bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Critical Look at a Blended English Language Teacher Education Program with an Emphasis on the Practicum
Authors: Koç Ebru Melek
Published: July 2016

The aim of the present study was to explore what types of difficulties student teachers enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English Language Teacher Education program offered in a blended format and their cooperating teachers encountered during the student teacher practicum. The participants were 21 fourth grade student teachers and 12 cooperating teachers. Semi-structured interview questions were used to collect data. The interviews were tape-recorded and then transcribed to be analyzed. According to the findings, the problems student teachers faced were grouped into four areas: assessment systems, computer–assisted communication, challenges with mentors, and psychological issues. Cooperating teachers’ problems were categorized as problems associated with the program and problems associated with the student teachers. The results of this study contribute to an increased understanding of the problems that student teachers and their cooperating teachers face during field experience at an English language teacher education program offered in a distance format. This study provides suggestions for establishing more effective mentorship during the field experience.
Guidelines for Transferring Residential Courses into Web
Authors: Tüzün Hakan , Çınar Murat
Published: July 2016

This study shared unique design experiences by examining the process of transferring residential courses to the Web, and proposed a design model for individuals who want to transfer their courses into this environment. The formative research method was used in the study, and two project teams’ processes of putting courses, which were being taught in classrooms at the time, on the Web were examined in depth to reveal and confirm the components of the design model. The participants were 13 instructional designers. In addition to the logbooks kept by the designers, individual and focus group interview techniques were employed in the data-gathering process. Two researchers analyzed the data concurrently using content analysis. The logbooks and the focus-group interviews were used for model formation, and the individual interviews to confirm the components of the model. Based on the findings from the two design cases, the experience-based e-course design model consisting of seven basic stages including forming design team, preliminary search, analysis, instructional and technical design, integration, tests, and improvements was proposed. It is considered that sustaining Web-based course design efforts within this model will enable both implementing the design process more effectively, and the Web-based course obtained at the end of the process to have higher quality.
Instructors’ Perceptions of Instructor Presence in Online Learning Environments
Authors: Richardson Jennifer C. , Besser Erin , Koehler Adrie , Lim JiEun , Strait Marquetta
Published: July 2016

As online learning continues to grow significantly, various efforts have been explored and implemented in order to improve the instructional experiences of students.  Specifically, research indicates that how an instructor establishes his or her presence in an online environment can have important implications for the students’ overall learning experience. While instructor presence appears to be an important aspect of online learning, more research is needed to fully understand this construct. The purpose of this study was to consider online instructors’ perceptions related to presence, beliefs about actions, and the perceived impact of instructional presence. Using an explanatory multiple-case study approach, this research considered the perspectives of 13 instructors teaching in an online master’s program at a large Midwestern public university.  Results indicate instructors viewed instructor presence as an important component in online courses but their reasons varied. Furthermore, the instructors discussed a number of communication strategies they used, the importance of using such strategies to connect to students, and the potential impact of these strategies on student participation and learning. Additional themes from the interview data are discussed, and implications for online teaching and learning are suggested.
Use of Facebook by Secondary School Students at Nuku'alofa as an Indicator of E-Readiness for E-Learning in the Kingdom of Tonga
Authors: Sopu Hans Tobias , Chisaki Yoshifumi , Usagawa Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2016

The Kingdom of Tonga is an isolated least developing country located on the northeast of New Zealand with a population of 103,252 (2011 census) and with a gross domestic product per capita of USD $2,545.20.  Before educational systems in a least developing country like the Kingdom of Tonga begin employing e-learning, an assessment of the current situation of students and learning institutions may contribute to its success. Using an appropriate assessment tool is important for accurately measuring the degree of e-readiness. In this study, we administered a survey to 186 students randomly selected from five secondary schools in the Kingdom of Tonga to measure Facebook usage as an index of e-readiness for e-learning. We found that a large percentage (81%) of secondary students use Facebook, and most (74%) of these students have used Facebook for two or more years. All (100%) students use a computer to access Facebook, and most also access Facebook through mobile phones (62%) or tablets (46%). We also found correlations between duration of having a Facebook account and other indicators of e-readiness. Our findings suggest that secondary students in the Kingdom of Tonga have developed e-readiness for e-learning through their use of Facebook.
Effects of Group Awareness and Self-Regulation Level on Online Learning Behaviors
Authors: Lin Jian-Wei , Szu Yu-Chin , Lai Ching-Neng
Published: July 2016

