bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Correlation of Open Learning, Collaboration, Learning Tools, and Creative Problem Solving by Graduate Students in Thailand
Authors: Nonthamand Narin , Na-Songkhla Jaitip
Published: September 2018

Objectives of this research study were to investigate the correlation and forecast the independent variables of the correlation of opinions regarding open learning, collaboration, creative problem solving and usage level of teaching and learning media for graduate students in Thailand. It was a quantitative research study which used a questionnaire to collect data. The question items in the instrument were check listed and a rating scale was established which had been approved for validity by an expert. The samples consisted of 419 higher education students from 16 universities using correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. Research Findings 1 determined: Open learning was positively related to team working and willingness to work with others, group discussion behaviors, usage of teaching and learning media, and creative problem solving abilities. The highest results included the correlation of group discussion and creative problem solving abilities at 609**. Finding 2 included: Applied statistics methods including coefficient correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze open learning, group behavior, usage of teaching and learning media, creative problem solving abilities and resulted with the forecast equation showing creative problem solving abilities = .524, open learning = +.111, team working = + .317 , duty to work with others = + .099, group discussion behavior = * + .371, usage level of teaching and learning media = +. 087
Application of COCA in EFL Writing Instruction at the Tertiary Level in China
Authors: Xiao Gengsheng , Chen Xin
Published: September 2018

English writing plays an increasingly important role in the context of globalization. However, Chinese college students’ writing skills of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) are quite deficient and EFL writing instruction at the tertiary level in China is confronted with enormous difficulties. To handle this situation, we suggest the application of Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA) in college English writing instruction to resolve current problems such as learners’ insufficient exposure to authentic linguistic materials, inactive thinking, lack of motivation to write, and teachers’ heavy workload of making assessment. The application of COCA runs through the whole process of writing. At pre-writing stage, COCA is applied for idea inspiration and vocabulary preparation; at while-writing stage, COCA is used for eliminating erroneous usages and improving language quality, especially lexical accuracy and complexity; at post-writing stage, the application of COCA aims at giving effective feedback by improving the quality of different forms of assessment, i.e. teacher, self- and peer assessment.
Automated Data-Driven Hint Generation in Intelligent Tutoring Systems for Code-Writing: On the Road of Future Research
Authors: Bui Hieu Trong , F D Syed Mustapha Syed Malek
Published: September 2018

Introductory programming is an essential part of the curriculum in any engineering discipline in universities. However, for many beginning students, it is very difficult to learn. In particular, these students often get stuck and frustrated when attempting to solve programming exercises. One way to assist beginning programmers to overcome difficulties in learning to program is to use intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) for programming, which can provide students with personalized hints of students’ solving process in programming exercises.

Currently, mostly these systems manually construct the domain models. They take much time to construct, especially for exercises with very large solution spaces. One of the major challenges associated with handling ITSs for programming comes from the diversity of possible code solutions that a student can write. The use of data-driven approaches to develop these ITSs is just starting to be explored in the field. Given that this is still a relatively new research field, many challenges are still remained unsolved. Our goal in this paper is to review and classify analysis techniques that are requested to generate data-driven hints in ITSs for programming. This work also aims equally to identify the possible future directions in this research field.
Technologies Used in Education of Hearing Impaired Individuals
Authors: Baglama Basak , Haksiz Meltem , Uzunboylu Huseyin
Published: September 2018

It is very important to provide proper and appropriate education for the hearing impaired individuals. Today, it appears that using only traditional teaching methods is not sufficient for the education of hearing-impaired individuals. The use of modern technology makes training for hearing-impaired individuals more useful. Looking at the literature, it is seen that there are a limited number of studies on the comprehensive use of technologies used in the education of hearing impaired individuals. In this context, the aim of this study is to examine the technologies used in the training of hearing impaired individuals. In this study, document analysis method was used as a qualitative research method. The findings of the study were presented as technologies that contribute to the development of academic and linguistic skills of hearing impaired individuals. Prospects for further

research and application were given in the light of the findings.
An Exploration of Factors Influencing Self-Efficacy in Online Learning: A Systematic Review
Authors: Peechapol Chattavut , Na-Songkhla Jaitip , Sujiva Siridej , Luangsodsai Arthorn
Published: September 2018

This review examines 12 years of research by focusing on the following question: What are the factors that influence self-efficacy in an online learning environment? There has been a plethora of research concerning self-efficacy. However, few works have focused on the sources of self-efficacy in online-learning environments. Systematic searches of numerous online data-bases published between 2005 and 2017, which covered factors influencing self-efficacy in online learning context, resulted in the investigation of 25 studies. The data were extracted, organized and analyzed using a narrative synthesis. Results revealed that various factors improved self-efficacy and provided evidence of significant sources of self-efficacy in the context of online learning. Moreover, the investigation provides guidance for further research in designing online learning environments to enhance the self-efficacy of learners.
Secondary School Students’ Perceptions on the Use of Google+ towards Improving ESL Writing Skills
Authors: Mohamad Maslawati , Ghazali Naiman , Hashim Harwati
Published: September 2018

