bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sink or Swim: The Advantages of Full Postmortem Examination in Cases of Drowning
Authors: Cobbett Heather , Morrow Paul , Stables Simon R.
Published: June 2018

Background

There is current debate whether full postmortems should be carried out on drowning victims.

Objective

To document the value of full postmortem examinations of drowning victims.

Methods

Retrospective data gathered from 42 postmortem reports of drowning cases over a two-year period.

Results

Forty-two drowning cases were included, 34 of which were adult internal examinations. Excluding fluid analysis, 38.2% of drowning cases were found to have diagnoses other than drowning thought to have contributed significantly to death. This figure rose to 50% when fluid analysis was included in the postmortem examination. Eighty-eight point two percent of adult internal examination cases found incidental diagnoses other than drowning at postmortem.

Conclusion

There is advantage to routinely conducting full postmortem examinations on suspected drowning cases, including the extraction of fluid samples.
Retrospective Analysis of Oxycodone- and Cocaine-Related Deaths in Southwestern Ontario during 2003–2010
Authors: Markovic Melanie , Kocovski Linda , Fernandes John R.
Published: June 2018

Oxycodone hydrochloride is a potent semisynthetic opioid analgesic with a primary role in moderate to severe chronic pain management. It was approved by Health Canada in 1996 for that purpose and added to the Ontario provincial drug formulary in 2000. Increases in oxycodone abuse and oxycodone-related deaths have been noted in both Canada and the USA since oxycodone's introduction to the pharmaceutical market. A retrospective analysis was conducted, reviewing all of the medicolegal autopsies performed at a regional Ontario Forensic Pathology Unit, from 2003–2010. All cases that listed oxycodone and/or cocaine as cause of death were reviewed to ascertain trends in demographic data, preexisting prescription medication use, and concomitant drug use. Cocaine-related deaths were analyzed in order to contextualize oxycodone-related deaths in the setting of drug abuse. Oxycodone-related deaths were observed to increase from 2003–2010 and surpassed cocaine-related deaths in 2010. The proportion of female to male oxycodone-related deaths did not statistically differ during the study years. The proportion of female deaths was constant over the study period, however, male deaths showed a statistically significant increase by 23% from 2009–2010. Females were more likely to die from oxycodone rather than cocaine use, and the converse was seen in males. Among all oxycodone-related deaths over half of the decedents (53%) had a prescription for oxycodone. Oxycodone was also more likely to be reported with polysubstance use. This study illustrates how an abused prescription analgesic can be an ever-increasing burden on society even ten years after its release onto the market.
An Underestimation of Heroin Deaths Due to the Use of “Acute Opiate Intoxication” on Death Certificates
Authors: Gill James R. , Vincent Gregory A. , Toriello Allison , Nelson Lewis S.
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Deaths due to drug intoxications in the United States have increased. Public health agencies track the specific intoxicants using death certificate data in order to develop and focus prevention strategies. Criteria used to decide what deaths need toxicological investigation and how these deaths are certified will affect this data.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the investigative, autopsy, and toxicology reports of 118 fatal intoxications that were certified as “acute opiate intoxication.”

Results

Of the 113 decedents in whom morphine was detected, 84 were determined to involve heroin. For 61 of 84 heroin deaths, the heroin diagnosis was based upon the detection of diacetylmorphine, 6-acetylmorphine, and/or a lower blood codeine to morphine concentration. For 23 of 84 deaths, the determination was based upon morphine detection and illicit substances and/or paraphernalia at the scene. Of the 61 of 84 heroin deaths diagnosed by direct toxicology results, 33 of the 61 (54%) did not have illicit substances or paraphernalia at the scene. Toxicology identified 33 of 84 (39%) heroin fatalities that would not have been distinguished from morphine intoxication by the scene investigation.

Conclusions

The majority of deaths due to opioids can be further classified based upon the toxicological analysis and scene investigation. As heroin deaths may have no illicit substances/paraphernalia at the scene, investigators should not solely base their decision to perform an autopsy/toxicology on the scene absence of illicit drugs/paraphernalia. In our study sample, if toxicology testing were to be only performed when illicit substances/paraphernalia were found at the scene, a high portion of heroin deaths (39%) would have been missed.
Sudden Death Related to Diabetes Mellitus: Current and Emerging Relevance to the Forensic Pathologist
Authors: Ely Susan F.
Published: June 2018

While diabetes mellitus (DM) has historically accounted for substantial worldwide morbidity and mortality, new and evolving epidemiologic trends are forcing the scientific community to view it as a type of emerging disease. This review will summarize the pathophysiology of the disease, present an update of current national statistics and changing epidemiologic patterns, discuss how DM might specifically lead to acute deaths falling under the jurisdiction of the medical examiner/coroner, and suggest a medicolegal standard of practice to maximize their capture and reporting.
Recommendations for the Autopsy of an Infant who has Died Suddenly and Unexpectedly
Authors: Pinneri Kathryn , Matshes Evan W.
Published: June 2018