Group awareness can affect student online learning while self-regulation also can substantially influence student online learning. Although some studies identify that these two variables may partially determine learning behavior, few empirical studies or thorough analyses elucidate the simultaneous impact of these two variables (group awareness and self-regulation) on online learning behavior. This paper compared one online collaboration environments with GA support with one without group awareness (NA) support and further investigated how these two variables, different system types (i.e., GA and NA) and different self-regulation levels (i.e., high and low), influence learning task (i.e., assessment) participation, and peer interaction (i.e., asking for help and willing to help) using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Analytical results first showed that both variables have significant interaction on assessment participation and requesting rate. GA can particularly stimulate students with high-level self-regulation to engage more learning task (assessment) participation and ask for help more, compared with students with low-level self-regulation. Second, both variables have no significant interaction on willingness to help. The GA class can enhance a student’s willingness to help regardless of his/her self-regulation level.
Design and Development of a Learning Design Virtual Internship Program
Authors: Ruggiero Dana , Boehm Jeffrey
Published: July 2016

Incorporation of practical experience in learning design and technology education has long been accepted as an important step in the developmental process of future learning designers. The proliferation of adult online education has increased the number of graduate students who are in need of a practical internship placement but have limited options due to work and family obligations. An international virtual internship program provides opportunity for non-traditional students to participate in a practical experience regardless of their physical location and other obstacles.
Increasing Access to Higher Education Through Open and Distance Learning: Empirical Findings From Mzuzu University, Malawi
Authors: Chawinga Winner Dominic , Zozie Paxton Andrew
Published: July 2016

Slowly but surely, open and distance learning (ODL) programmes are being regarded as one of the most practical ways that universities across the world are increasingly adopting in order to increase access to university education.  Likewise, Mzuzu University (MZUNI) set up the Centre for Open and Distance Learning (CODL) to oversee the running of these programmes in 2011. In this study, we adopted the Transactional Distance Theory (Moore, 1997) to investigate the modes of instructional systems, benefits or opportunities, and the challenges associated with the delivery of ODL programmes at MZUNI. By self-administering a questionnaire to 350 ODL students and 9 Heads of Department in the Faculty of Education whose programmes are offered through ODL, we found that instructions are mostly delivered to students through print-based instructional materials. The major benefits noted include increased access to quality higher education, affordable tuition fees, and flexibility in payment of fees. However, we established some challenges which need to be addressed by the University which include, delayed feedback of assignments and release of end of semester examination results, absence of information for courses of study, poor communication between the Centre and departments, and poor remuneration for lecturers.
Meeting Teacher Expectations in a DL Professional Development Programme - A Case Study for Sustained Applied Competence as Programme Outcome
Authors: Kruger Corné , Janse van Rensburg Ona , De Witt Marike
Published: July 2016

Meeting teacher expectations for a professional development programme (PDP) is expected to strengthen sustainable applied competence as programme outcome since teachers will be more motivated to apply the programme content in practice. A revised distance learning (DL) programme was augmented by a practical component comprising a work-integrated portfolio and audio-visual material, aimed to support the applied competence of practising teachers in the South African context. An evaluation of the way the programme measured up to teacher expectations was deemed critical for future DL programme design. A qualitative study based on an interpretivist philosophical approach collected data of teacher expectations for and of the practical component through multiple methods. Their contributions were linked with four main themes related to applied competence as identified in the literature. Participant expectations and experiences with regards to each theme were compared by means of electronic coding through ATLASti™. The findings show a strong correlation between expectations for and experiences of the way the practical component supports the elements of applied competence. Since DL is viewed as a viable and cost effective way to improve teacher competence in developing countries, these findings serve as impetus for further investigation and refining ways to support applied competence in a distance learning professional development programme (DL PDP).
Using the mTSES to Evaluate and Optimize mLearning Professional Development
Authors: Power Robert Leo , Cristol Dean , Gimbert Belinda , Bartoletti Robin , Kilgore Whitney
Published: July 2016

The impact of targeted professional development activities on teachers’ perceptions of self-efficacy with mobile learning remains understudied. Power (2015a) used the Mobile Teacher’s Sense of Efficacy Scale (mTSES) survey instrument to measure the effects of a mobile learning themed professional development course on teachers’ confidence with and interest in mobile learning. The current study looks at changes in perceptions of self-efficacy amongst participants in another open course about mobile learning called Instructional Design for Mobile Learning (ID4ML), which took place from May 4 – June 6, 2015 (Power, Bartoletti & Kilgore, 2015). The purpose of this study is to verify the reliability and construct validity of the mTSES instrument developed by Power (2015a, 2015b) and Power, Cristol and Gimbert (2014), and to explore trends in self-efficacy changes amongst a more diversified participant population. This paper reports on the findings from the analysis of data collected using the mTSES tool. The findings provide useful feedback on the impacts of participating in the ID4ML course. They also provide further support for the utility of the mTSES instrument as a measure of perceptions of self-efficacy with mobile learning. These findings point to the potential utility of the mTSES as a tool for both planning and evaluating mLearning professional development training for teachers.
Developing Guidelines for Evaluating the Adaptation of Accessible Web-Based Learning Materials
Authors: Radovan Marko , Perdih Mojca
Published: July 2016

