bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preference mapping of different varieties of garlic (Allium sativum)
Authors: Drdolová Zuzana , Martišová Patrí­cia , Benešová Lucia
Published: May 2019

In this work we evaluated different varieties of garlic. All varieties of garlic are rated from one harvest year. Compared samples were different in shape, taste, aroma and characteristics, which were likely to impact on consumer choice and deciding on purchases garlic. Selected indicators were part of internal sensory evaluations, which were evaluated by experts in the sensory laboratory. External part of the preference mapping was conducted among consumers relying on different varieties of garlic under their consumption. Using the internal part of the preferential mapping we summarize randomly selected characteristics within the textural properties and characteristics of taste in which we consider the possible impact on consumer´s choice. In the sensory evaluation assessors used 9 point scale to evaluate 15 selected properties across the texture, taste and aroma on 10 selected varieties according to the degree of preference. Garlic odour and textural properties were evaluated by the normal procedure, though the taste because of intense lingering aftertaste of has been evaluated in a prepared mixture after cooking. For external evaluation, we designed a questionnaire in which consumers can express their preference for individual samples based on photo and variety characteristics, using a hedonic scale from 1 to 9. Obtained data from sensory evaluation and a questionnaire survey were evaluated using statistical software XLSTAT. Preferential map summarise results from internal and external evaluation. We identified characteristics affecting the degree of consumer preferences according to the visualization of our results.
Effect of Dividend Policy on Stock Price Volatility in Nigeria Stock Exchange
Authors: Araoye Felix Ebun , Aruwaji Akinola Michael , OlusuyiAjayi Emmanuel
Published: May 2019

This paper seeks to determine the effect of dividend policy and dividend payment on share price volatility in Nigeria. Several literatures have showed evidence that dividend policy vary inversely proportional with share price volatility with duration effect. The study used data from the actively trading companies listed in the Nigeria Securities Exchange for a period of ten (10) years from 2005–2014. The estimation is based on panel data analysis between dividend policy measures (dividend payout, dividend per share, earnings after tax, dividend declared and number of share) and Share price volatility. The findings from the random effects regression results showed dividend per share is the major determinants of share price volatility in NSE (β = 0.6870, ρ<0.05). Dividend payout ratio negatively affect share price volatility (β =0.612, ρ>0.05) and earnings after tax negatively affect share price volatility (β =0.038, ρ>0.05).Thus, the higher the payout ratio the less the share price volatility, and the higher the earnings after tax lower the share price volatility. In conclusion, dividend per share has positive effect and inclusive relationship with market share prices. It is recommended that firms should try and improve on their financial performance that will enable consistent increase in the dividend per share for positive impact on market value.
APLICAÇÃO DO PROCESSO OXIDATIVO AVANÇADO FENTON SEGUIDO DE OZONIZAÇÃO PARA TRATAMENTO DE EFLUENTE REAL CONTENDO CORANTES PROVENIENTE DE INDÚSTRIA DE BENEFICIAMENTO DE ÁGATAS
Authors: Vieira Yasmin , Mistura Clóvia Marozzin , Foletto Edson Luiz
Published: May 2019

O Estado do Rio Grande do Sul possui significativa presença de ágata. Dada a relevância econômica, a ágata bruta passa por processos de beneficiamento, buscando-se agregar valor, como o tingimento com corantes. Os efluentes então gerados acabam adquirindo maior complexidade - passando a ser de difícil tratamento, muitas vezes não respondendo aos métodos convencionais. Foi estudada a eficiência da reação de Fenton homogênea, como Processo Oxidativo Avançado (POA). O tratamento demonstrou ser um método eficiente na remoção de cor, entretanto, não foi capaz de remover os índices mínimos necessários de Demanda Química de Oxigênio (DQO) do efluente. Ainda assim, considerando-se as condições experimentais, a reação de Fenton pode ser considerada um método de aplicabilidade promissora na indústria de tingimentos de gemas.
Einstein’s Illusions in STR
Authors: Al-Tamimi Mohammad Tayseer
Published: May 2019

Special Theory of Relativity (STR) had been considered as a key of modern physics where Albert Einstein proved it in 1905 based on his imaginary experiment when he deduced three important conclusions related to the mass, length and time, essentially.