As the result of improved death scene investigations and the performance of more thorough and thoughtful pediatric forensic autopsies, there has been a widespread increase in the recognition of asphyxial mechanisms of death as well as lethal natural diseases that might have otherwise been erroneously labeled as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). Although it is fair to state that “more thorough autopsies provide more thorough medical evidence” from which to draw upon when determining cause and manner of death, there is no standard, accepted baseline from which forensic pathologists operate. Although anatomic pathologists are quite accustomed to practicing within well-defined boundaries for specimen (and thus diagnostic) adequacy, forensic pathologists are frequently hesitant to embrace or adopt such concepts. This has made it difficult to evaluate standards of practice in forensic pathology. Recommendations have been developed and published by the National Association of Medical Examiners for the postmortem assessment of suspected infant head trauma. However, significant variation exists in the way autopsies are performed on infants without trauma, such as the common scenario of an infant who has died suddenly and unexpectedly of asphyxial or apparent natural means. A wide variety of autopsy techniques and ancillary studies are available to forensic pathologists, but as survey data indicates, are not consistently used throughout the United States. This paper will discuss the different components of the pediatric autopsy and make recommendations for the best use of available tests and consultation services.
A Case of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Diagnosed at Autopsy
Authors: Pinckard J. Keith
Published: June 2018

Herein is reported a case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis, diagnosed at forensic autopsy in an 83-year-old woman with a history of Alzheimer disease. Significant findings at autopsy were cardiac hypertrophy, nephroarteriolosclerosis, hemorrhagic lungs, and necrotizing granulomatous inflammation with vasculitis involving the lungs and kidneys. Semiquantitative immunofluorescence testing was positive for cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasm antibodies at a titer of 1:40. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for proteinase 3 was strongly positive at 134 units (reference range: positive greater than 30 units). The cause of death was therefore determined to be granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Presentation of GPA at such an advanced age is rare, especially with the presentation at death.
Eternally Vulnerable: The Pathology of Abuse in Domestic Animals
Authors: McEwen Beverly
Published: June 2018

Animals are amongst the most vulnerable of all sentient beings. Animal neglect and abuse may involve a single animal and one person, or hundreds of animals and many people. Animals and people are victims of the same types of fatal injury and severe neglect; however, the anatomy and physiology of different animal species and even breeds of animals are a unique challenge for veterinary pathologists. Identifying and describing external lesions of blunt force trauma and projectile wounds requires that the entire skin be reflected from the animal because fur and feathers partially or totally mask the injuries. Because quadrupeds or birds may react differently to the same traumatic force applied to bipedal humans, extrapolating from medical forensic pathology must be done with caution. Animal abuse, however, does not occur in a vacuum. An established link exists between animal abuse, interpersonal violence, and other serious crimes. Using examples, this paper describes specific injuries in abused and neglected animals in the context of domestic violence, interpersonal violence, mental illness, and drug addiction. Medical examiners should be aware that animal abuse affects not only the animal, but individuals, families, and society as a whole.
Micro Disasters: The Case of Serial Killer Jeffrey Dahmer
Authors: Jentzen Jeffrey M.
Published: June 2018

Disasters are commonly experienced as major devastating events that exceed the resources of an agency to respond, with effects emanating throughout a community or region. There are, however, those events that are more measured, more subtle, and with few actual deaths, which still distract investigators from their daily duties and routines and project long lasting and crippling effects to a community or nation. Disasters can occur from natural forces or be the result of human activity. Most forensic pathologists who practice over a significant time will encounter one or the other types of disaster, sometimes more than a few. In my own career, I have witnessed large-scale disasters, such as hundreds of deaths occurring as the result of a major heat wave, to small-scale disasters such as factory explosions or small airplane crashes at sea—each with their own challenges. In addition to the extent of the initial disaster, many require the detailed, exhaustive evidentiary recovery and examination of a crime scene. The Jeffrey Dahmer case, although only involving 11 actual victims, required a major disaster response, and continues to influence and affect a community over 25 years later.
Sudden Death of a Young Man by Acute Hemorrhagic Leukoencephalitis
Authors: Peerani Raheem , Berggren Meredith , Herath Jayantha C.
Published: June 2018

We report a case of acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis in an adult man with a prodrome of “feeling unwell” two days prior to this death. At autopsy, external examination revealed minor external injuries including contusions on the scalp and left thigh and abrasions on the forehead and right eyebrow. Gross examination of the brain after coronal sectioning revealed multiple petechial hemorrhages in the white matter in the cerebral hemispheres, corpus callosum, basal ganglia, brainstem, and cerebellum. Microscopic examination of these lesions revealed demyelination, hemorrhage, and necrosis with fibrin exudation in a perivenular distribution with radial extension into the white matter. The remainder of the autopsy was unremarkable. This case highlights the death of a young man by a rare fatal complication of a natural disease only identified by a singular set of gross and microscopic findings at autopsy in circumstances that would otherwise suggest a nonnatural death. The case demonstrates the importance of a thorough autopsy in settings where the clinical history, scene, and circumstances may be misleading or absent.
The Promise of Molecular Autopsy in Forensic Pathology Practice
Authors: Cunningham Kristopher S.
Published: June 2018

