplinary complexity of language learning. Pedagogical and methodological implications are also discussed.Keywords: cognitive processes, cognitive neuroscience, information processing, second and foreign language acquisition, Smart Processing Model
Social Function of Poetry From View of New Criticism
Authors: Khosravishakib Mohammad
Published: January 2017

The standards, morality and function of poetry lie in its correctness and truthfulness to the state of mind it is trade with, not in its themes.  The matter of decency and correctness in poetry and poems is a controversial one. Commonly seen as a fictional category which have a tendency to toward subjectiveness and perception, it is frequently tough to conclude whether the moral sense of poetry is to be found in its content, its method, in the feelings transported, or in the linking of these features. Here this subject is scrutinized as it appears in the supposed of faultfinders linked to the so titled New Criticism school. Prominent during the mid-20th Century, this school was recognized for its emphasizing on the reading of interior and formal possessions of the literary manuscript. On the other hand, the authors related to it had sumptuous philosophies on morality in poetry and poem. Here some of these concepts are conversed.Keywords: Winter, Eliot, Tate, Poetry, New Criticism, Morality
The Impact of the Explicit Teaching of Three Particle Collocations on Reading Comprehension
Authors: Nobahar Nasim
Published: January 2017

Research on collocations has been predominant for decades and decisive in debating the theoretical and pedagogical perspectives of collocations. Various approaches have been offered for best practices in teaching collocations. Despite this, we are yet to see an agreed-upon approach to teaching collocations. This study attempted to investigate the effect of explicit teaching of collocations. A further aim of the study was to see if test format affected the results. The results revealed that the explicit teaching of collocations had significantly improved the learners’ knowledge of collocations. In addition, test format did have a noticeable effect on the results. Finally, a significant variation was observed among the learners as to their ability to learn collocations.Keywords: Collocation, Vocabulary, Second language acquisition, Explicit teaching
The Effect of Multiple Intelligences on DDL Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Abdulrazzaq Al-Mahbashi Asma’a , Mohd Noor Noorizah , Amir Zaini
Published: January 2017

Over the past decades, the potential for the direct use of corpora known as data driven learning (DDL) has gained great prominence in English language classrooms. A substantial number of empirical studies demonstrated that DDL instruction positively affects students’ learning. As learning outcomes can be affected by individual differences, some researchers have investigated the efficiency of DDL in the light of learners’ different characteristics to determine the type of learners who were more responsive to DDL. The DDL literature has indicated the need for more research addressing for whom DDL best suits. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to examine whether or not learners’ predominant intelligences were significant predictors of DDL learning outcomes. The sample for this study included 30 female EFL Yemeni students at Sana’a University. The study used three primary instruments:  a multiple intelligence questionnaire, a posttest and a delayed test on the vocabulary that was taught using DDL. The result of the correlation analyses between the participants’ three identified predominant intelligences and their performances in the posttest and delayed test showed an insignificant relationship between the variables. The regression analyses results also revealed that the predominant intelligences insignificantly predicted the participants’ posttest and delayed test performances.  Based on these findings, learners’ needs and preferences should be activated and addressed by classroom instructions for creating a diverse and motivating learning environment.Keywords: corpora, DDL, individual differences, IQ, multiple intelligences
Learner Autonomy in University English Classrooms: Teachers’ Perceptions and Practices
Authors: Yen Dwee Chiew , Anthony Elizabeth M.
Published: January 2017

While much has been written on the concept and development of learner autonomy, limited studies have investigated the perceptions and classroom practices of teachers in fostering learner autonomy. This paper sets out to examine what teachers think about learner autonomy as well as the strategies they use to develop autonomous learners in a university setting using a qualitative approach. Five English teachers were selected using purposive sampling and a semi-structured interview was conducted with each of them to obtain in-depth data on their perceptions and teaching practices revolving around autonomous learning. The findings revealed that although university teachers possessed a fair understanding of what learner autonomy involves, there was a lack of focus in terms of developing learner autonomy in the classroom due to a number of challenges such as lack of teacher readiness, passive student attitude as well as the relevance and timing of English courses within the university curriculum.Keywords: Learner autonomy, Teacher perception, Teaching practices, English classrooms
Modern Prometheus: Marry Shelley's Frankenstein and Rejection of Romanticism
Authors: Sasani Samira , Pilevar Hamidreza
Published: January 2017