E-learning is a rapidly developing form of education. One of the key characteristics of e-learning is flexibility, which enables easier access to knowledge for everyone. Information and communications technology (ICT), which is e-learning’s main component, enables alternative means of accessing the web-based learning materials that comprise the content of e-learning. However, these materials can help provide a good educational experience only if they are designed carefully, which is especially true for people that have difficulties with learning from text or those with other learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia). The main obstacle to learning for such people is usually posed by the form in which web-based learning materials are provided. Using guidelines from relevant literature, this article provides a checklist that assesses the degree to which web-based learning materials take account of the needs of people with disabilities, especially those with dyslexia. The article focuses more on the technical aspects of web-based learning materials, as they are a crucial factor that can influence the accessibility of web-based learning materials.
Analytical Insights on the Position, Challenges, and Potential for Promoting OER in ODeL Institutions in Africa
Authors: Muganda Cornelia K , Samzugi Athuman S , Mallinson Brenda Justine
Published: July 2016

This paper shares analytical insights on the position, challenges and potential for promoting Open Educational Resources (OER) in African Open Distance and eLearning (ODeL) institutions. The researchers sought to use a participatory research approach as described by Krishnaswamy (2004), in convening a sequence of two workshops at the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) as a strategy for collecting data to obtain the aforementioned insight.  The principal workshop objectives were to analyse the existing status of OER at the OUT and subsequently to share lessons learned in OER creation and production, integration and use, and hosting and dissemination. Other objectives were to discuss the rationale for an institutional OER policy and identify a suitable work-flow process for developing OER at the OUT. The workshop participants were purposively selected for their experience in co-developing OER materials with various outside organisations. The study included 28 representatives of the OUT academic units, and one facilitator from OER Africa. Research techniques used to collect data included a questionnaire, focused group discussions, presentations, and panel discussions. Results indicated that OUT staff were willing to engage with OER but had limited awareness, skills and competencies in the creation, integration and use of OER. The outcome of the study was the development of nine draft OER resolutions expressing needs that include the development of a comprehensive institutional OER policy related to existing institutional policies in order to guide, support and promote research and sustainable OER practice via holistic participation. Enabling strategies included capacity building, increased internal and external collaboration, and enhanced access to and visibility of OER via the institutional repository.
The Effect of Multilingual Facilitation on Active Participation in MOOCs
Authors: Colas Jean-François , Sloep Peter B. , Garreta-Domingo Muriel
Published: July 2016

A new approach for overcoming the language and culture barriers to participation in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) is reported. It is hypothesised that the juxtaposition of English as the language of instruction, used for interacting with course materials, and one’s preferred language as the language of participation, used for interaction with peers and facilitators, is preferable to “English only” for participation in a MOOC. The Hands-On ICT (HANDSON) MOOC included seven teams of facilitators, each catering for a different language community. Facilitators were responsible for promoting active participation and peer tutoring. Comparing language groups revealed a series of predictors of intention to learn, some of which became apparent in the first days of the MOOC already. The comparison also uncovered four critical factors that influence participation: facilitation, language of participation, group size, and a pre-existing sense of community. Especially crucial was reaching a sufficient number of active participants during the first week. We conclude that multilingual facilitation activates participation in MOOCs in various ways, and that synergy between the four aforementioned factors is critical for the formation of the learning network that supports a social dynamic of active participation. Our approach suggests future targets for the development of the multilingual and community potential of MOOCs.
Entrepreneurial Education in a Tertiary Context: A Perspective of the University of South Africa
Authors: Amadi-Echendu Anthea Patricia , Phillips Magaret , Chodokufa Kudakwashe , Visser Thea
Published: July 2016