Many times, I tried to check this imaginary experiment and I failed to get the same conclusions, maybe because I am not as smart as Einstein, but when you check my realistic experiment with my own mathematical equations you will be satisfied that there is nothing changed on the cases of the mass, length or time, where I proved that Einstein’s Beta doesn’t make sense in behalf of Galileo’s transformations.
Isolation and molecular identification of laccase-producing saprophytic/phytopathogenic mushroom-forming fungi from various ecosystems in Michoacán State, Mexico
Authors: Mukhtar Irum , Arredondo-Santoyo Marina , Vázquez-Garcidueñas Ma. Soledad , Vázquez-Marrufo Gerardo
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was isolation and molecular identification of laccase-producing saprophytic/phytopathogen Basidiomycetes species from different geographic regions with dominant vegetation of Pinus, Abies, and Quercus spp. in the state of Michoacán, Mexico. Soil samples and visible mycelial aggregates were collected for fungal isolations. Soil samples were processed using a soil particle washing technique, where a selective Ascomycetes inhibitor and guaiacol, as an indicator of saprophytic Basidiomycetes growth, were used. Most of the isolates were obtained from samples collected in Parque Nacional, José Ma. Morelos (Km 23), Charo, Michoacán, Mexico. Based on sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS1-5.8S-ITS4) with respect to reference taxa, identification of saprophytic/phytopathogen Basidiomycetes species was carried out. In total, 15 isolates from 12 genera (i.e., Bjerkandera, Coriolopsis, Ganoderma, Hexagonia, Irpex, Limonomyces, Psathyrella, Peniophora, Phlebia, Phlebiopsis, Trametes, and Trichaptum) and one species from family Corticiaceae were identified. This study will be useful for further investigations on biodiversity of soil Basidiomycetes in different ecosystems. At present, these isolates are being used in our various lab experiments and can be useful in different industrial and bioremediation applications.
Interior of saxicolous lichens on different types of rocks as a habitat for microfungal communities in Upper Galilee, Israel
Authors: Grishkan Isabella , Temina Marina
Published: May 2019

We examined the diversity and composition of fungi from the interior of saxicolous (rock inhabiting) lichens covering basaltic and chalk rocks at the Alma–Har-Ben-Zimra area of Upper Galilee, Israel. We also compared the composition of lichen-associated and soil microfungal communities inhabiting the two contrasting soil types in the area to trace possible sources of formation of endolichenic fungal assemblages. In the course of the study, 39 fungal species were isolated from the interior of 13 lichen species. Species richness of the endolichenic fungal communities was associated, to some extent, with the growth form of lichens, being higher in those lichens with thick, warted, and wrinkled thalli. Species composition of the communities was characterized by the dominance of melanin-containing microfungi with large, multicellular, and thick-walled spores that significantly increased in abundance in the summer. Dominant species were also known as endophytes and phylloplane-inhabiting fungi; at the same time, typical soil-borne species were extremely rare components of the isolated endolichenic communities. Some endolichenic melanized microfungi were comprised by coprophilous species prevailing in some lichen thalli; this observation was probably due to a long period of use of the studied area for cattle grazing. Protective morphological features are important for fungi inhabiting the interior of lichen thalli characterized by limited nutrient sources, low-water availability, and restricted aeration. In addition, endolichenic fungi should resist the activity of various extracellular secondary metabolites produced by their host lichen species.
Heilige List
Authors: Hoffmann Tobias
Published: May 2019

Deceits were evaluated ambivalently in the Middle Ages. Although Christian authors condemned the use of deceits in general, they often regarded them as praiseworthy or even holy if they served a good cause. On the basis of the lives of high medieval bishops and abbots this study examines deceits in political and religious contexts that are described as legitimate and sophisticated means of conflict management. The Vitae describe, for instance, that bishops and abbots pretended to eat, drank water instead of wine and wore their hairshirts under golden garments in order to conceal their ascetic lifestyle. They explain why holy men secretly gave alms, how they overcame shame with cunning, in which contexts they used ambiguous language and why they committed thefts without hesitation. This study also focusses on the question how such narratives were used to change the perception of specific flaws.
Principled Toleration and Respectful Indifference in the Liberal Polity
Authors: Cole Phillip ,   Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Published: May 2019

This paper examines toleration at two levels. At the first level, liberal individualism is concerned that the individual must be as free as possible to pursue their own goals and lifestyles. At the second level, liberal political theory is concerned with the value of liberal political culture and institutions and how to maintain and protect them. I argue that we can learn a great deal about the exercise of toleration and respect at the level of the liberal polity by examining them at the level of the liberal individual. Both tolerance and intolerance at the level of the polity must be principled. Principled tolerance and intolerance have the following features. First, the judgment whether to tolerate a particular belief or practice must be based on the value of toleration itself, not pragmatic political requirements. Second, it should be an issue of setting aside moral principles and convictions rather than dislikes, prejudices or fears. Third, it should respect the distinction between the public and the private, and should only recognise an issue as one of toleration if there is a public impact at stake.
Ecstatic Aura as Mystical Experience in Dostoevsky’s Epilepsy
Authors: Dimkov Petar Radoev ,   Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Published: May 2019

Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky is one of the best Russian novelists. It is also known that he had been suffering from epilepsy―one can find many descriptions of this particular condition in Dostoevsky’s novels. These writings are most probably based on his personal experience. There are numerous neurological hypotheses about the type of epilepsy with which Dostoevsky suffered, the most notorious feature of his type of epilepsy being the so-called “ecstatic aura.” In fact, the type of epilepsy Dostoevsky experienced is often termed “Dostoevsky’s epilepsy with ecstatic aura.” In the current article, I offer a review of the literature on Dostoevsky’s epilepsy. Subsequently, the notorious feature “ecstatic aura” is compared with mystical experience, and a conclusion is reached: the two states are in fact identical in the sense that mystical experience can occur during ecstatic aura. A neuroscientific explanation of the experience is presented as well. Finally, a philosophical analysis is performed.
Liberalism and Meaningfulness
Authors: Church Jeffrey ,   Department of Philosophy, Florida State University
Published: May 2019

The contemporary debate between perfectionists and anti-perfectionists is at an impasse. This paper does not take sides in this long-standing debate, but finds common ground between both groups in the notion of “meaningfulness,” as developed recently by philosopher Susan Wolf and psychologist Roy Baumeister. This notion is distinct from the good life in that meaningfulness describes formal qualities of a good life, but not its basis and substance. Accordingly, I argue, we can expect far less fundamental disagreement about meaningfulness than about the good life, giving perfectionists a good reason to focus on meaningfulness. In addition, I contend that meaningfulness is a necessary condition for the exercise of our liberty, giving political liberals a good reason to embrace it as well. Finding this common ground, both sides would hold that a legitimate function of government is to foster meaningful options for individual self-determination.
Involvement of nonhost resistance genes in disease resistance plausible for future crop improvement
Authors: Sultan Eram , Dalei Kalpana , Singh Prashant , Sahu Binod Bihari
Published: May 2019

A plant species is infected by handful of pathogenic organism despite the fact that it is constantly exposed to innumerable pathogens. The chemical anti-bio agents exploited against these pathogens were harmful to environment and human health as well. So the only alternative way is to grow disease resistant varieties of crops by introducing resistant (R) genes. However, new pathogenic races evolve constantly and are notorious for their ability to withstand race specific resistance mediated by R-genes . Plants deploy robust, broad-spectrum and durable resistance mechanisms called nonhost resistance (NHR) against most pathogenic organisms. Such disease resistance mechanisms are nonspecific and effective against all nonhost or non-adaptive pathogens. The NHR defence response includes production of phytoalexins and other antimicrobial compounds, hypersensitive response by rapid localized cell death, deposition of callose and expression of pathogenesis related genes at the site of infection that restricts further growth of pathogen. Although NHR has immense potential to improve crop production in agriculture, very little is known about the mechanism of NHR and its genetic pathways at molecular level. Detail knowledge about the NHR genes from a nonhost plant and engineering the NHR gene into the host plant will be helpful in making broad-spectrum and durable disease resistant crops. In this mini review, we report the list of NHR genes and their function against various phytopathogens. We further report a method to identify or map putative NHR gene/s in Arabidopsis against soybean pathogen Phytophthora sojae nonhost with a goal to improve disease resistance in crop species.
Exploring lowering the optimal growth temperature of Escherichia coli in biotechnology applications
Authors: Ng Wenfa
Published: May 2019