The use of social media in teaching has also revolutionized the way learning takes place. At higher education levels, measures have already been taken in incorporating the use of social media for learning purposes especially in the teaching of language. However, at secondary school levels, educators are still having doubts about using social media due to multiple issues. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the perceptions of secondary school students and a teacher in Malaysia on the use of Google+ towards the teaching of ESL writing skills. A case study method was adopted to carry out this research. 12 students from a class of form four secondary school students volunteered to participate in this study. Data were collected through focus group interview on the students and an individual interview with the class teacher and field notes. The overall findings of the study are that participants had positive perceptions on the usage of Google+ towards ESL writing. They gained a number of benefits, which include: having enjoyable and attentive lessons through the interactive features of Google+, as well as engaging themselves in an active and interesting lesson. The participants felt that they were having a sense of purpose, thus becoming more engaged in the writing tasks. As for interaction, the participants were interacting more confidently in Google+ writing classes compared to conventional writing lessons. The implication derived from this study is that teachers need to be made aware of how to integrate social media as learning tools in the teaching of English as a Second Language (ESL), particularly, in the teaching of ESL writing to upper secondary school students.
The Effect of the Difference Between Infographic Designing Types (Static vs Animated) on Developing Visual Learning Designing Skills and Recognition of its Elements and Principles
Authors: Afify Mohammed Kamal
Published: September 2018

This In the scope of improving learning outcomes in the age of technology, this study comes as an attempt to investigate the extent to which infographics are effective in developing learning outcomes for students. It has also attempted to study the effect of infographics types, static versus animated , on developing the skills of designing and producing visual learning materials, and the recognition of design elements and principles. The study was conducted on a sample of students of the College of Education at Imam Abdu Rahman bin Faisal University (IAU) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The sample students number is 36, and they are from students enrolled to study design and production of instructional media course (EDU195N) in the second semester of 2016/2017. The students involved are divided into two experimental groups, group (1) with 19 students who have studied the learning content through static infographics via WhatsApp platform, group (2) with 17 students who have studied the learning content through animated infographics via WhatsApp platform. In the overall, the results revealed that infographics effect the development of some learning outcomes. Besides, the results also demonstrated that static infographic type has more effects on developing skills of designing and producing visual learning materials and recognizing its elements and principles compared to the animated type. And this suggests deep consideration of integrating infographics in teaching e-courses, as well as considering the characteristics and appropriateness of each of the designing types, static versus animated when implemented in instructional processes for better outcomes for learners.
Students’ Perceptions of Social Presence in Blended Learning Courses in a Tanzanian Medical College
Authors: Almasi Mustapha , Zhu Chang
Published: September 2018

Social presence in a blended learning involves construction of learning through student sharing, interaction and support thus improving students’ motivation, and learning. This study examines students’ perceptions of social presence (SP) in blended learning courses (BL) in a medical college in Tanzania. Three research questions are addressed: are there significant differences in the reported scores of social presences among students based on gender, age and year of study? How is social presence encouraged in the BL medical courses? How is social presence associated with students’ learning in the BL medical courses? Following a mixed method, Social Presence Scale and Focus Group Discussion were in data collection. BL in these courses included face-to- face lectures, student online and face-to-face group discussions, laboratory practices, team-based learning (TBL), and online exams. The study involved 144 medical students. Survey results showed no significant differences in the reported scores of social presences based on their characteristics. However, affective expression and open communication were more valued than group cohesion elements of SP. Qualitative results show that social presence was encouraged through provision of group assignments, teacher online activities, and students’ group discussions. Through social presence and interaction, students learnt various concepts, examination questions in both online and in face-to-face discussions. The conclusion is that students’ characteristics are not crucial, however, group discussion and social presence influence their learning.
Study on Cultivation of Intercultural Communication Competence of College English Based on Modern Information Technology
Authors: Bingzhuan Peng
Published: September 2018

Economic globalization, integration of the world, and wide application and advanced development of modern information technology (MIT) demand high requirements for talents. Traditional teaching methods and means cannot satisfy the requirements of students for real language communication environment and language output. Consequently, students exhibit low intercultural communication ability and fail to satisfy the ultimate goal of foreign language teaching. A novel method to cultivate students’ intercultural communication competence (ICC) in college English based on MIT was proposed in this study. The method was used to examine students’ intercultural sensitivity (IS) and ICC. The concept of ICC was redefined. A model of ICC in college English based on MIT and a teaching mode for cultivating students’ ICC in college English based on MIT were constructed. The proposed teaching mode was applied to a teaching experiment, and interviews and questionnaires were used to estimate students’ IS and ICC. Results demonstrate that this mode is superior to traditional teaching methods, surpasses the limitations of time and space, realizes global information sharing, and integrates the language and cultural learning among students organically. The constructed teaching mode meets the needs and demands of most students and provides a resource-rich learning platform where students can improve their IS and ICC.
Taxonomy on IoT Technologies for Designing Smart Systems
Authors: El Beqqal Mohamed , Aziz Mostafa
Published: September 2018