South Africa is characterised by high unemployment levels, a low Total Early Stage Entrepreneurial Activity rate, and a high small business failure rate. Entrepreneurship and small business development is seen as a solution to end unemployment in South Africa. A study to understand how to improve small business support was conducted at the University of South Africa and has shown that alumni are unable to apply theoretical knowledge acquired from their studies. The purpose of this article is to explore the potential of the University of South Africa in becoming more entrepreneurial to address the aforementioned challenges. A desk study that reviewed literature was conducted to identify different constructs associated with an entrepreneurial university, namely entrepreneurial education, research and development, innovation, commercialisation and incubation, and stakeholders. In addition to traditional teaching methods, various alternative approaches can be used to stimulate entrepreneurial education to develop the skills of learners/students. To address these challenges a closer relationship between academia, government, and industry is paramount.  It is recommended that universities incorporate entrepreneurial education in all their qualifications, expose students to on-the-job training, assist with the incubation of business ideas that students have, and provide a platform for cross-pollination of knowledge between industry, academia, and government.
Structural Relationships of Environments, Individuals, and Learning Outcomes in Korean Online University Settings
Authors: Lim Keol , Park Sung Youl , Kang Minseok
Published: July 2016

This study examines relationships of instructional environments, learner traits, and learning outcomes in the context of an online university course in Korea which has an advanced information technology background and rich e-learning experiences. However, the educational heritage of the country adheres to directive instruction with little interaction in the classroom. Based on the literature review, specific research variables are as follows: the environmental variables include learner-learner interaction, learner-instructor interaction, and content/system quality. Regarding learner traits, intrinsic/extrinsic motivation and computer/academic self-efficacy were investigated. Academic achievement and class satisfaction were identified as potential determinants of online learning outcomes. A total of 937 valid responses from online university students were used to establish structural relationships among the variables. Most of the structural associations among the factors were significantly positive, although some variables reflected Korean cultural and educational contexts specifically. The findings suggest a need for a synthetic approach towards e-learning and that further research should be conducted concerning context-specific variables.
Perceived Service Quality and Student Loyalty in an Online University
Authors: Martínez-Argüelles María-Jesús , Batalla-Busquets Josep-Maria
Published: July 2016

This paper examines the influence that student perceived quality of service (PSQ) has on continuance intention and willingness to recommend a course in a fully online university. A holistic view of the service provided by the university is taken. It is not only the effect of the teaching which is examined, but also that of the administrative services, the additional services, and the virtual learning environment (user interface). Through a survey completed by 1,870 students and the subsequent analysis using structural equations, we found that each of these services has a significant impact on the students' PSQ, their level of satisfaction, and, as a result, their loyalty and willingness to recommend the university. The study found that the perceived quality of the administrative services can have a comparatively higher impact on student satisfaction than the other services. PSQ is shown to have also a direct impact on student loyalty and recommendations. Moreover, as a whole, non-teaching services have a greater impact on loyalty and willingness to recommend than teaching service.

The peculiarities of the process of providing educational services in a virtual environment (such as the absence of face-to-face interaction between student and teacher and the lack of conventional tangible elements which act as benchmarks for quality of service) are well-known. The relationship established in the literature between the constructs of service quality, satisfaction, loyalty, and willingness to recommend the service in an offline environment can also be seen in this context.

The interconnection of factors proves to be more complex and interrelated than has been accounted for as yet in the scholarly literature. The findings of the survey are relevant to system concerns related to quality management and sustainability, both of which are increasingly important in today’s competitive educational postsecondary environment.
The Role of Re-Appropriation in Open Design: A Case Study on How Openness in Higher Education for Industrial Design Engineering Can Trigger Global Discussions on the Theme of Urban Gardening
Authors: Ostuzzi Francesca , Conradie Peter , De Couvreur Lieven , Detand Jan , Saldien Jelle
Published: July 2016

This case study explores the opportunities for students of Industrial Design Engineering to engage with direct and indirect stakeholders by making their design process and results into open-ended designed solutions. The reported case study involved 47 students during a two-weeks intensive course on the topic of urban gardening. Observations were collected during three distinctive phases: the co-design phase, the creation of an open design, and the sharing of these design solutions on the online platform Instructables.com.

The open sharing of local solutions triggered more global discussions, based on several types of feedback: from simple questions to reference to existing works and from suggestions to critiques. Also, some examples of re-appropriation of the designed solutions were reported. These feedbacks show the possibilities for students to have a global vision on their local solutions, confronting them with a wider and more diverse audience.