Different microbes grow at different optimal growth temperature. But, what defines this metabolic adaptation at the molecular and genetic level? And, more importantly, how different metabolic and signalling networks interact to yield a cellular system able to achieve maximal growth rate at a specific temperature? Molecular knowledge of such interacting components could provide a template on which modifications could be made to help adapt a microbe to another optimal growth temperature. However, given the large number of genes, proteins and pathways involved, efforts to re-adapt a microbe to another optimal growth temperature is likely difficult through a rational design approach. On the other hand, laboratory evolution approach might do the trick, but significant efforts are needed to understand the biochemical and physiological logic of the re-adaption. Using the genetically tractable Escherichia coli as model organism, this work aims to explore the possibility of using a rational approach at lowering the optimal growth temperature of the bacterium from 37 oC to 25 oC to help reduce energy costs and carbon emissions of fermentation. To this end, population level RNA-seq would be used to understand the global transcriptome of E. coli cultivated at 25, 30 and 37 oC in LB medium. Highly transcribed genes at 37 oC would represent those that need to be activated during growth at 25 oC. On the other hand, genes transcribed at a low level at 37 oC should remain poorly expressed at 25 oC. While modern genetic engineering tools such as use of promoters and terminators with differentiated strength would allow the targeted tuning of expression of specific genes, potential need for re-engineering the expression of large number of genes might present difficulties. Thus, answers to what tune a microbe to operate optimally at a specific temperature might come from the signalling and gene regulation level where genes and proteins occupying particular nodes in the biochemical network hold sway on the expression of large number of downstream genes. Knowledge such as these could accrue from the feeding of transcriptome data into genome-scale metabolic models able to help identify critical nodes in metabolic pathways whose modulation would change cellular physiology. Given the importance of regulons governed by specific sigma factors, their modulation through altering sigma factor expression might be critical to gaining more widespread control of global gene expression at particular temperature. Collectively, developing rational approaches for tuning the optimal growth temperature of E. coli present critical challenges compared to laboratory evolution methods. As gene expression is regulated at multiple levels using a variety of mechanisms, transposing expression levels of highly transcribed genes at 37 oC to 25 oC would require the simultaneous modulation of different regulatory nodes belonging to both metabolic and signalling pathways.
Effect of Intravenous Acetaminophen on Pain and Peritoneal Irritation Signs in Patients with Acute Surgical Abdomen in the Emergency Department
Authors: Pouraghaei Mahboub , Imamverdizadeh Peiman , Moharramzadeh Payman , Vahdati Samad Shams
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Acute surgery abdomen was one of the most common causes of emergency surgery in worldwide and a major cause of severe abdominal pain and sometimes harrowing and intolerable patients are presenting to the emergency department. The duty of every physician especially Emergency physician reduction of pain of patients that is considered as a major priority in new emergency medical treatment. The aim of this study was evaluation of effect IV Acetaminophen on abdominal pain in patients referred to emergency ward. Methods: In a double blind clinical trial that performed in emergency department on patients with abdominal pain, effect IV Acetaminophen on abdominal pain in patients referred to emergency ward evaluated. Results and Conclusion:155 of patients were male and 85 of them were female. Mean age of patients in acetaminophen group was 45.45 ± 20.47 and in Morphine group was 50.99 ± 19.40 year(P=0.0054). Mean of pre injection pain score in male was 8.69 ± 1.29 and in female patients was 9.17 ± 1.27(P=0.848). Mean of pre injection pain score in Morphine group patients was 8.80 ± 1.35 and Mean of post injection pain score in Morphine group patients was 4.06 ± 1.71(P<0.001). Mean of pre injection pain score in acetaminophen group patients was 8.92 ± 1.25 and Mean of post injection pain score in acetaminophen group patients was 6.46 ± 2.25(P<0.001). Mean of post injection pain score in acetaminophen group patients was significantly higher than patient’s of Morphine group. Significant liner direct correlation was found between pre injection and post injection pain score in the studied patients.
Assessing Experience and Perception of Patients about OPD Services
Authors: Yakubu Yakubu H. , Mahama Adams Shamsu-deen , Abu Nkacheba Amina , Issah Habibu
Published: May 2019

Background: Healthcare is constantly changing for this reason, healthcare administrators and other players in this scenario need dynamic dimensions intended to get reports about patients’ experiences and perceptions about the services they provide at the Outpatient department. This is because patients define the satisfactions experienced at this section of the hospital to be the overall output of the hospital. Discontent of services received at this facility is a judgment on the quality of care provided by the hospital. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess experience and perception of patients about OPD Services. Methods: The study employed a quantitative cross sectional descriptive method. Data was collected by a structured questionnaire at the outpatient department of Tamale Teaching Hospital Ghana. A total of 100 patients were included in the study. Results: The study had a response rate of 100% and with the mean age of respondents of (Mean±SD) 30.57 ±10.11. More than half of respondents (n = 68, 68%) were females and 51% had tertiary education. The minimum and maximum time respondents had to wait to be examined by a Doctor was between ≤ 30 and > 300 minutes respectively. Majority (61%) of the patients had good satisfaction with nurses as they treated patients’ with respect and good lighting at the hospital (66%). There was however, a poor satisfaction in relation to doctor services (59%), registration services, pharmacy services, inadequate physical examination rooms and chairs at waiting area, unclean toilet facility, expenses on laboratory test(70%, highest dissatisfaction), and poor ventilation of facility. Conclusion: The study findings suggested that, maximum number of respondents had very good experience in relation to the nurses’ respectful treatment for patients, the lighting system of the hospital and cleanliness of the environment. The following measures were recommended by respondents for policy-makers and hospital administrators to improve the patient satisfaction and quality of care to gain and maintain market share and clients good experience. These included, reducing the waiting time at the OPD consultation, providing enough chairs, and good communication and friendliness of the OPD registration officers.
Comparison of Spleen, Liver and Kidney Volume and Span using Multiplanar CT Scan vs. Ultrasonography in 1-12 year-old Patients
Authors: Rezaie Hasan Mohamad , Hajalioghli Parisa , Jahanshahi Amirreza , Nia Iman Yazdani , Zarrintan Armin , Aghazadeh Mohammad Mirza
Published: May 2019