Molecular autopsy is changing the practice of forensic pathology. Under some circumstances, one must contemplate the involvement of genetic factors to help explain why someone has died unexpectedly. Such considerations most commonly occur when a young person dies by natural means. However, there are deaths that occur by nonnatural means that the forensic pathologist will be asked to investigate, which could involve natural disease that has a significant genetic underpinning. Elucidation of genetic mutations may not only further an understanding of the pathophysiology at hand, but also speak to underlying susceptibilities in an individual who dies that may not have been recognized. In addition, one may occasionally identify pathological findings that are confused for trauma that may actually be better explained by an underlying disease process. Using molecular medicine as a tool to explore such possibilities can improve the quality of death investigations and provide a new lens to probe challenging and contentious forensic cases that have proved resistant to traditional methods.
National Coronial Information System: Epidemiology and the Coroner in Australia
Authors: Saar Eva , Bugeja Lyndal , Ranson David L.
Published: June 2018

The National Coronial Information System (NCIS) is the world's first national Internet-based database of coronial information. It was established in Australia following the recognition by coroners that their mandate for public health and safety could be improved if they could identify previous similar deaths. The NCIS is funded from state, territory, and commonwealth government agencies and overseen by the NCIS Board of Management. A team of ten staff manage the day-to-day operation of the system.

The NCIS enables the rapid identification of up-to-date information on deaths investigated by the coroners' jurisdictions in Australia (from July 2000) and New Zealand (from July 2007). It is accessible to death investigators (coroners; forensic, medical, and scientific staff; and police) to assist with death investigation and approved third parties (e.g., researchers). The NCIS contains demographic information about the deceased, contextual information about the circumstances in which the death occurred, the cause and manner of death, and four full text reports generated during the investigation.

The NCIS contains information on over 328 000 completed coroners' death investigations across Australia and New Zealand. Approximately 350 death investigators are registered to access the data for their ongoing death investigations, and 235 third party users are registered to utilize the data set in their research. In addition to the utility of the NCIS, this paper describes the rationale and governance structure of the NCIS, the information technology infrastructure, data set, quality assurance framework, and contribution to death and injury prevention.
Investigation of Drowning Deaths: A Practical Review
Authors: Armstrong Erica J. , Erskine Kevin L.
Published: June 2018

Drowning, which typically involves a watery environment, remains a serious public health concern claiming an estimated 362 000 lives per year worldwide across all socioeconomic classifications and has remained under close observation by the World Health Organization and its signatories. A significant number of water-related deaths are attributed to accidental drowning, while a smaller but still significant number represent suicidal or homicidal drowning. Others involve a combination of drowning precipitated by injury, intoxication, or environmental extremes. Still others involve victims that die from injury, intoxication, or a natural disease entity of such significance as to preclude the drowning process, while near or in water. While there may be an initial presumption that all water-related deaths are accidental drownings, other possibilities must be considered in the investigation of these types of deaths, as drowning as a cause of death is a diagnosis based on the exclusion of other potential causes. The coordinated investigative efforts of multiple agencies and disciplines are required not only for the designation as drowning as the cause of death but also for death certification. The ongoing analysis and dissemination of data generated from all levels of investigation augment our understanding of the impact on public health and safety, guiding allocation of monetary and educational resources in an effort to prevent further mortality and disability.
Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking Deaths in Colorado: Increasing Preventative Measures by Understanding Risk Factors
Authors: Murdoch Jarod , Kelly Leon K.
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular, adventurous excursions that are provided along various rivers throughout the United States. We expect that certain individuals' comorbid medical conditions may increase the risk of mortality by preventing them from being physically able to avoid inadvertently entering the water and subsequently rescue themselves.

Methods

Retrospective data were collected from 11 El Paso County, Colorado coroner cases from 2014–2017 in which the individual was whitewater rafting or kayaking and drowning was determined to be the primary cause of death.

Results

Health characteristics and autopsy findings of several of these individuals revealed that a significant number of these individuals were overweight or obese (90.9%), with 70% of these individuals also demonstrating cardiomegaly on examination. Of the cases studied, 81.8% of individuals had little to no experience with whitewater rafting or kayaking and 45% were under the influence of marijuana or alcohol based on toxicology studies.

Discussion

While a major selling point for whitewater excursions are the perceived risks they offer, our review suggests that certain individuals demonstrate increased health risks, have little to no experience with whitewater rafting or kayaking, or practice unsafe behaviors that may increase chance of injury and death. Efforts have been made to reduce risks associated with whitewater rafting and kayaking; however, further risk can be mitigated by excluding those who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, implementing more stringent health requirements, and setting an upper limit of difficulty of rapids based on an individual's previous experience.
Environmental Deaths in Southern Arizona
Authors: Lougee Kevin M. , Hess Gregory L. , Winston David C.
Published: June 2018

Introduction

The Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner (PCOME) maintains medicolegal jurisdiction over Southern Arizona, which includes the Sonoran Desert and the Arizona/Mexico border. Given the unique climate and biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert coupled with the Mexican border, environmental-related deaths are represented in proportions different from other jurisdictions in the United States.