The case study shows, on the other hand, the difficulty in keeping students engaged in this global discussion, considering how after a few weeks the online discussions dropped to an almost complete silence. It is also very difficult with such online platforms to follow the re-appropriation cycles, losing the possibility of exploring the new local context where the replication/modification of the designed product occurred. The course’s focus on open design is interesting from both the design and educational points of view. It implies a deep change in the teaching approach and learning attitude of students, allowing unknown peers to take part in the design process and fostering a global discussion starting from unique and local solutions.
An Empirical Study of Factors Driving the Adoption of Mobile Learning in Omani Higher Education
Authors: Sarrab Mohamed , Al Shibli Ibtisam , Badursha Nabeela
Published: July 2016

Mobile learning (M-learning) provides a new learning channel in which learners can access content and just in time information as required irrespective of the time and location. Even though M-learning is fast evolving in many regions of the world, research addressing the driving factors of M-learning adoption is in short supply. This article focuses on the driving factors in adoption of M-learning and the learner’s perceptions and willingness towards M-learning adoption. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) has been shown to be a valid and powerful model in mobile and other learning technologies research. Based on Technology Acceptance Model theory, this paper analyzes the influencing factors on M-learning adoption and measure the acceptance of M-learning in Oman. The data collected from 806 participants in 17 different Omani higher education institutions using a survey questionnaire. Some factors of perceived innovative characteristics, such as ease of use, usefulness, enjoyment, suitability, social, and economic were found to have more influence on learners’ adoption of M-learning which help to facilitate and promote future empirical research. This effort is part of funded research project that investigate the development, adoption, and dissemination of M-learning in Oman.
Design and analysis of the redundancy allocation problem using a greedy technique
Authors: Nanda Souradeep , SHARMA SIDDHARTH , Piyush Kundnani , SHANKER DEB ANAND , Vijayalakshmi C.
Published: July 2016

We present a very computationally light and fast approximation algorithm and then verify it with genetic algorithm and simulated annealing. We show that our algorithm is on par with GA and SA in terms of output produced while having a tightly bounded time complexity. Our algorithm works best when there is a strong positive correlation between the reliability of a component and its cost. We present two algorithms with the same essence. One of them is system cost bounded and the other is target reliability bounded. Our proposed algorithm works on a subsystem level redundancy instead of component level redundancy.
Initial Public Offerings, Underpricing and Performance: The Case of Top International Brands
Authors: Harasheh Murad , Gatti Stefano
Published: July 2016

The present study aims at investigating the relationship between Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) variables mainly underpricing on one hand, and the brand value measures on the other. Our final data set is 104 international brand companies. We implement empirical approach using hierarchical OLS regression and descriptive statistics. We show that underpricing is positively related to brand value which emphasizes the marketing role of going public and underpricing in enhancing brand equity through the product market, which additionally confirms some information asymmetry models. We also find that on average brand companies had not been recognized as brands at the IPO time. Moreover, we show the positive role of private equity in enhancing brand value, additionally, the non-linear association between underpricing and brand value is not evident. Finally, we draw some policy implication and suggestions for future research.
Elastic Wave Motions and an Electromagnetic Field for a Photothermal Theory with Two Temperature under Hydrostatic Initial Stress
Authors: Lotfy Khaled , Hassan Wafaa
Published: July 2016

This paper investigates the influence of magnetic field for a two dimensional deformations on a two temperature problem at the free surface of a semi-infinite semiconducting medium under the effect of mechanical force during a photothermal theory and the effect of hydrostatic initial stress on the medium. The Harmonic Wave Method (Normal Mode Analysis) has been used to obtain the equations of elastic waves, heat conduction equation, quasi-static electric field, carrier density, two temperature coefficient, ratios, and constitutive relationships for the thermo-magnetic-electric medium. The effects of several parameters as thermoelastic and thermoelectric coupling parameters and two temperature parameter of this force on the displacement component, force stress, carrier density and temperature distribution has been depicted graphically.
The relationship between Iranian university EFL students’ multiple intelligences and their use of language learning strategies: An exploratory study
Authors: Abolfazli Khonbi Zainab , Mohammadi Mohammad
Published: July 2016

The present research contributes to an increased understanding of the potential relationships between multiple intelligences and the choice and frequency of use of language learning strategies. Forty-one EFL students from Urmia University (Iran) completed Oxford’s (1990a) Strategy Inventory for Language Learning and the McKenzie (1999) Multiple Intelligences Inventory. Data analyses revealed a moderately positive relationship between the participants’ multiple intelligences and language learning strategy use (r = .58). Pearson Product-Moment correlation also showed medium-to-large positive relationships within and among the categories of multiple intelligences and the types of language learning strategies. Implications of this study for EFL education are discussed, and suggestions to improve students’ performance are provided.
Communication as a strategic resource to promote Italian Institutes of Culture
Authors: Serragiotto Graziano , Maugeri Giuseppe
Published: July 2016

