bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostics errors as the reasons for the discrepancy between clinical and pathoanatomical diagnoses
Authors: Lebedeva Anastasia M. , Bereznikov Alexei V. , Berseneva Evgenia A. , Onufriychuk Yulia O. , Shkitin Sergei O. , Makarets Nadezhda V.
Published: March 2022

Relevance. The development of medical science has made it easier for clinicians to diagnose specific diseases, often leading to the reduction of traditional diagnostic methods, including differential diagnosis. As a result, there is an increase in medical errors in diagnosis, the choice of treatment tactics, including in cases with the development of an unfavorable outcome. The aim of the study was to identify typical errors in the differential diagnosis of diseases in cases with a fatal outcome in the departments of both therapeutic and surgical profiles. Materials and Methods. At the first stage of the retrospective cohort study, fatal cases were analyzed for the correctness of the final post-mortem clinical diagnosis and the results of its comparison with the pathoanatomical diagnosis based on the results of the examination of the quality of medical care in compulsory health insurance. Errors in the formulation of the post-mortem clinical diagnosis were identified, and their causes were determined. At the second stage, the scenario method determines three variants of risk realization in the case of divergence of the final clinical and pathoanatomical diagnoses, with an assessment of the frequency of risk variants realization in the surgical and therapeutic profiles . Results and Discussion. When analyzing cases of fatal outcomes with a discrepancy between the final clinical and pathoanatomical diagnoses, the main errors in the formulation of the final clinical diagnosis were identified. In the first variant of risk realization, the reason for the discrepancy is the incorrect formulation of the final post-mortem diagnosis. In the case of the second scenario, violations relate to incorrect diagnostic tactics when a new disease or exacerbation of a chronic disease occurs. In the third scenario, violations are associated with incorrect differential diagnosis: the initial restriction of the range of nosologies for diagnostic search. Conclusion. Typical violations of diagnosis and differential diagnosis leading to a discrepancy between the final clinical and pathoanatomical diagnoses are identified. As part of the provision of medical care in surgical specialties, the second scenario is more often identified: incorrect diagnostic tactics when a new disease appears or a chronic disease worsens. When providing medical care in therapeutic specialties, violations are more often detected in the third scenario: incorrect differential diagnosis, initial restriction of the range of nosologies for diagnostic search. The second and third scenarios create legal risks for the doctor and the medical organization when evaluated by the relevant authorities.
Usos e apropriações da capoeira por praticantes poloneses
Authors: Loureiro Fábio Luiz , Marchiori Alexandre Freitas , Martins Rodrigo Lema Del Rio , Mello André da Silva
Published: March 2022

Analisa os usos e as apropriações que os praticantes poloneses fazem da capoeira. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritivo-interpretativa, que utiliza como fontes o grupo focal, realizado com dez capoeiristas poloneses, e a observação participante em um grupo de capoeira de Varsóvia. Verifica-se que está em curso um processo de apropriação e de ressignificação dessa manifestação cultural no país. Ao mesmo tempo em que a capoeira apresenta características singulares, provenientes das tradições locais e das particularidades dos sujeitos que as consomem, aspectos culturais contidos em sua bagagem motora e simbólica também impactam na forma de pensar e agir dos poloneses, configurando um movimento de circularidade cultural. Os poloneses se orgulham da capoeira construída nas últimas três décadas no país, que geram representações identitárias entre eles, articulando aspectos da cultura local com as tradições dessa manifestação afro-brasileira.
Trabalhos de Conclusão de Curso
Authors: Freitas Gustavo da Silva , Silveira Raquel da
Published: March 2022

O presente artigo descreve e analisa a produção de conhecimento oriunda das pesquisas realizadas como requisito obrigatório à integralização do Curso de Licenciatura em Educação Física da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande ocorridas entre 2009 e 2020. Iniciado em 2006, o curso tornou a pesquisa como um de seus eixos formativos, sobretudo pelo componente curricular intitulado Seminário de Pesquisa. Como corpus empírico, selecionamos um total de 205 trabalhos de conclusão, os quais foram submetidos a uma análise documental que evidenciou uma prevalência das pesquisas de cunho sociocultural e da temática dos esportes. Esses dados parecem estar articulados com as experiências formativas disponibilizadas pelo curso junto ao ensino e à extensão; à caracterização do corpo docente e as peculiaridades da universidade pública; entre outros acontecimentos que movimentaram as dinâmicas deste componente curricular.
MENGEMBANGKAN KREATIVITAS SENI ANAK MELALUI ME-DIA LOOSE PARTS DALAM PEMBELAJARAN DARING
Authors: Laelasari Eva , Windarsih Chandra Asri , Alam Syah Khalif
Published: March 2022