Methods

A retrospective study of deaths falling into one of five categories (hyperthermia, hypothermia, undetermined with skeletal and/or mummified modifiers, venom-related, and lightning) certified by the PCOME between January 1, 2010 and December 1, 2017 was conducted by searching the PCOME electronic database.

Results and Discussion

Of the 16 649 cases certified by the office during that time, 639 were categorized into one of the above five categories. Hyperthermia cases were the most common, followed by undetermined, hypothermia, venom-related, and lightning. A unique population of individuals referred to as undocumented border crossers (UBCs) is discussed and accounted for 470 of the 639 deaths.
Death on Orbit: Extreme Environmental Conditions and the Deaths of American Astronauts
Authors: Mallak Craig T.
Published: June 2018

When the Space Shuttle Columbia was lost in 2003, the investigation presented many unique challenges, including numerous findings that had never been observed by forensic pathologists. The previous two major space shuttle fatality incidents also presented unique and complex issues. The causes of these incidents are now identified and the environmental impacts on the astronauts were a major contributor to the tragedies. Even with the improvements learned from the losses of Apollo 1 (1967), the Challenger (1986), and the Columbia (2003), space flight continues to be one of the most dangerous professions and environmental factors are significant contributors to this threat. While many have now been explained, the myriad of environmental insults to the crew continues to be a source of interest for those involved in space flight. Most forensic pathologists will never be involved in a death investigation of astronauts at the edge of outer space, on a mission, or during training, yet the findings are nevertheless of interest in the field of environmental death.
What Keeps Early Childhood Teachers Working in Long Day Care?
Authors: McKinlay Sharon , Irvine Susan , Farrell Ann
Published: June 2018

RETAINING EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHERS in long day care (LDC) is a pressing challenge for Australia's reform agenda in early childhood education and care (ECEC). Case study research with five early childhood teachers in LDC revealed individual and contextual factors that enabled and challenged the teachers to stay in LDC. Drawing on social constructivist approaches, the research contributes empirically based insights that support the recruitment and retention of early childhood teachers in LDC.
SHAHID AL-QURAN IN ARABIC GRAMMAR WORKS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW (SHAHID AL-QURAN DALAM KARYA TATABAHASA ARAB: SATU SOROTAN LITERATUR SECARA SISTEMATIK)
Authors: Rajab Zamri , Ab. Halim Zulazhan , Mat Teh Kamarul Shukri
Published: June 2018

The Theory of Nahu al-Quran which emphasizes on the impact of using Koran in Arabic grammar has attracted a lot of research. Within 31 years after the emergence of this theory (1984-2015), there were over 19 studies that used the term shahid al-Quran either in research conducted to qualify for an academic certificate, articles published in journals or seminar papers. This qualitative study aims to explore the literature review of shahid al-Quran through document analysis and the matrix of Systematic Literature Review (SLR). In doing so, a systematic analysis is conducted on the background, issues or gap pertaining to this study as well as methodology and findings on previous research. This study has found that the study of shahid al-Quran was popular among Arab researchers especially on the major works written by Arabic scholars and the qualitative study using content analysis technic was the most preferred method chosen by these researchers. The studies on Shahid al-Quran should continue and develop to explore both the obvious and the underlying reasons behind its usage among scholars of Arabic grammar. Keywords: shahid al-Quran, tatabahasa Arab, the theory of nahu al-Quran, systematic literature review.Cite as: Rajab, Z., Ab. Halim, Z., & Mat Teh, K.S. (2016).  Shahid al-Quran in Arabic grammar works: A systematic literature review (Shahid al-Quran dalam karya tatabahasa Arab: Satu sorotan literatur secara sistematik). Journal of Nusantara Studies, 1(1), 18-33. AbstrakTeori Nahu al-Quran yang menekankan impak al-Quran dalam tatabahasa Arab telah menarik banyak kajian dilakukan. Dalam tempoh 31 tahun  selepas munculnya teori tersebut (1984-2015), terdapat lebih 19 kajian menggunakan istilah shahid al-Quran dihasilkan sama ada kajian bagi memenuhi syarat memperoleh ijazah akademik, artikel yang diterbitkan dalam jurnal mahupun kertas seminar. Kajian kualitatif ini meninjau literatur kajian shahid al-Quran dengan menggunakan kaedah analisis dokumen dan berpandukan jadual matrik “Systematic Literature Review (SLR)”. Analisis sistematik berkenaan memfokuskan kepada latar belakang, isu atau lompang, metodologi dan dapatan kajian. Hasil kajian mendapati kajian shahid al-Quran telah popular dalam kalangan pengkaji Arab dengan fokus kepada karya utama karangan ulama tatabahasa berketurunan Arab, manakala bentuk kajian kualitatif menggunakan kaedah analisis dokumen atau kandungan lebih mendominasi kajian shahid al-Quran. Kajian shahid al-Quran perlu terus dikembangkan seperti meneroka sebab yang tersurat dan tersirat di sebalik penggunaannya dalam kalangan sarjana tatabahasa. Kata kunci: shahid al-Quran, tatabahasa Arab, teori nahu al-Quran, sorotan literatur secara sistematik.
THE BREADTH OF RECEPTIVE VOCABULARY KNOWLEDGE AMONG ENGLISH MAJOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Authors: Yunus Kamariah , Mohamad Mahani , Waelateh Bordin
Published: June 2018