One of the ways in which Italy presents itself to the world is through the Italian Institute of Culture (IIC), an institution that aims at offering a cross-section of the Italian world and at the same time disseminating the rationale for its own existence. The IIC acknowledges and embraces the historical, political, and linguistic evolution of Italy and regards these as constitutional factors of its identity. In this article, we first provide background information about the Institute and display the key principles that determine how communication with outside communities takes place. Next, we adopt a theoretical model of communication in order to show how communication in and of itself has the potential to lead individuals on a path of cultural appreciation, as well as towards an appreciation for and acquisition of the Italian language.
Review: Friginal Eric & Hardy, Jack A. (2014). Corpus-based sociolinguistics: A guide for students. New York and London: Routledge
Authors: Forchini Pierfranca
Published: July 2016

This review highlights the content of Corpus-Based Sociolinguistics: A Guide for Students by Eric Friginal and Jack A. Hardy, which maps out a clear and systematic path for corpus applications in sociolinguistics.
Recesione: Metodi e strumenti per l’insegnamento e l’apprendimento dell’italiano.
Authors: Santeusanio Nicoletta
Published: July 2016

Nella presente recensione verrà presentato il volume Metodi e strumenti per l’insegnamento e apprendimento dell’italiano di Bertocchi Daniela, Ravizza Gabriella e Rovida Letizia, pubblicato presso la casa editrice EdiSES di Napoli nel 2014. I destinatari a cui si rivolgono le tre autrici sono futuri docenti di italiano o docenti già esperti. Il volume, al tempo stesso teorico e pratico, è articolato in quattro capitoli dedicati a concetti fondamentali quali l’educazione linguistica, le competenze, le abilità (in modo particolare quella della lettura), la riflessione metalinguistica e alla presentazione delle indagini nazionali e internazionali sulle competenze di lettura degli studenti. Il volume è caratterizzato, inoltre, da una ricca bibliografia specifica relativa alle tematiche affrontate in ogni capitolo e da una sitografia ragionata.
Review: Fäcke, Christian (Ed). (2014). Manual of language acquisition. Berlin/Boston: de Gruyter
Authors: Bernstein Katie A.
Published: July 2016

This review introduces readers to the Manual of Language Acquisition, edited by Christian Fäcke, and part of the “Manuals of Romance Linguistics” series. The Manual surveys current and central issues in the acquisition of Romance languages and cultures, as well as raises important questions about the relationship between Romance languages and with other languages—immigrant languages, local dialects, English—across the Romance–speaking world.
Reseña: Vera Luján, Agustín y Blanco Rodríguez, Mercedes (2014). Cuestiones de pragmática en la enseñanza del español como 2/L. Madrid, España: Arco/Libros.
Authors: Mura Angela
Published: July 2016

El volumen que reseñamos trata de las repercusiones de los fenómenos pragmáticos en la enseñanza del español comosegunda lengua. Se lleva a cabo una reflexión sobre el dominio lingüístico de la disciplina pragmática, y se propone una concepción abierta de dicha disciplina que se denomina teoría pragmática ampliada. Esta nueva visión tiene en cuenta una amplia gama de unidades discursivas diferentes - desde la unidad mínima (el enunciado) hasta la unidad máxima (el texto) - que se miran bajo el prisma de la teoría de los actos de habla. Tras llevar a cabo un análisis pormenorizado de los fenómenos observados en el Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes, los autores aplican los conceptos planteados al proceso de enseñanza/aprendizaje del español como 2/L, y proponen una batería de actividades amplia y rigurosa que el lector puede llevar al aula.
Moving forward: Revisiting the Spanish for High Beginners course
Authors: Belpoliti Flavia
Published: July 2016

This paper presents a case study on the redesign of a Spanish for High Beginners (SHB) course at a large metropolitan university in Texas, USA. The first section presents a discussion on the diverse nature of students who can benefit from an intensive first-year Spanish course and the challenges that these learners’ mixed abilities pose for instruction. The second section describes the redesign process of the SHB course, including placement procedures, the Spanish Language Program sequence, and changes in the syllabus to integrate communicative and transcultural competences by implementing a combination of focused instruction, collaborative learning and task-based approaches. The last section introduces a short presentation of four activities implemented in the redesigned course, which provide paths for future development of advanced beginners’ integrative tasks. The final section focuses on the results of an exit survey measuring students’ perceptions of the course. The successful implementation of changes and its outcomes demonstrate that this course could be a relevant solution for Spanish programs at tertiary institutions with diverse populations, helping to solve challenges of placement, articulation, and time-to-graduation effectiveness.
A review on bioenergy and biofuels: sources and their production
Authors: Rasool Ubaid , Hemalatha S.
Published: July 2016