Background: Evaluating of internal organs of abdomen in clinical assessments especially in children is so important. Ultrasonography is useful, safe, and available method for evaluation of size of abdomen internal organs. Also computerized tomography (CT) scan is accurate method in evaluation of children problem. The aim of present study was to compare of spleen volume and span and liver and kidney span using multiplanar CT scan vs. ultrasonography in 1-12 years old patients at Tabriz Children Hospital. Methods and Materials: In a descriptive analytical study, 35 children whom candidate for pelvic & abdomen CT scan and referred to Children Educational Medical Center of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, were included the study and evaluated. Children were evaluated also by ultrasound modality. Age, sex, spleen span, spleen width, spleen thickness, length of right & left kidney, liver span in midclavicular line, and spleen volume based on ultrasonography & CT scan findings, were evaluated. Results: Based on CT scan report, spleen span, liver span, and spleen width were 101.31±32.28 mm, 101.57±29.25 mm, and 70.28±23.14 mm respectively, and based on ultrasonography report were 99.65±31.77 mm. 102.02±29.47 mm, & 68.31±22.04 mm. There were no significant differences in spleen span (P=0.063), liver span (P=0.609), and spleen width (P=0.082) between ultrasonography & CT scan findings. Conclusion: Based on the findings of present study; due to no significant differences between ultrasonography & CT scan findings in evaluating right and left kidney, liver & spleen span, and spleen width, they can use alternatively.
Systematic Review on Knowledge and Awareness of Breast Cancer and Risk Factors Among Young Women
Authors: Almutairi Aeshah Hamdan , Tamrin Shamsul Bahri Bin Md , Wirza Rahmita , Ahmad Norliza Binti
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Breast cancer is considered the primary cancer to affect women according to the global context. Due to its crucial escalation, it has become vital to inform the general population regarding breast cancer symptoms, risk factors and earlier detection methods. The main aim of the present study is to conduct a systematic review of breast cancer and the risk factors affecting young adult women. Methods: A systematic literature review was carried out to garner global studies on breast cancer risk factors as well as to understand the degree to which breast cancer and its associated risk factors are understood. The primary study included the exploration of databases and journal websites, PubMed, Google Scholar and Medline. The articles studied for the review was focused on the printed original English articles from the year 2008 to December, 2017. This review highlights the necessity for further studies regarding knowledge of breast cancer and its risk factors among young adult women are understood. Conclusion: Knowledge about breast cancer and its risk factors among young women was inadequate. Furthermore, cultural sensitivities should be adjusted to ensure optimal awareness among the public, in particular teenagers and young adult women. Intensive educational campaigns should be planned to increase breast cancer awareness in order to minimize the observed deficit of knowledge. The role of prevention and procedures to screen breast examinations in clinics as well as mammography should all be highlighted in order to achieve these goals and obtain the required data.
Multi-nodular Desmoplastic Medulloblastoma in a Child: A Rare Radiological Physiognomy
Authors: Zheng Songping , Richard Seidu A. , Fu Yiyun , Ju Yan , You Chao
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Nodular desmoplastic variant of medulloblastoma although very common, can present with very challenging radiological feature that mimics others lesions in the inferior and lower vermis in children. We present a case of rare radiological appearance of desmoplastic medullobastoma. Case Presentation: A one year and nine months old male presented with unstable walking and projectile vomiting of two weeks’ duration. He was apparently walking well prior this illness. The vomiting was usually in the morning and associated with headaches. Radiological imaging revealed very unusual masses in the cerebellum vermin region with obvious bilateral ventricular enlargement as well as the third ventricle, indicating hydrocephalus. Surgery was successful carried out and microscopic as well as immunohistochemistry confirmed desmoplastic medullobastoma. Conclusion: Desmoplastic medulloblastoma although not very rare can be very problematic in terms of radiological diagnosis. We are of the option that our imaging finding will throw more light on the radiological features of this tumor.
Past-Tense Verbs of Futurity in the Holy Quran: A New Text-World Theory Approach
Authors: Abdelaziz Zakaria , Mahmoud Zakaria
Published: May 2019

Since the publication of Paul Werth’s (1999) seminal work Text Worlds: Representing Conceptual Space in Discourse, Text World Theory has undergone various modifications and development. In this paper, I attempt to apply the text-world model to two neglected areas of research which are the Arabic language and the Holy Quran. I particularly examine the text-worlds constructed by Arabic past-tense verbs or perfect verbs which express futurity in the Holy Quran. Drawing on my analysis of a number of such Arabic verbs, I argue that the text-world model proposed by Werth and Gavins is not particularly valid for the proposed study of Arabic past-tense verbs or perfect verbs which express futurity in the Holy Quran. Rather, I argue that introducing a new type of world which is a confirmed-unrealized text-world to the text-world framework is more effective for the study of the Holy Quran as a sacred and heavenly text. This paper argues further that Gavins’ notion of split discourse-world which is used for written communications is not particularly valid for the Holy Quran as a Godly transcript. Instead, the Holy Quran should be dealt with as a type of spoken discourse.
Saudi EFL Adult Learners’ Spelling Errors: Reasons and Remedial Strategies to Raise Their Writing Proficiency Level
Authors: Albesher Khaled Besher
Published: May 2019