The Internet of things(IoT) is now considered among  the most emerging technologies aiming to interconnect  heterogeneous smart  devices in several areas without human interaction . From sensing  and identification to data processing and storing. The Building and the monitoring of smart systems like smart homes, smart campus and smart cities pass through several stages on which different tools and platforms coexist to answer this need. In this paper, we present a survey on recent works using IoT tools to build their systems. Particularly, we classify and compare them according  to layers and characteristics that we have defined such as data acquisition, data processing , software used, conformity to standards.  Hence , our study aims to provide a clear vision on available functionalities during the process of building IoT systems based on most used IoT tools and to help users to choose the most adapted tool depending on their needs.
Investigation of Students’ Mobile Phone Usage and Influences towards Their Mobile Learning Adoption: A Case Study in Myanmar
Authors: The Mon Mon , Usagawa Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2018

Due to today’s interconnected and technology-driven world, a physical learning environment is transforming into a virtual or online location where learners can make active learning with portable devices. There is no doubt that an increasing number of students, who have mobile devices which handle digital information and facilitate their mobility. As an integral part of students’ daily lives, the universities and schools in higher education are also trying to equip with technology‘s changes and to solve the demand of their learners, and to adopt m-learning. This study learns the mobile phone usage of Myanmar student. In addition, it constructs a key part which investigates the students’ m-learning readiness and evaluates the influences on their attitudes to use m-learning. And a hypothesized model was introduced to investigate learners’ readiness to adopt m-learning. The empirical study is conducted by analyzing data collected as paper-based documents from 1024 participants. The findings advocate the eleven hypotheses which have positive impact to students’ m-learning readiness and their intension to use m-learning.
Arabic Alphabetic Puzzle Game Using Eye Tracking and Chatbot for Dyslexia
Authors: Aljojo Nahla , Munshi Asmaa , Almukadi Wfaa , Hossain Anhar , Omar Noran , Aqel Bashair , Almhuemli Shahad , Asirri Fatma , Alshamasi Areej
Published: September 2018

Dyslexia is a problem that an individual has since birth; it poses difficulties for the rest of their life, similar to other learning disabilities. Spelling, writing, reading and in certain instances speech can all be undermined by the language processing disorder. Idleness or a lack of intellect are not associated with dyslexia. Furthermore, sight problems do not cause dyslexia. Rather, data is evaluated and understood by the brain in alternative ways, making dyslexia a neurological ailment afflicting both children and grown-ups.

This paper seeks to devise a puzzle game application based on eye tracking, which will assist with focusing attention, as well as a chatbot that can motivate users. This should prove beneficial to individuals with dyslexia, parents of dyslexics, or experts such as reading professionals, instructors and teachers who are assisting dyslexics. Based on the best current understanding of how to assist dyslexics, we meticulously assessed every application prior to its inclusion. 
A Mobile Application for School Children Controlled by External Bluetooth Devices
Authors: Maloku Valdrin , Ebner Markus , Ebner Martin
Published: September 2018

The didactic method of digital, game-based learning includes integrating educational content or learning standards into video games with the objective to engage pupils. The method combines instructional content with computer or video games and can be used with all subjects and at all ability levels. Exponents of digital game-based learning argue that it provides learning opportunities which involve learners in interactive teaching and encourages them to take part in the technological society of the 21st century. The necessity of digital, game-based learning arose in the last decades of the 20th century as world-wide improvements in innovation took place. Today's learners live their lives with easy access to technology. This paper discusses the need for, motivation for and adjustment of digital, game-based learning to meet the needs of contemporary and the future generations of learners. Specifically, a game prototype for pupils of 9 to 10 years of age was implemented and evaluated. A simple mathematical game was created to help children practice mathematical skills in a fun, logical, thoughtful, enjoyable, amusing and light-hearted way. The results of the evaluation showed that children were interested in using mobile devices to learn mathematics, and especially the multiplication table. During the study, children tried both to achieve positive results and enjoyed the game. Our findings indicate that using mobile-based games encourages a positive mental outlook in pupils toward mathematics, ensures their dynamic, noteworthy participation and supports the acquisition of mathematical knowledge.
M-learning for the Art of Drawing: Informal Learning for a Digital Age
Authors: Yuktirat Chananchida , Sindhuphak Apisak , Kiddee Krissana
Published: September 2018