Vocabulary knowledge is a key component for literacy skills as well as the development of communication deemed important for students to succeed in university. Gaining adequate receptive vocabulary knowledge would enhance a university student’s comprehension of academic texts. This descriptive study aims to investigate the receptive vocabulary knowledge among English major university students in Malaysia and Thailand.  The sample comprises 80 English major students from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Malaysia and 86 English major students from Prince Songkla University (PSU), Thailand.  A Vocabulary Size Test (VST) adopted from Nation and Beglar was employed to gather the primary data from the respondents about their receptive vocabulary knowledge. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 was used for data analysis.  Results showed that, on average, UniSZA students had a higher VST score (44.64%) compared to that of PSU students (20.92%).  The higher average score gained by UniSZA students was mainly due to early exposure to formal English education in schools. This study recommends preparing students with explicit academic vocabulary instruction, particularly in the beginning semester of an English programme, to meet the academic and professional needs of English major students in future.   Keywords: Receptive vocabulary, productive vocabulary, Vocabulary Size Test (VST), breadth of vocabulary knowledge, depth of vocabulary knowledge.Cite as: Yunus, K., Mohamad, M., & Waelateh, B. (2016). The breadth of receptive vocabulary knowledge among English major university students. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 1(1), 7-17.
MALAYSIA’S NATIONAL LANGUAGE POLICY IN INTERNATIONAL THEORETICAL CONTEXT
Authors: John Albury Nathan , Khin Aye Khin
Published: June 2018

This paper examines the motivations behind Malaysia’s national language policy in theoretical terms to allow the Malaysian narrative to be positioned in an international context. To do this, it applies Spolsky’s (2004) theory of what influences language policy making in contemporary nation-states, namely national ideology, the role of English in globalisation era, the nation’s sociolinguistic situation, and an interest in linguistic minority rights. The paper argues that all factors are relevant in the Malaysian context. However, the domestic sociolinguistic situation only influences policy in so far as Malaysia’s response to its ethnolinguistic minorities is limited to minimal linguistic rights in the education system. This limited acceptance of linguistic diversity continues a tradition of protecting what Malaysian law sees as the supremacy of Malay culture and language. The paper concludes with an invitation to apply this theory in the study of other nations in the region to foster a robust body of comparative data on national language policies in Southeast Asia. Keywords: Malaysia, national language policy, ethnocracy, national identity, language rightsCite as: Albury, N.J., & Aye, K.K. (2016).  Malaysia’s national language policy in international theoretical context. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 1(1), 71-84.
KAEDAH PENYELESAIAN PERTIKAIAN ALTERNATIF DARI SUDUT SYARIAH DI MALAYSIA
 ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION METHODS FROM THE SYARIAH PERSPECTIVE IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Dahlan Nur Khalidah , Palil Mohd. Rizal , Hamid Mohamad Abdul , Yaakub Noor Inayah
Published: June 2018

Family and marital disputes are commonly heard cases in our daily lives. The trial courts and the alternative resolution methods may be used for the parties involved in the disputes to settle their problems. This paper reviews the aspects of the legal provisions concerning the jurisdiction of courts (civil and Syariah) and also the alternative dispute resolution methods. Some of the proposed alternative methods are arbitration, mediation, and sulh. These alternative resolution methods may be used to avoid the tedious court processes and to reduce the cost of settling the disputes. The alternative methods are strongly encouraged in Islam and there are clear guidelines in Malaysia regarding the ways to employ the alternative methods. The use of the alternative methods is effective as reflected in the number of cases which have been succesfully solved using the methods. This paper concludes that Muslim community in Malaysia has the convincing options to resolve their family / marital disputes either in courts or through the alternative resolution methods.  Keywords: Syariah Court, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Sulh Council, Arbitration, Mediation.Cite as: Dahlan, N.K., Palil, M.R., Abdul Hamid, M., & Yaakub, N.I. (2017). Kaedah penyelesaian pertikaian alternatif dari sudut syariah di Malaysia [Alternative dispute resolution methods from the syariah perspective in Malaysia]. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 2(1), 86-98.
THE METACOGNITIVE AWARENESS OF READING STRATEGIES IN THAI EFL LEARNERS
Authors: Chutichaiwirath Kitipat , Sitthitikul Pragasit
Published: June 2018