This study aims to find out the most common spelling errors committed by the Saudi EFL learners, their plausible reasons and the successful remedial strategies. The study may help the EFL teachers in their task of enabling their learners to complete their writing essays and assignments without any spelling mistakes and errors. This is a purely qualitative study. Thirty male EFL teachers and fourteen female EFL teachers have participated in this research study by sharing their teaching observations and experiences and helping in categorization of learners’ errors and in finding reasons and remedies for the learners’ spelling errors. Moreover, in the light of the feedback provided by the teacher participants, the researcher analyzed 50 writing drafts of Level-4 male Saudi EFL learners and 50 Level-4 female Saudi EFL learners at Preparatory Year Programme at Qassim University. The study concludes that the Saudi EFL learners usually use interlingual and intralingual transfer strategies due to problems in phonemic differences, loan words; phonemic, orthographic, homophonous, morphological and compounding confusions; ignorance or overgeneralization of spelling rules, and the impact of social media. The study recommends a number of teaching techniques for their rectification.
Native and Non-native English Teachers’ Classroom Ideologies and its Implementation in ESL Classroom
Authors: Kesevan Hema Vanita , Madzlan Noor Alhusna , Kanapathy Kaaminy
Published: May 2019

The global spread of English language has led many classrooms in the post-colonial contexts that teach English as a second and foreign language to pursue a perpetual belief that native English teachers have different teaching ideologies and practices compared to non-native teachers. Although teachers’ ideologies are deemed to be influential in shaping their classroom pedagogical practices, not many studies have examined teachers’ ideologies and its actual implementation in classroom pedagogical practices. Many past studies in this area have focused either on teachers’ classroom beliefs or classroom practices. Thus far, there is no any empirical evidence that supports the existing belief that native and non-native English teachers pursue different teaching ideologies and practices. Thus, this study seeks to understand whether as suggested, the native and non-native English teachers pursue different teaching ideologies and practices in Malaysian ESL classroom context. This study provides insights and empirical evidences into teaching ideologies and actual classroom pedagogical practices of teachers in Malaysian ESL classroom context.
Learning Strategies in L2 Settings in Saudi Arabia: An Annotated Bibliography
Authors: Alqurashi Fahad
Published: May 2019

Teaching English as a second/foreign language has gained increasing significance all over the world. Investigating learning strategies has become one of the major areas of research in the expanding field of L2 acquisition. Many researchers have addressed various aspects and different issues related to this field. This annotated bibliography is designed to be of help to researchers working on learning strategies in second/foreign language settings and to provide language teachers with a solid theoretical and pedagogical background based on data of many types from different angles to enhance their teaching. The current work is by no means exhaustive, but an attempt to give an overview of the field and highlights published studies written on a variety of topics related to learning strategies in the context of teaching English as a foreign language in Saudi Arabia. Works listed in this annotated bibliography are divided into two categories; journal articles and dissertations and theses. Studies in each category are arranged alphabetically by author and for each work there is a brief non-evaluative synopsis of the study objectives, instrument(s) of data collection, and results.
A Comparison of Malaysian Ethnic and Political Stand-up Comedies’ Text Structures and Use of Politeness Strategies
Authors: Onn Chan Teik
Published: May 2019

This paper attempts to investigate and compare the text structures of ethnic and political Malaysian stand-up comedies and their use of politeness strategies to mitigate backlash. To this end, a mixed method approach was adopted where the structural properties were tabulated to determine the dominant structural patterns of the stand-up comedies. Additionally, a content analysis was used to examine the different politeness strategies used in both types of stand-up comedies. A sample of 17 ethnic jokes and 13 political jokes were analyzed using Hockett’s (1960) Internal Structure of Jokes and Brown and Levinson’s (1987) Politeness Strategies as frameworks of analyses. Results on the textual structures showed that although the two types of comedies employed the standard three part structures which are build-up, pivot and punch line. Build-ups were used more in ethnic jokes than political jokes. This could be due to the nature of ethnic stand-up comedy where comedians need to specify a target stereotype to prevent generalization. In terms of politeness strategies used off record strategy was the dominant strategy in both types of jokes, although political jokes over-relied on this strategy, which is 32.33 % in ethnic jokes and 56.66% in political jokes. It was also found that ethnic jokes, had a more diverse use of politeness strategies due to its different payoffs such as to mitigate backlash by showing hesitation with discourse markers and using word choices that showed a partial understanding to the aspects of a race that they were making fun of, unlike political jokes, which focused on ambiguity so as not to directly name the political figure in their jokes. In short, findings from this paper may serve as a valuable resource for not only aspiring comedians but also public speakers in presenting social criticism without risking backlash.
International Postgraduate Students’ Perception of Challenges in Academic Writing in Malaysian Public Universities
Authors: Kotamjani Sedigheh Shakib , Samad Arshad Abd , Fahimirad Mehrnaz
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this study is to investigate international postgraduate students’ perceptions of difficulty with academic writing in Malaysian public universities. A survey was used to collect students’ perceptions of difficulties and challenges in general academic writing skills and language-related skills. The results revealed that students perceived greater difficulty in language-related problems than general academic writing skills. In terms of language-related skills, they ranked writing coherent paragraph, summarizing and paraphrasing, applying appropriate lexical phrases, utilizing proper academic language and vocabulary respectively as the most difficult areas in writing. However, with respect to general academic writing skills, they perceived the most difficulties in reviewing and criticizing the literature, writing introduction and research gap. The results of this study implied that international postgraduate students who graduated from non-English medium instruction universities should be supported in terms of English for Academic Purposes (EAP), critical thinking skills and language-related skills to become self-directed in learning to write.
Towards Non-Spontaneity in Interpretation of Implicature Serving Implicit Characterization: The Case of Subsidiary Trait Precipitation in Arthur C. Doyle’s ‘A Study in Scarlet’
Authors: Mohammadpanah Hammed , Hamzehei Samira , Massiha Lale
Published: May 2019