The tool for Mary Shelley to criticize and satirize Romanticism is her famous character, Victor Frankenstein, or as the subtitle of the novel suggests: The Modern Prometheus. In Romantic beliefs, Prometheus was the symbol of limitless ability and freedom to whom many Romantic Poets pay tribute. In contrast, in Mary Shelley’s opinion, this ‘metaphysical revolt’ cannot go unpunished. The aim of this paper is to examine, through a Foucauldian reading, the mythic character of Prometheus in Romantic era, and the differences existing between Marry Shelley’s presentations of the modern version of the character and the Romantic version, and to show how Mary Shelley, belonging to other discourses rather than the dominant one, opposes the Romantic-related ideas. As Foucault believes there exist other discourses along with the dominant one all of which are in a constant struggle over power in a hierarchy. Mary Shelley follows some marginalized discourses, and her opposition to Romantic ideals stems from her relationship with other major Romantic Poets, and also from getting influence from some scientific experimentations of her day. She witnesses the harshness in her relationships with Romantic Poets, and their doomed aspirations, which agonizingly affect her life.Keywords: Foucault, Discourse, Romanticism, Prometheus, Mary Shelley, Frankenstein
English Conceptual Discourse Patterns into Azeri-Turkish: A Case Study of Animal Farm
Authors: Faghih Esmail , Moghiti Roya
Published: January 2017

Discourse includes both structural and conceptual patterns.  Most of these patterns are different in various languages.  A conceptual pattern in source language can be realized in different ways in a target language.  Therefore, the translator should be aware of this kind of differences between SL and TL conceptual patterns, because rendering these patterns from the source text into the target one can be problematic and their inaccurate transfer may lead to a flawed translation.  This descriptive study aimed to investigate the conceptual discourse patterns and related ideologies in a novel entitled Animal Farm and as the same realizing the conceptual patterns in its translation into Azeri-Turkish.  Accordingly, the researchers selected and analyzed the samples based on Fairclough’s approach (2001) to CDA.  The findings indicated that the translators’ ideological and socio-cultural norms affect their translation strategies and lexical and grammatical choices and this in turn influences their success to recognize and transmit the ST implicit ideologies into TT. Keywords:  Conceptual Discourse Patterns, English, Azeri-Turkish
The Rhetoric of Persian News Headlines: A Case Study of Euronews
Authors: Monsefi Roya , Sepora Tengku Mahadi Tengku
Published: January 2017

Media texts are often filled with strategies to persuade the readers and express ideas beyond the plain meaning of the words. The present study investigated the rhetorical features of Persian news headlines through the analysis of wordplay. A sample of 100 online news headlines of Euronews was selected. Wordplay was analysed because of its role in persuasion. The method was descriptive and the data was analysed on the basis of textual rhetorical analysis. Leigh’s (1994) framework including a taxonomy of different types of wordplay was adopted. Results revealed that the Persian news headlines of Euronews contained one or more clearly defined wordplay types. Tropes, or more specifically metonymies, were of the highest prevalence and wordplays such as oxymorons, parodies, anthimerias, polysyndetons, anadiploses, antimetaboles, epistrophes, climaxes and polyptotons were not present. The category of schemes encompassed the majority of unused wordplays. The discussion suggests that wordplay made the headlines more vivid and conspicuous.Keywords: Wordplay, Persuasion, Online News Headlines, Rhetoric, Schemes, Tropes
Power Distance and Verbal Index in Kazakh Business Discourse
Authors: Karibayeva Buadat , Kunanbayeva Salima S.
Published: January 2017

Kazakh business discourse is a relatively new area for research, and hence many of the cultural preferences are yet to be explored. This paper focuses on measuring Hofstede’s power distance index for Kazakh culture. A novel technique is proposed, where verbal index is calculated from analysis of publically available texts delivered by representatives of different cultures. In particular, we analyzed public speeches delivered by leaders ofNew Zealand,UK,Germany,Australia,USA,Greece,China,India, andKazakhstan. From these texts we derived a verbal index, which closely correlated to Hofstede’s power distance data. As a result, we were able to obtain a power distance index of 58 forKazakhstan, which was previously unavailable in literature. Furthermore, this method can be used as a cheaper alternative to conducting surveys in estimating Hofstede’s power distance indexes for different cultures.Keywords: Power distance, business discourse, language context