This paper explores the metacognitive awareness of reading strategies and the use of reading strategies among Thai EFL learners. Fifteen female university students who are in their fourth-year undergraduate study of English at a Thai university participated in this study. The study used a mixed-method approach. The Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies Inventory (MARSI) was used to investigate the participants’ metacognitive awareness involved in reading. Also, to insightfully assess and analyze the participants’ reading strategies while they were reading the academic texts, a think-aloud protocol was used. The findings reveal that the participants’ overall use of metacognitive awareness of reading strategies (Global, Problem-solving, and Support reading strategies) was at a high level (Mean = 2.85, S.D. = 0.31). Among 30 individual reading strategies, the most frequently used was underlining and circling (Mean = 3.60, S.D. = 0.74), which fall under Support Reading Strategy (SUP). On the other hand, it can be seen that the least frequently used reading strategy was asking self-questions (Mean = 1.93, S.D. = 0.70), under the category of SUP strategies. When considering the appropriate and effective use of metacognitive reading strategies in the think aloud protocol by the participants in successful reading comprehension, it is discovered that using background knowledge, previewing text, reading slowly and carefully, pausing to reflect on reading, taking notes while reading, and summarizing were frequently used the students.Keywords: EFL learners, metacognitive, reading strategies, think aloud, Thailand. Cite as: Chutichaiwirath, K. & Sitthitikul, P. (2017). The metacognitive awareness of reading strategies in Thai EFL learners. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 2(2), 1-14.
A PERSONAL NARRATIVE OF AN ENGLISH TEACHER IN JAPAN ON LANGUAGE, TACIT KNOWLEDGE AND LANGUAGE EDUCATION
Authors: Wotley Duncan
Published: June 2018

This paper follows the path of my research into intuitions about language and linguistic knowledge as an English language teacher based in Australia in Japan. I describe how my curiosity about these intuitions grew out of an inability to reconcile the relevance of pedagogical research, applied linguistics, and linguistics with the day-to-day language tasks involved in English language teaching. This gravitated toward an interest in judgment about natural language and the revision of anomalous sentences created naturally or with the assistance of machine translation.  I note that teachers and learners generally adopt an intuitive and pragmatic approach to text judgment, commentary about text and text reformulation. I hope to engage readers from other cultures and education backgrounds, so that we share our perspectives, experiences and assumptions about tacit knowledge or intuitions about language.Keywords: Tacit knowledge, implicit knowledge, procedural knowledge explicit knowledge, declarative knowledgeCite as: Wotley, D. (2017). A personal narrative of an English teacher in Japan on language, tacit knowledge and language education. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 2(2), 127-138.
THE FACTORS AFFECTING STUDENTS’ CHOICE IN STUDYING ENGLISH AT PRIVATE TUTORING SCHOOLS: A CASE OF THAI UPPER-SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Chan Chris , Mongkolhutthi Preechaya
Published: June 2018

This study explores the factors leading Thai upper-secondary school students to study English at tutoring school. The students’ perceptions of their EFL private tutors and mainstream school teachers are also a focus of this research. Drawing on statistical data from 80 upper-secondary school students, it shows that these students perceive EFL private tutors to be more effective in the provision of examination support, particularly regarding the university admission examination, compared with mainstream school teachers. Overall, these students have more positive attitudes towards their English tutors than their mainstream school teachers. They agree that tutors have higher English language proficiency and can make them understand the lesson better than their school teachers. The characteristic of the tutors and teaching techniques is considered a significant factor leading students to study English at tutoring schools, particularly the teaching techniques that allow them to do better on university examinations. These findings not only highlight the impact of private tutoring schools on language education systems, but also caution Thai educational policy makers and practitioners to further explore the pressure of the university admission examination on upper-secondary school students in the country.Keywords: Examination support, English language proficiency, private tutoring schools, teaching technique, Thailand.Cite as: Chan, C. & Mongkolhutthi, P. (2017). The factors affecting students’ choice in studying English at private tutoring schools: A case of Thai upper-secondary school students. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 2(2), 44-52.
CABARAN PENGAJARAN SUBJEK PENDIDIKAN JASMANI DI SEKOLAH MENENGAH DI MALAYSIA
 [CHALLENGES IN THE TEACHING OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION SUBJECT IN MALAYSIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS]
Authors: Kilue Dicken , Muhamad Tajul Arifin
Published: June 2018