Bioenergy refers to renewable energy produced from biomass. Biomass is any organic material which has stored sunlight in the form of chemical energy. Depleting fossil fuel reserves and growing demand for energy has necessitated the renewed search for alternative energy resources such as plants. Biofuels are an alternative to fossil fuels, which are liquid or gaseous fuels that are derived from biomass sources. Biofuels can be used alone or in combination with other fossil fuels such as petrol. Biofuels are classified into first, second and third generation biofuels. In this review paper, emphasis on the production of biodiesel and bioethanol and how to modify the methods that involve their formation has been carried out. Biodiesel and bioethanol come under first generation biofuels. The first generation biofuels are produced from starch and sugars (bioethanol) and from seed oils (biodiesel). The direct use of vegetable oils and non-edible oils can prove harmful for the diesel engines due to their high viscosity, high density and various other problems that are related to them. So there is a need of converting these sources into biodiesel so that it can be used as a replacement for petroleum based diesel. Another important biofuel, referred to as bioethanol has gained a lot of importance. This review article deals with the conversion of non-edible oils to biodiesel or by modifying the process of transesterification as well as the conversion of sugars to bioethanol by genetic modification of yeast cells and by changing the substrates required for ethanol production by yeast.
Promoting civic engagement with neglected tropical disease education
Authors: Bonney Kevin M.
Published: July 2016

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect over one billion people globally creating a public health burden that has far reaching implications for the fields of economics, politics, sociology, and science. Educating students and the public about relevant risks, implications, and treatments is a key component of reducing the public health burden associated with NTDs. Furthermore, teaching and learning about NTDs provides myriad opportunities to incorporate interdisciplinary teaching, active learning, and civic engagement into a broad range of courses throughout grade school, high school, college. However, despite the importance of NTD-focused education, few educational programs sufficiently emphasize this topic. Presented here is an overview of NTDs, a brief rationale for broadening inclusion of NTDs in a variety of educational settings, and a series of suggestions for promoting civic engagement with NTD education.
Phytochemistry and microscopy of Tapinanthus dodoneifolius (DC) (Danser) (Santalales: Loranthaceae) (African mistletoes) from guava, rubber and orange host trees
Authors: Idu MacDonald , Ovuakporie-Uvo Oghale , Nwaokolo Martin John
Published: July 2016

Qualitative and quantitative phytochemistry, micro and macro-elements and microscopy of Tapinanthus dodoneifolius (DC) (Danser) (Santalales: Loranthaceae) collected from guava (Psidum guajava L.), rubber (Hivea brasilensis Müll. Arg.) and orange (Citrus sinensis (L) Osbeck.) trees was carried out. This was done with the purpose of comparing their pharmacological and biological contents. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screenings were done using described methods. Microscopic study was done with the aid of a light microscope and photomicrographs were taken using a 14-mega pixel Sony cyber-shot. Result of phytochemical analysis showed the presence of oxalate, phytate, saponin, alkaloid, glycoside and tannin in African mistletoes. These phytochemicals were present in proportions that varied with their hosts. The microscopic observation showed no significant differences in the internal structures of mistletoes from the three host trees. From this present study, more differences were observed in the phytochemistry than the anatomy of the mistletoes understudied.
An ethnobotanical note on wild edible plants of Upper Eastern Himalaya, India
Authors: Murtem G. , Chaudhry Pradeep
Published: July 2016

The present article deals with the documentation of tribal knowledge on wild edible plants in Upper Eastern Himalayan Region of India. In total, 269 plant species belonging to 77 families were recorded in the study area of Upper Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh. Dioscoreaceae, Rutaceae, Cucurbitaceae and Arecaceae were the dominant families with 16, 13, 12 and 11 plant species, respectively, while Moraceae and Asteraceae followed with 10 species each. Four major life forms were trees, shrubs, herbs and climbers. Trees made the highest proportion of the edible species (81) followed by shrubs (74), herbs (71) and climbers (37). Availability of some of these species might be a serious constraint in near future due to various anthropogenic factors. Need for undertaking vigorous environmental awareness campaign among local tribes has been stressed upon in the article for conserving this valuable biological resource of Eastern Himalayan region of India.
Differences in host-infection patterns of clinostomatids (Clinostomatidae) in human disturbed aquatic ecosystems against undisturbed lake
Authors: Echi Paul Chinedu , Ojebe Mary Omeagu
Published: July 2016