Abstract— Mobile learning (M-learning) has become part of a rich mix of new features and facilities in the teaching and learning process, and with the advent and proliferation of the smartphone, M-learning is reaching new heights. In the art world, M-learning is also being explored, and as students can be connected to their teacher from anywhere in the world, there is no longer the need for a physical studio to learn the magic of art. The researchers therefore set out to create a course using digital technologies for teaching the Art of Drawing online. Initially, the researchers made use of the Delphi method to query a panel of 19 experts in the fields of art education, educational technologists and artists to gather their input for an online, M-Learning course model. After which, 248 Facebook members belonging to the ‘Society of the Professional Art Teachers Development of Thailand’ were selected by use stratified random sampling. From these members, 201 opted to participate in a 2-month M-learning course concerned with the Art of Drawing. Results revealed that both the experts and the course students found the use of digital tools such as the iPad, tablet, and smartphone as very appropriate in learning the Art of Drawing. The same was true for the applications as well.
La construction discursive de la légitimation : le Cahier des doléances et réclamations de Madame B… B… 1789
Authors: Siess Jürgen
Published: September 2018

Comment l’autolégitimation se construit-elle lorsque le droit à la parole publique n’est pas assuré ? C’est ce que j’entends montrer à l’exemple d’un Cahier de doléances adressé aux États généraux par une femme qui n’est pas autorisée à s’exprimer dans l’espace public. En partant de deux procédures de légitimation examinées par T. Van Leeuwen et R. Wodak, l’« autorisation » et l’« évaluation morale », j’analyse leurs modalités discursives et argumentatives et la fonction qu’elles revêtent dans le texte de Mme B… B… Dans un deuxième temps, en me distinguant des catégories proposées par les deux chercheurs, j’examine la construction de l’ethos effectuée par l’auteure : elle a un double objectif, de s’ériger en porte-parole du genre féminin et de recourir au raisonnement logique, preuve fournie par le texte même d’une capacité partagée par tous et toutes. Si, en fin de compte, la reconnaissance des députés ne sera pas accordée à la locutrice, on peut néanmoins conclure que son texte s’adresse, au-delà de cet allocutaire de 1789, à un « auditoire universel » face auquel elle entend se justifier, tout en comptant se mettre en mesure de résister.
Entre contre-discours et légitimation : la construction d’un ethos testimonial dans L’étrange défaite de Marc Bloch
Authors: Sitbon Jonathan
Published: September 2018

Cet article étudie les modes discursifs par lesquels l’historien Marc Bloch élabore un ethos testimonial dans l’introduction de son Etrange défaite. L’ouvrage retrace l’expérience de l’auteur de la défaite de l’armée française en 1940 et en analyse de façon très fouillée les causes, se posant ainsi en contre-discours face à la propagande officielle en vigueur. Parce qu’un témoin doit légitimer sa prise de parole, Marc Bloch entreprend de décliner son état-civil de façon à satisfaire aux exigences du modèle testimonial traditionnel issu de la rhétorique et du droit. Au cours de son argumentation, il revient sur son identité juive, une composante qui n’a, a priori, aucun lien avec le sujet de son ouvrage. Ce faisant, il nous oblige à reconsidérer d’un œil neuf les mécanismes de revendication, de construction et de limitation d’un ethos discursif de témoin face à des stéréotypes.
Pour une lecture du zouglou comme pratique discursive interculturelle
Authors: Lezou Koffi Aimée-Danielle
Published: September 2018

L’objectif de cet article est double : identifier les lieux discursifs de l’interculturel ; caractériser le zouglou de Côte d’Ivoire en tant que pratique interculturelle. Cette forme d’expression artistique se révèle au grand public en 1990. Les étudiants, par ce canal, dénoncent leurs conditions d’études et de vie délétères. Le phénomène s’amplifie et est récupéré par les jeunes déscolarisés. Depuis 28 ans, le zouglou occupe une place privilégiée sur l’échiquier musical ivoirien. La première partie de l’analyse définit l’interculturel et rappelle les études antérieures l’ayant articulé avec l’Analyse du Discours. L’interculturel, dans ce cadre, est inscrit dans les dimensions énonciative, dialogique et interactionnelle du discours. La deuxième partie examine les instances énonciatives, les zougloumen et l’auditoire, et procède à leur construction identitaire discursive. La troisième partie situe le zouglou dans un imaginaire socio-discursif de la diversité. En effet, le plurilinguisme et l’hétérogénéité musicale en sont les caractéristiques principales. Enfin, la quatrième partie met en exergue les mécanismes d’affaiblissement des spécificités identitaires, en l’occurrence le jeu des anthroponymes, des pseudonymes et des stéréotypes.
Intégrer une communauté dans une autre : Barack Obama et Amazing Grace
Authors: Rossette Fiona
Published: September 2018