Although characterisation is a much-aged matter in literature, certain aspects have yet to be explored, such as how fictional characters implicate in their discourse, what takes influence from this, and what comes to pass in the production and interpretation process of the phenomenon. As the contribution is of subtlety, implicata in characters’ discourse have not exclusively been studies in detail as elements of characterisation. Therefore, in view of the cognitive approach leant towards by leading researchers on the subject of characterization such as Jonathan Culpeper, this research relies on Sperber and Wilson’s ‘relevance theory’ to define cognitive procedures into instances of implicata verbally exchanged between fictional characters to determine a) how authors exploit such instances for trait progression of their characters and upholding character discourse credibility, and b) how readers can achieve what Furlong terms a ‘non-spontaneous’ interpretation of such exchanges. To address the stated issue, we conducted a detailed cognitive-effectual analysis on five instances of implicata made by four flat and round characters within Arthur C. Doyle’s ‘A Study in Scarlet’, the results of which yielded a mechanism wherein writers’ making implications and readers’ calculating and interpreting them hinge on both parties making presuppositions on certain topics to ensure certain pragmatic presuppositional effect for readers. A five-stage bottom-up process was also proposed which links character traits to implications conveyed within inter-character discourse, following through which can lead to readers’ achieving maximal relevance on the made implications and a non-spontaneous interpretation of them.
Stand-up Comedy Humor Discourse in Local Perspective in Indonesia
Authors: Badara Aris
Published: May 2019

Examining stand-up comedy humor discourse in local perspective in Indonesia is fascinating due to its uniqueness and complexity. This kind of discourse has some specific characteristics in terms of its creation and language use. A qualitative study was conducted with the data source from stand-up comedy records staged in 2016 by the stand-up comedy local community in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi. The data were reduced to obtain the funniest humor discourse. Furthermore, the data were analyzed based on the creation technique and the construction elements of humor discourse in terms of linguistic and non-linguistic context. The research findings showed that the creation technique and the construction elements of stand-up comedy humor discourse in local perspective in Indonesia were in line with the general concepts and theories of humor discourse creation techniques namely: (a) rhetoric, (b) tone variation, (c) irony, (d) language misunderstanding, (e) wordplay, (f) verbal jokes, (g) sarcasm, (h) satire, (i) sexual satire, and (j) deception. In addition, the results confirmed that the most widely used of creation techniques were rhetoric, wordplay, and deception. The three techniques are more pronounced than other techniques due to the local comics circumscribed public speaking capability.
Getting Students to Write English Articles for Publication: Student Writers’ Responses
Authors: Suwarno Bambang , Arasuli -
Published: May 2019

There has been a scarcity of writing instruction that aims to enable EFL students to write English articles for publication. This study aims to fill out the gap by developing a procedure for such an instruction and exploring student writers’ responses to the procedure. The design was descriptive, within the context of project-based learning. The subjects comprised some students of an English program at a public university in Bengkulu, Indonesia. Sampling was purposive and included 2 groups. The instrument was a questionnaire. The result showed that the subjects generally agreed to the steps for the writing instruction. The benefit levels of instructor’s activities were generally viewed as high; however, the benefit levels of students’ activities were perceived from low to high. Skills cultivated in the instruction were viewed as transferable to other tasks. The students wanted the final drafts to be directly processed by the editor prior to publication. Adequacy of access for electronic source was high while that of print source was moderate. The students expected that reference tools were provided by the institution. Students’ overall productivity was low. Further study is recommended to refine the instruction.
Types and Functions of English Code Switching Employed in Arab Soap Operas at Jordanian and Nile Drama TVs
Authors: Al-Shehab Mohammad , Al-Okour Abd Al-Rhman
Published: May 2019

This study aims at analyzing the functions and types of English Code Switching (CS) used by the Actors in Jordan and Nile drama TVs. To allow data collection and to achieve the purpose of the study, the researchers observed 90 hours of Arab series “Musalsalat” in Jordan and Nile Drama TVs in the month of Ramadan 2017. The collected data represented by the Arabic sentences that included English CS, they were analyzed and investigated quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitatively, percentages and ranks were computed for the functions and types of English CS, and qualitatively, the researchers analyzed the data based on Discourse Analysis (DA) principles. The results showed that the use of intra-sentential switching was more dominant than inter-sentential switching. It also showed that the use of interjection function was more common than other functions. Finally, the study was concluded with some recommendations and suggestions for future researches.
Extensive Reading Culture Through Better Writing and Publishing Attributes
Authors: Rita Obiegbu Ifeyinwa
Published: May 2019