Physical education is one of the crucial subjects in the educational curriculum, meant to produce the healthy-conscious and fit citizens. This can be nurtured via the development of the psychomotor, cognitive, affective and physical fitness aspects. However, the emphasis of this subject has been less prioritised by the schools and parents. In addressing the issue mentioned, this paper discusses the constraints in executing physical education lesson from the aspects of teachers, students, school atmosphere and facilities, school administrators and parental support. In addition, several recommendations and suggestions were proposed to overcome the aforesaid obstacles. This paper concludes that the school administrators and teachers should be optimistic in embracing the changes and transformations taking place, particularly in the effort of upholding the status of this subject to be of indispensable importance as other subjects in schools.Keywords: Physical education, secondary schools, importance, implementation challenges, MalaysiaCite as: Kilue, D. & Muhamad, T.A. (2017). Cabaran pengajaran subjek Pendidikan Jasmani di sekolah menengah di Malaysia [Challenges in the teaching of Physical Education subject in Malaysian secondary schools]. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 2(2), 53-65. AbstrakMata pelajaran Pendidikan Jasmani merupakan komponen penting dalam kurikulum pendidikan negara untuk melahirkan generasi muda yang sihat dan cergas melalui penekanan kepada aspek perkembangan psikomotor, kognitif, afektif dan kecergasan fizikal. Namun demikian, penekanan kepada pelaksanaan mata pelajaran Pendidikan Jasmani masih kurang diberikan perhatian sama ada oleh pihak sekolah mahupun ibu bapa. Justeru itu, kertas ini  membincangkan kekangan pelaksanaan Pendidikan Jasmani berdasarkan beberapa cabaran seperti faktor guru, murid, persekitaran sekolah serta kemudahan fizikal, pentadbir sekolah dan sokongan ibu bapa. Sebagai penambahbaikan, beberapa cadangan  dikemukakan bagi mengatasi setiap cabaran yang telah dikenalpasti. Para pentadbir dan guru di sekolah perlu mengambil berat pelaksanaan mata pelajaran Pendidikan Jasmani dari sudut yang positif dan sentiasa bersedia untuk menerima perubahan dalam usaha memartabatkan kepentingan mata pelajaran Pendidikan Jasmani agar setanding dengan mata pelajaran lain.Kata Kunci: Pendidikan Jasmani, sekolah menengah, kepentingan, cabaran pelaksanaan, Malaysia
The role of trust in shaping urban planning in local communities: The case of Hammarkullen, Sweden
Authors: Hansson Stina
Published: June 2018

Urban planning is increasingly focusing on the social aspect of sustainability. The 2014 report Differences in Living Conditions and Health in Gothenburg shows important and increasing inequalities between different parts of the city, a development seen in cities across the world. The city of Gothenburg has set as its goal the decrease in inequalities by joining forces with civil society, the private sector, academia and people living in the city. Participation and inclusion become important tools in city planning processes for the authorities to understand local conditions, particularly to understand the living conditions of people in socio-economically marginalised areas, whose voices are rarely listened to, and to enable their active participation in shaping outcomes. In this article, we explore the role of trust in improving urban planning, and in shaping possibilities for participation that is positively experienced, in the sense that it increases people’s sense of control over their neighbourhoods. Based on empirical work in Hammarkullen, a socio-economically marginalised area in Gothenburg, the article shows how specific local configurations of trust have an impact on local development plans. It further shows how participatory practices coarticulate with the local social situation to shape outcomes in a certain way. Grounded in the empirical study, the paper argues for the importance of understanding the local conditions of trust and how they interact with planning processes in shaping outcomes and future possibilities of cooperation. Further, the paper argues for the need to take the local conditions of trust into account early in the planning phase.
Urban public transport in informal settlements: Experiences from Kisumu City, Kenya
Authors: Onyango George Mark
Published: June 2018

Kisumu has had a massive growth of informal settlements forming a belt around the urban core. These settlements house more than half of the city’s population. Because of the unplanned nature of these areas there has been very poor road infrastructure development, with narrow, unpaved roads constituting the road infrastructure. This situation has limited the opportunities for regular urban transport minibuses providing transport for the majority of the urban poor who live in these settlements. The coping mechanism and the development of alternative coping strategies are explored and assessed to see how effective they are in providing public transport for this majority of unserviced urban population.
Organic N-fertilizer, rhizobacterial inoculation and fungal compost improve nutrient uptake, plant growth and the levels of vindoline, ajmalicine, vinblastine, catharanthine and total alkaloids in Catharanthus roseus L.
Authors: Hashemabadi Davood , Sabzevari Fatemeh , Kaviani Behzad , Ansari Mohammad Hossein
Published: June 2018

The aim of the study was to replace mineral fertilizers with organic and biological fertilizers to improve nutrient uptake, plant growth and the concentrations of some important secondary metabolites in periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus L.). Periwinkle plants were grown under different rates of N supply (0, 20 and 40 mg kg−1 soil) and biological treatments (Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Azospirillum plus Azotobacter, Azospirillum plus fungal compost, Azotobacter plus fungal compost, and fungal compost). The concentrations of pigments and nutrients were measured by spectrophotometry and flame photometry. Secondary metabolites were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data were recorded for plant growth and development parameters, nutrient uptake and some secondary metabolites of periwinkle plants. The results showed that the N-fertilizer and biological treatments significantly improved most growth attributes and nutrient uptake and increased the concentrations of secondary metabolites as compared to the control. Maximum concentrations of root ajmalicine (0.54 mg g−1 DW), leaf vinblastine (0.96 mg g−1 DW) and root catharanthine (2.38 mg g−1 DW) were obtained from the treatment with Azospirillum under N-fertilizer at 20 and 40 mg kg−1 soil. Azotobacter along with fungal compost under N-fertilizer at 40 mg kg−1 soil induced the maximum concentration of leaf vindoline (1.94 mg g−1 DW). The highest concentration of root alkaloids (1.11 mg g−1 DW) was obtained from the treatment with compost under 40 mg N kg−1 soil. Azospirillum, Azotobacter and fungal compost combined with the N-fertilizer improved many morphological and nutrient characteristics. In conclusion, the growth and metabolism of C. roseus were significantly positively affected by the organic and biological fertilizers.
Occurrence and Antibiogram of Generic Extended-Spectrum Cephalosporin-Resistant and Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteria In Horses
Authors: Anyanwu Madubuike Umunna , Ugwu Ifeoma Chinyere , Onah Collins Uchenna
Published: June 2018