Scarcely use of Opi Lake for many years (1995-2007) due to road cut to its site by erosion during which parasite survey of its major fish composition was carried out established host specificity disparity especially when compared with entirely human disturbed Oguta Lake and Anambra River Basin in Southeast, Nigeria. The infection prevalence had dispersed infection in mainly skin musculature micro-habitat in encysted forms in the later reservoirs. Conversely, the parasites occupied more host micro-habitats of eye, skin and buccal cavity with high rate of excysted forms in the former reservoir. The record of mainly encysted forms in the latter reservoirs is indicative of immune resistance host-parasite relationship. Also, human disturbance which has complimentary environmental influence on both parasite and host upsets parasite-host location strategies in aquatic communities within human vicinities where the reservoirs are used for numerous domestic chores. To the best of our knowledge, hitherto the latter had little or no clinostomatids parasites report.
Differential size-biased parasitism between Polyacanthorhynchus nigerianus (nomen nudum) and Polyacanthorhynchus echiyensis (nomen nudum) (Acanthocephala: Polyacanthocephala)
Authors: Echi Paul Chinedu , George Sanil , Kumar Suresh
Published: July 2016

Seasonal occurrence of acanthocephalans is replete with controversies stemmed from hosts' activities and environmental conditions etc. Ergo, recent mitochondrial DNA resolved two new cystacanths sequences in a parentenic host Polyacanthorhynchus nigerianus NG1 KC904074 and Polyacanthorhynchus echiyensis NG5 KC9040745 has necessitated the present study between wet and dry seasons. Though the trend of infection followed a similar pattern, NG5 had higher prevalence than NG1 with highest prevalence 5.3% in January. However, the trend changed from March-July when the occurrence of NG1 had relatively much lower monthly prevalence < 2.6%. Their differential body size NG5 994.61 +/- 110.07 mm and NG1 237.58 +/- 30.34 mm, respectively, resulted in a trade-off between their body sizes and numbers.
Impact of eyestalk ablation on androgenic gland activity in the freshwater crab Travancoriana schirnerae Bott, 1969 (Decapoda: Gecarcinucidae)
Authors: Padmanabhan Latha Nadkandi , Raghavan Sudha Devi Arath
Published: July 2016

The current study investigated the impact of eyestalk ablation on androgenic gland activity in the freshwater crab Travancoriana schirnerae Bott, 1969 (Decapoda: Gecarcinucidae). Bilateral eyestalk ablation during active phase (March-June) induced hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the gland as evidenced by increased width of the gland, thickness of the connective tissue layer, increase in cell and nuclear diameter with predominance of type I cells. This hypertrophy and hyperplasia was not followed by secretory activity during active phase which possibly suggests the non-functional nature of hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Unilateral destalkation during active phase neither caused hypertrophy nor hyperplasia of the gland cells probably because these crabs may still receive the inhibitory principle from the remaining intact eyestalk causing the gland to remain analogous to that of the unablated controls. The androgenic gland of control crabs during revival phase (January-February) was discerned with a few patches of proliferated type I cells scattered among vacuoles and degenerating cells. The most prominent feature of the gland of bilaterally ablated crabs during revival phase was the extensive proliferation of type I cells. Not much significant change was observed in the morphology and histology of the gland of unilaterally ablated crabs of revival phase.
Honey ameliorates ampiclox-induced testicular damage in male Wistar rats Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout, 1769) (Rodentia: Muridae)
Authors: Olawale Eweoya Olugbenga , Betty Emmanuel , Abayomi Ajayi
Published: July 2016

In an experiment to determine the effect of honey on ampiclox-induced testicular damage in rats, twenty (20) adult Wistar rats Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout, 1769) (Rodentia: Muridae) weighing 150-250 g were divided into four groups (A-D) of five rats each. Group A (control) was administered with 0.5 mL distilled water, group B was given freshly prepared honey orally by gavage daily at a dose of 1.2 g/kg body weight (b.wt), group C received ampiclox (50 mg/kg b.wt) daily while group D received ampiclox (50 mg/kg b.wt) and honey (1.2 g/kg b.wt) for a duration of 14 days. Findings indicate that honey significantly reduced ampiclox-induced damage on the testicular histology. It also improved the serum testosterone level and sperm parameters. The study suggests that honey has a protective effect against testicular damage caused by ampiclox.
Fluvial biofilm responses to joint changes in nutrients, temperature, turbidity and water velocity: an ex situ experiment
Authors: Cochero Joaquín , Gómez Nora
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study was to explore the responses of the epipelic biofilm of a Pampean stream with little impact from human activity to two environmental conditions, with joint modifications in nutrients, temperature, water velocity and turbidity. The experiment was conducted using artificial channels and lasted five weeks. The biological variables measured included chlorophyll-a content, bacterial biomass, ash-free dry weight, total carbohydrate concentration, total respiratory activity, and biofilm composition. Results show that the species’ composition of the biofilm was affected, although no other structural or metabolic variables measured were. These results highlight the importance of including structural parameters to measure rapid changes in water quality, even when analyzing the effects of co-occurring variables.