Content, narrative flow and physical attributes of a book could contribute to what readers take away from a reading episode. Reading episodes support or discourage the cultivation of positive reading. Thus, writing and publishing features of a book implicitly elicit response that could induce or deter reading reprises. This study examines the association between writing and publishing elements and reading enjoyment. Data were derived from a questionnaire administered to second year undergraduate students after a thorough reading project. Findings suggest that writers and publishers can attract potential readers by paying attention to meeting their needs for pleasurable reading experience. The study affirms that reading episodes have potential influence on reading attitude and motivation and readers exposed to good books can cultivate voluntary reading habits.
Flipped Classroom Approach for Improving Speaking Skills of TVET Trainees
Authors: Singh Charanjit Kaur Swaran , Singh Hardev Singh Sokhal Jaswant , Singh Tarsame Singh Masa , Ja’afar Hasimah , Abdullah Maria Shu , Mostafa Nor Azmi , Zamri Muhamad Lothfi
Published: May 2019

Flipped Classroom is an approach that is rapidly gaining recognition as a novel teaching approach among Technical and Vocational Engineering and Training institutes in Malaysia. This research aimed at investigating the use of the flipped classroom approach for enhancing Food and Beverage TVET trainees’ speaking skills in view of the need to have a good command of the English Language in the workplace. A qualitative research approach specifically a case study research design was used in this study. Classroom observation, semi-structured interviews (for ESL trainees) and document analysis were used to collect data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the classroom observation and interviews. A pre-test and post-test were administered to ascertain the TVET trainees’ performance in speaking skills. The study was carried out in a Level Two, Food and Beverage class which consists of 25 trainees and the researcher as an English Language lecturer. Findings revealed that teaching and learning tools by using video creates a positive atmosphere among the trainees both outside and inside the classroom. It was also revealed that using resources such as YouTube videos as guidance for them to dramatise their role according to the situation given by their lecturer in the class builds confidence and ability to engage with peers. The findings of this study revealed that the flipped classroom approach was effective for IKBN (Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara) Food and Beverage trainees because it enhanced their speaking skills based on industry needs.
Linguistic Representation of Professional Values in Popular Science Discourse of IT: Axiological and Pragmatic Perspective
Authors: Shiryaeva Tatiana Aleksandrovna , Bagiyan Alexander Yurievich , Arakelova Amaliya Robertovna
Published: May 2019

The article examines how professional values acquire linguistic form and spread via the modern discourse of Information Technology. As an extremely dynamic sphere of human activity, the industry of information technology reflects the processes that take place in the society and influence the way people interact, share information, process data and implement knowledge. As a result, the language that is employed for describing, informing, reporting and promoting IT products and ideas inevitably reflects the most important concepts that are typical of this sphere, i.e., values. The article explores the way the discourse of IT is shaped and linguistically conditioned by a certain professional value system and its features. This is the area that has not been thoroughly explored from the standpoint of linguistics, but which, however, requires substantial research due to apparent societal and scientific relevance. The study of popular science discourse as presented in the biggest technology magazines revealed that values determine the language means, modality of the texts, communication aims, all of which are set by the addresser. Moreover, when viewed from the perspective of linguistics, values are found to depend on the language both for the cognitive and pragmatic purposes. Identification and interpretation of the most prominent values of the popular science discourse of IT is aimed to bridge socio-cognitive, linguistic and pragmatic aspects of these entities: an interdisciplinary study that has not been conducted before.
Exploring Depictions of Bedouins in Travels in Arabia Deserta by Charles Doughty
Authors: Alzahrani Alaa Ahmed
Published: May 2019

The discourse of Orientalism has often been explored from a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) perspective in fiction works and news media published in the 20th and 21st centuries. What remains a largely unexplored area is Oriental views in non-fiction Western writings of the 19th century. One of the key books describing the people of Arabia from this era is Charles Doughty’s (1888) Travels in Arabia Deserta. For this reason, this study analyzed one chapter from this book to explore Doughty’s representation of the Arabian Peninsula Bedouins. By drawing on CDA and the Appraisal framework, this study identified evaluative lexical items used by Doughty to describe the Bedouins and related these lexical choices to three Oriental themes identified in the literature: (1) Oriental inferiority, (2) Oriental barbarity, and (3) Oriental untrustworthiness. An examination of the Oriental themes in Doughty’s book highlights two characteristics of the discourse of Orientalism. One is the underlying cultural superiority of the West and the other is the interdependence of texts describing the people of Arabia. As such, this paper supports the idea that what is encompassed by the label “discourse of Orientalism” can include even seemingly neutral descriptions of people of Arabia, and that existing representations of Arabs are a product of an accumulated body of work rather than from one specific text.