L’éloge funèbre prononcé par Barack Obama en mémoire de Clementa Pinckney, le pasteur noir assassiné dans son église à Charleston, fut très commenté dans les médias pour ce qui y a tenu lieu de péroraison : le Président a entonné l’hymne religieux le plus célèbre de la culture anglo-saxonne, Amazing Grace. Dans cette contribution, je m’attache à montrer comment la parole vise à susciter le sentiment de communion qui caractérise le genre épidictique. Il s’agit de montrer comment Obama parvient à intégrer l’auditoire direct, physiquement présent dans la salle, à savoir la communauté afro-américaine, au sein d’une communauté englobante, c’est-à-dire l’ensemble du peuple américain. Pour cela je m’appuie sur les concepts de « Scène rhétorique » (Maingueneau 2016) et de « particitation » (Maingueneau 2004). Cette étude met en avant la position particulière d’un orateur qui « prend de la hauteur ». En même temps, les différentes formes de participation de l’auditoire, qui proviennent du rituel religieux afro-américain, et dont le chant représente le point culminant, jouent un rôle crucial pour susciter la communion. Celle-ci repose également sur la mise en spectacle de la parole, à travers le déploiement de figures rhétoriques, les variations vocales et rythmiques, et la gestuelle. Ces procédés, amplifiés encore une fois par le chant, engagent tout le corps et concourent à une véritable incorporation qui suscite l’intégration au sein de la communauté englobante.
Employee Intention to Stay: An Environment Based on Trust and Motivation
Authors: Shahid Amena
Published: September 2018

An organization effort to recognize the reasons for employee retention can serve to keep turnover down. No matter what industry it is essential to comprehend what the employees think and sense about the organization and the working culture. A supportive and positive work environment instilled by motivation and trust strengthens the connection between an organization and employee. When organizational leaders naturally respect employees as more than mere work resources, employees reach a high level of performance and will continue with the organization longer. The primary objective of this study was to recognize and promote the factors of trust and motivation influencing a positive working environment and employees intentions to stay with the organization. The study aims to determine elements of employee intent to stay and contribute to the growing body of literature on the significance of trust, motivation and positive working environment.
The Local Government Strategy in Sub-District Development as the Center of Economic Development with One Sub-District One Product Based at Mukomuko Region in Bengkulu Province
Authors: Fadly Muhammad , Supriatna Tjahya , Mulyati Deti , Simangunsong Fernandes
Published: September 2018

The focus of the study was to analize the strategy of developing district as the centre of economic growth with One District One Product principle by formulating the accurate strategy in planning the development of district with One District One Product principle in Mukomuko District of Bengkulu.  The existing unbalanced development and regional gap made the study important.  The method used in the study was descriptive qualitative and explorative within 15 districts of Mukomuko, Bengkulu. Data collecting was done by interview, observation, documentation, triangulation (Forum Groups Discussion), and using quantitative analysis measurement (scalogram, LQ, MRP, Overlay, and interaction).The result of the study showed 5 (five) districts as economic growth and regional development in Mukomuko District of Bengkulu, namely: (1) District of Mukomuko City, (2) District of Lubuk Pinang, (3) District of Penarik, (4) District of Pondok Suguh, and (5) District of Ipuh. Featured products of each sub-district determined by the potential of natural resources and Gross Domestic Regional Product as featured commodities of One District One Product were: rice commodity, cattle, chicken, rubber, salt-water fish, Kelong shrimp, Soka crab, galian c (quarry), Mingkih fish, tofu/tempe, and Pandan Wangi Beach tourism. Competitive Strategy and ASOCA Analysis were used to formulate the strategy to develop district as economic growth centre.
Reaping the Fruits of Contracting out through Governance, Organization and Management: An Empirical Exploration of Local Governing Practices
Authors: Sørensen Eva , Torfing Jacob
Published: September 2018

So far, the impact of local governing practices on the likelihood that municipalities will reap the potential fruits of contracting out has only received scant attention. To fill this gap, this article explores the governing practices of local municipalities in order to determine whether or not they match the forms of governance, organization and management that are generally assumed to be conducive to obtaining the desired results of contracting out. Based on a systematic literature review and an explorative empirical case study, we propose a number of conjectures about what seems to work in terms of ensuring positive outcomes from contracting out. The conjectures are compared with the results of a nation-wide survey designed to assess whether or not local municipalities in Denmark are doing what they are supposed to be doing. The empirical analysis shows room for improvement, prompting a discussion of the future prospects for governing contracting out through particular forms of governance, organization and management.
Nurses’ communication with dying children and their families in pediatric oncology: A literature review
Authors: Yadegari Maryam , Rankin Janet , Johnson Jessie M.
Published: September 2018