This study was conducted to isolate generic extended-spectrum cephalosporin (ESC)-resistant and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing enterobacteria from horses in Nigeria, and to determine the antibacterial resistance profile. Rectal swabs were collected from 155, systematic randomly selected, apparently-healthy horses. Isolation of ESC-resistant enterobacteria was done using Mac Conkey agar with ceftazidime. ESBL production was assessed by combination disc method. Resistance of the isolates was determined using disc diffusion method. Out of 155 samples, 5.2% gave positive growth. From these, 11 ESC-resistant enterobacteria comprising of 36.4% E. coli, 36.4% Salmonella spp. and 27.2% Proteus spp., were obtained. From 11 isolates, 45.5% consisting of all the 4 E. coli and 1 Proteus isolates, were ESBL-producers, these were recovered from 4 (2.6%) out of the 155 horses sampled. Resistance of the E. coli isolates was 25% to aztreonam (AZT), 75% to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (AMC), gentamicin (GEN), perfloxacin (PEF), and sulphamethoxazoletrimethoprim (SXT-TRI), 50% to ofloxacin (OFL) and 100% to ampicillin (AMP), ceftazidime (CTZ), cefotaxime (CTX), chloramphenicol (CHL), streptomycin (STR), tetracycline (TET), sparfloxacin (SPA), ciprofloxacin (CIP), norfloxacin (NOR) and enrofloxacin (ENR). Resistance of the Salmonella isolates was 50% to PEF and 100% to CTZ, CTX, AMP, AZT, AMC, CHL, GEN, STR, TET, SPA, CIP, OFL, NOR and ENR. Resistance of the Proteus isolates was 25% to AMC, CHL, STR, TET, SPA and NOR, and 100% to CTZ, CTX, AZT and AMP. Resistance of the isolates to more than 3 classes of antibacterial agents tested was 75% for Proteus and 100% for E. coli and Salmonella, respectively. This study showed that horses in Nigeria are potential reservoirs and disseminators of ESC-resistant and ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae.
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows into Zimbabwe
Authors: Sikwila Mike Nyamazana , Karedza Godwell , Sikwila Yvonne Lindiwe
Published: June 2018

The authors sought to explore factors that influenced foreign direct investment (FDI) in Zimbabwe between 1990 and 2014. In spite of Zimbabwe being one of the richest countries, with respect to mineral endowment in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region there was a paradox of less FDI attracted into the country. We include the investment policy stability (IPS) variable that has been ignored in the current literature; yet, the investment centre policies in any given developing country influence FDI inflows. The authors used Ordinary Least Square regression analysis technique to estimate an investment equation for Zimbabwe using Time-Series annual data obtained from the UNCTAD and World Bank database. The results suggest that investment policy stability; trade openness of the country; inflation rate and growth in real domestic product have a significant influence on the FDI inflows into the country. In conclusion, the results suggest that investment policy stability played an important role in attracting FDI into the country. Also, the results are expected to give a useful insight to policymakers that are responsible for attracting FDI inflows into Zimbabwe and other developing countries.
Impact of E-government Development on the Level of Corruption: Measuring the Effects of Related Indices in Time and Dimensions
Authors: Máchová Renáta , Volejníková Jolana , Lněnička Martin
Published: June 2018

E-government is recognized as a tool for improving transparency and openness in the public sector and for combatting corruption. Understanding the relationship between e-government development and the level of corruption would allow for a more effective leveraging of related projects in anti-corruption efforts. This paper examines the impact of e-government development on the level of corruption in the context of economic perspective. In contrast to previous studies, this empirical relationship is measured across sub-indices (dimensions) of related indices between 2002 and 2016. The results show that higher levels of e-government development are related to lower levels of corruption. The three most important dimensions found are the environment sub-index, which assesses the extent to which a country’s market conditions and regulatory framework support entrepreneurship, innovation, and ICT development; the usage sub-index, which assesses the level of ICT adoption by a society’s main stakeholders; and the telecommunication infrastructure sub-index measuring a country’s ICT infrastructure capacity. Following these findings, certain ways of influencing of the level of corruption by a stimulation of concrete e-government development dimensions can be drawn. This is important especially in the time of a financial crisis and its consequences, which are also discussed in this paper.