The last period of life for a child dying from cancer is of critical importance, not only for the child, but also for the child’s parents and other relatives. Health care professionals, especially nurses, face multiple challenges when caring for children dying from cancer. By better understanding the conversational topics that arise in the care of children dying from cancer and their families, nurses may best manage the communication challenges that arise during this difficult time of suffering. This literature reviews aim is to examine and gather evidence about topics that support nurses’ communication when caring for children dying from cancer and their families. There are central conversations that pediatric oncology nurses should be comfortable with: death and dying; EOL decision making; symptoms and suffering. In pediatrics, play and playfulness should be maintained. Issues related to hope are integral to the parents’ experience. Literature indicates that the involvement of palliative care teams improves the EOL experience for parents and children.
Aquatic Orthopaedic Injuries
Authors: Brophy Robert H. , Bernholt David L.
Published: September 2018

Extremity injuries sustained in aquatic environments require unique considerations compared with injuries sustained on land. Knowledge of these considerations is becoming more important as aquatic recreational activities increase in popularity. Aquatic injuries may occur through mechanical contact with a variety of different objects or surfaces, such as a recreational device or watercraft part, or may occur through contact with marine animals. Marine animal injuries can be further categorized into bites, stings, or blunt contact, as well as venomous or nonvenomous, distinctions that should be used to guide clinical management. Numerous instances of retained foreign bodies after marine animal stings exist, which can result in infection and prolonged envenomization; thus, radiographic examination should be routinely performed in aquatic sting injuries to prevent these harmful sequelae. Any aquatic injury resulting in an open wound has an increased risk for infection, and prophylactic antibiotics must be given with consideration for the unique microbiologic flora of the aquatic environment.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Asian Social Science, Vol. 14, No. 10
Authors: Zhang Jenny
Published: September 2018

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Asian Social Science, Vol. 14, No. 10, 2018.
Enhancing Thai In-service Teachers’ Perceptions of STEM Education with Tablet-based Professional Development
Authors: Pitiporntapin Sasithep , Chantara Panuvit , Srikoom Wachira , Nuangchalerm Prasart , Hines Lisa M.
Published: September 2018

National efforts in Thailand are currently focused on promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in order to better prepare the future generations to be an effective and productive workforce. In accordance with this mission, the goal of this research is to develop a tablet-based professional development (PD) program to enhance in-service teachers’ perceptions of STEM education, which will directly affect both their decision to incorporate STEM, as well as their ability to effectively do so in their own classroom. To assess the efficacy of the PD program, we recruited 240 STEM and non-STEM teachers from basic education schools in Thailand to participate in the program. The activities in this program were divided into three parts: 1) increasing knowledge about STEM education, 2) providing demonstrations of STEM teaching, and 3) developing STEM-based lessons. Data were collected throughout the tablet-based PD program from focus group discussion sessions, pre-post questionnaires, and informal interviews. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that before participating in the tablet-based PD program, the majority of participants had limited knowledge on STEM education and were uncertain on how to integrate STEM into their instructional practices. They also had difficulty with connecting the different STEM disciplines in their activities. Although they were interested in implementing the STEM educational approach, they lacked confidence on how to accomplish this. After completing the tablet-based PD program, many participants had a much better understanding of STEM education and greater confidence with implementing STEM pedagogical approaches.
Irrational Beliefs as Mediator in the Relationship Between Activating Event and Stress in Malaysian Fully Residential School Teachers
Authors: Mahfar Mastura , Xian Khoo Hui , Ghani Faizah Abd. , Kosnin Azlina , Senin Aslan Amat
Published: September 2018

Teacher stress has been a major concern among researchers as it has negative impact on teaching profesion. This study aimed to test the mediating effect of irrational beliefs on the relationship between activating event as the independent variable and stress as the dependent variable. Data were collected from a sample of 201 teachers from seven Malaysian Fully Residential School (FRS) in the Johor state by using stratified random sampling. The Teacher Irrational Beliefs (TIB), Teacher Activating Event (TAE), and Teacher Stress (TRS) questionnaires were employed to measure irrational beliefs, activating events, and stress of teachers. The Pearson coefficient correlation was used to determine the relationships among variables and multiple regression analysis was used to verify the presence of mediation effects. In general, the correlation results showed that there were positive relationships among variables. The findings of regression analysis indicated that irrational beliefs mediate the relationship between activating event and stress among FRS teachers. This findings highlighted the teachers’ irrational beliefs as the major determinants of emotional problems rather than activating event itself which comply with the ABC Model based on Rational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) approach.
Perspectives of Compulsory Secondary Education Students on Bilingual Sections in Madrid (Spain)
Authors: Chaieberras Zahra , Rascón-Moreno Diego
Published: September 2018

This article presents an empirical study about the students’ perspectives on bilingual sections in Compulsory Secondary Education (CSE) in the Community of Madrid, Spain. Its aim is to highlight the students’ opinions and their level of satisfaction of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) in this monolingual setting. The results extrapolate from the analysis of questionnaires and focus groups interviews. These two methods of research gave excellent opportunities for 754 bilingual participants in 18 bilingual schools (schools are public, charter, and private ones from both rural and urban areas) to expose their opinions and attitudes about the program. Thus, the article outlines the main findings in relation to the following factors: students’ use, competence and development of English in class; methodology; materials and resources; evaluation; teachers’ use, competence and development of English in class; mobility; improvement and motivation towards learning English; teacher training and mobility; and finally, overall appraisal of bilingual sections.
EFL Students’ Attitude Toward Using Metacognitive Strategies in Writing
Authors: Al-Jarrah Tamer Mohammad , Mansor Noraien , Rashid Radzuwan Ab , Bashir Ibrahim , Al-Jarrah Jarrah Mohammad
Published: September 2018

Metacognitive learning strategies are higher–order executive skills that help learners become more independent, autonomous, and capable of planning, monitoring and evaluating learning process. This research was aimed at investigating EFL students’ attitude towards the use of metacognitive strategies in writing. Data were generated through in-depth interviews with 10 EFL students purposively selected from Irbid secondary school, Jordan. Only students from experimental group, who received the intervention, were interviewed. The data obtained were analyzed using ATLAS.TI version 8. The findings indicate that the majority of students acknowledged the usefulness of metacognitive strategies in improving their writing performance, but some experience difficulties in implementing the strategies. The majority of students reported positive attitudes toward metacognitive strategies as they help them to improve their English writing and cultivate learning autonomy. This paper recommends that metacognitive instruction should be incorporated in writing classrooms as it helps students to become more self-regulated.
Characteristics of Organophosphate Ester Formation during Smoking
Authors: Shimazu Haruki
Published: September 2018

This study examines the occurrence of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in cigarettes and sidestream cigarette smoke and to see the OPE formation characteristics during smoking. All seven OPEs in both gas and particulate phases were measured in sidestream cigarette smoke for four brands of cigarettes. Tributyl phosphate (TBP), tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP), tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), and triphenyl phosphate (TPP) were found frequently. Median total OPE increases in the air samples during smoking were 56.2 ng per cigarette for gas-phase OPEs and 2360 ng per cigarette for particulate-phase OPEs. TBP and TCEP could be absorbed to particles in air more readily than alkans as seen from the correlation line between gas–particle partition coefficients (Kp) and the subcooled liquid vapor pressures (PLº) for alkans. Furthermore, TBP was determined in the cigarettes. Median total OPE decreases in the cigarette samples during smoking were 1200 ng per cigarette. The combustion reaction increased TBP and TBEP levels in cigarettes, and particulate-phase TBEP in air appeared to influence the production of TBP, TCEP, and TPP. TBP and TBEP in cigarettes likely affect the production of TBP, TBEP, TCEP, and TPP in air during smoking.
Reviewer acknowledgements for Environment and Pollution, Vol. 7, No. 2
Authors: John Albert
Published: September 2018

Reviewer acknowledgements for Environment and Pollution, Vol. 7, No. 2, 2018.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Mathematics Research, Vol. 10, No. 5
Authors: Wang Sophia
Published: September 2018

Journal of Mathematics Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal is greatly appreciated.

Many authors, regardless of whether Journal of Mathematics Research publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers.

Reviewers for Volume 10, Number 5

 

Abdessadek Saib, University of Tebessa, Algeria

Ahmed Saad Rashed, Zagazig University, Egypt

Alan Jalal Abdulqader, Al-Mustansiriyah University, Iraq

Alberto Simoes, University of Beira Interior, Portugal

Ali Berkol, Space and Defense Technologies & Baskent University, Turkey

Arman Aghili, University of Guilan, Iran

Chung-Chuan Chen, National Taichung University of Education, Taiwan

Denis Khleborodov, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia

Gener Santiago Subia, NUeva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Philippines

Guoping Zhan, Zhejiang University of Technology, China

Hayat REZGUI, Ecole normale Supérieure de Kouba, Algeria

Kuldeep Narain Mathur, University Utara Malaysia, Malaysia

Marek Brabec, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Czech Republic

Maria Alessandra Ragusa, University of Catania, Italy

Mohammad A. AlQudah, German Jordanian University, Jordan

N. V. Ramana Murty, Andhra Loyola College, India

Neha Hooda, New Jersey City University, United States

Özgür Ege, Ege University, Turkey

Paul J. Udoh, University of Uyo., Nigeria

Philip Yordanoff Philipoff, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria

Rami Ahmad El-Nabulsi, Athens Institute for Education and Research, Greece

Rovshan Bandaliyev, National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan

Salih Abdalla, University of El Imam El Mahdi, Sudan

Sanjib Kumar Datta, University of Kalyani, India

Sergiy Koshkin, University of Houston Downtown, USA

Suzana Blesic, , Italy

Vinodh Kumar Chellamuthu, Dixie State University, USA

Wenqiang Feng, The University of Tennessee, United States

Xiaofei Zhao , Texas A&M University , United States

Xingbo WANG, Foshan University, China

Zoubir Dahmani, University of Mostaganem, Algeria
Development and Assessment of Localized Seasonal Rainfall Prediction Models: Mapping and Characterizing Rift Valley Fever Hotspot Areas in the Southern and Southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Weledekidane Ephrem
Published: September 2018

Rift Valley Fever disease has been recognized as being among permanent threats for the sustainability of livestock production in Ethiopia, owing to shared boarders with RVF endemic countries in East Africa. Above-normal and widespread rainfall have outweighed as immediate risk factor that facilitated historical outbreaks of the disease in the East Africa. The objective of the present study, thus, was to develop prospective localized seasonal rainfall anomaly prediction models, and assess their skills as early indicators to map high risk localized rift valley fever disease outbreak areas (hotspots) over the southern and southeastern part of Ethiopia. 21 years of daily rainfall data; for five meteorological stations, was employed in diagnosing existences of any anomalous patterns of rainfall, along with a cumulative rainfall analysis to determine if there were ideal conditions for potential flooding. The results indicated that rainfall in the region is highly variable; with non-significant trends, and attributed to be the results of the effects of large-scale climatic-teleconnection. The moderate to strong positive correlations found between the regional average rainfall and large scale teleconnection variables (r ≥ 0.48), indicated some potentials for early prediction of seasonal patterns of rainfall. Accordingly, models developed, based on the regional average rainfall and emerging developments of El Niño/Southern Oscillation and other regional climate forcings, showed maximum skills (ROC scores ≥ 0.7) and moderate reliability. Deterministically, most of the positive rainfall anomaly patterns, corresponding to El Niño years, were portrayed with some skills. The study demonstrated that localized climate prediction models are invaluable as early indicators to skillfully map climatically potential RVF hotspot areas.
Community Contribution Companies and Access to Social Finance
Authors: Horel Bridget M , McKague Kevin
Published: September 2018

There is widespread agreement that innovative funding solutions are necessary to address capital requirements of social enterprises, social purpose businesses and not-for-profits in the social economy. The community contribution company (C3) is a legal organizational form for social enterprise, introduced in British Columbia, Canada, in 2013. In creating this legal form, the British Columbia government intended to provide social entrepreneurs with a recognized legal structure designed, in part, to assist social enterprises in gaining access to investment capital. Drawing on interviews from 14 of the 35 registered C3s and a review of filing data, this study provides information to help understand what attracted organizational founders to the C3 model, what challenges are experienced by C3s engaging with investors and financial institutions, and what opportunities there are for improvement to the C3 legal form. This study found that reasons outside a motivation to access investment capital are key driving factors for incorporating as a C3; there is currently a low level of engagement from impact investors; financial incentives may have a role in increasing investment in C3s; and there is an expressed need and opportunity to enhance education about the model to further support C3s. While the consensus from interview respondents was that benefits of incorporating as a C3 outweighed disadvantages, we found that the model has not helped organizations attract social finance and investment. As this model is in relatively early stages of implementation, the lessons learned in this study can inform investors, social finance intermediaries, entrepreneurs, and policy makers.
Computer Tool for Sizing and Economic Assessment of Grid Connected Photovoltaic System
Authors: Torres Ome Arnold Ferney , Paque Salazar Ana Lucía , Diaz Franco Fernand , González López July Steffany
Published: September 2018

Thanks to the location close to the Equator line, Colombia offers an advantage location for solar applications. This is the case of Neiva, a city located in the south of Colombia where the average temperature and irradiance are 31 °C and 4 kW/m2 respectively. This paper describes the development of an investment payback solar calculator (PSC) software for residential and commercial PV solar applications in Neiva. The PSC uses both the average solar energy and the electricity prices to estimate the rate of return on investment, the payback period (PBP), the net present value (NPV) as well as the environmental impact. The PCS software is then evaluated using a historical and statistical information from NASA, adjusted with the results of a small scale 1 kW grid connected PV system production. The results show that the PCS software can satisfactorily indicate the PV system size and perform an economic evaluation of the system to be implemented. The results obtained using the application developed were compared to two commercially available software Sunny Design and HOMER. The NPV and the PBP values showed that the proposed application results are like those delivered by the commercial software. Furthermore, the economic evaluation given by the developed tool uses additional information which makes it more accurate in countries where socioeconomic stratum is presented.