This research is motivated by the lack of creativity of early childhood art in imagining, issuing ideas, and exploring through the media. Therefore, it takes a game that can stimulate these abilities. The purpose of the research is to describe loose parts of media in developing children's artistic creativity in online learning, the 2020/2021 school year. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method with the research subjects of children aged 5-6 years who numbered 14 children of group B in KB Al-Jihad. Research data collection techniques are documentation, observation, and interviews. Data analysis in the form of data reduction activities, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results of this study showed that after doing activities using loose parts media, children's artistic creativity skills can develop according to the stage of development, using simple media such as natural materials, plastic materials, metal, wood and bamboo, glass and Kramnik, and packaging containers, which are implemented according to the theme of learning. In addition, it was found that using loose parts can develop the creativity of children's art characterized by children being able to think creatively and innovatively, and can foster new relationships with the environment.Penelitian ini dilatar belakangi kurangnya kemampuan kreativitas seni anak usia dini dalam berimajinasi, mengeluarkan ide, serta berkesplorasi melalui media. Dengan sebab itu, dibutuhkan sebuah permainan yang dapat menstimulus kemampuan tersebut. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mendeskripsikan media loose partsdalam mengembangkan kreativitas seni anak pada pembelajaran daring, tahun pelajaran 2020/2021. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif dengan subjek penelitian anak usia 5-6 tahun yang berjumlah 14 anak kelompok B di KB Al-Jihad. Teknik pengumpulan data peneliti yaitu dokumentasi, observasi, dan wawancara. Analisis datanya berupa aktivitas reduksi data, display data dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa setelah melakukan kegiatan menggunakan media loose partskemampuan kreativitas seni anak dapat berkembang sesuai tahap perkembangannya, dengan menggunakan media sederhana seperti bahan alam, bahan plastik,logam, kayu dan bambu, kaca dan kramik, dan bekas kemasan, yang di implementasikan sesuai tema pembelajaran. Selain itu, ditemukan bahwa dengan menggunakan loose partsdapat mengembangkan kreativitas seni anak ditandai dengan anak mampu berpikir kreatif dan inovatif, serta dapat menumbuhkan hubungan baru dengan alam sekitar.
Different kettles of fish: varying patterns of antibiotic use on pig, chicken and fish farms in Lao PDR and implications for antibiotic resistance strategies
Authors: Poupaud Mariline , Goutard Flavie , Putthana Vannaphone , munoz facundo , Caro Domingo , Patriarchi Alessandro , Paul Mathilde
Published: March 2022

The rapid intensification of the livestock sector in Southeast Asia has
been found to be associated with an extensive and expanding use of
antibiotics. This raises concerns regarding the rise of drug-resistant
bacteria in both animals and humans. Data on veterinary antibiotic use
(ABU) and antibiotic resistance (ABR) are scarce in Lao PDR, as in most
low and middle-income countries. This study aimed to explore the views
of small to medium-scale pig, poultry and fish producers regarding the
use of antibiotics. A total of 364 farmers were surveyed using a
questionnaire and farm visits. Patterns of knowledge, attitudes and
practices regarding ABU and ABR were explored with multiple factor
analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. Farms were assigned to one
of three clusters in which specific farmers’ views were overrepresented.
Cluster 1 (in which pig farms were overrepresented) held a positive
attitude regarding preventive measures and information about
antibiotics. In cluster 2 (in which poultry farms were overrepresented),
there was a view that antibiotics should be used for disease prevention.
Finally, in cluster 3 (in which fish farms were overrepresented),
knowledge about ABU and ABR was weak, and ABU was very limited. No
specific attitude was under or overrepresented. Farmers mentioned that
they were unfamiliar with antibiotics and were uncertain about details
concerning ABR (such as whether or not to consume animal products just
after they received antibiotic treatment). Farmers from cluster 3 who
did not give antibiotics to their animal (90 out of 114) and did not use
vaccines (100 out of 114) were overrepresented. A total of 65%
(171/263) of the antibiotics found on farms were included on the World
Health Organization’s list of critically important antibiotics for human
medicine. These critically important antibiotics were mostly found in
clusters 1 (57/168, i.e., 33.8% farms had at least one critically
important antibiotic) and 2 (63/171, 36.8%). These findings indicate
that antibiotic stewardship strategies should tackle the use of critical
antibiotics as well prophylactic treatments to prevent antibiotic misuse
in small and medium- livestock farms.
Comparison of Sinus Distribution between Nasal irrigation and Nasal spray Using Fluorescein-labeled in patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: muenkaew yosita , Tangbumrungtham Navarat , Roongpuvapaht Boonsam , Tanjararak Kangsadarn
Published: March 2022

Objective : This study aims to compare the potential sinus distribution
between high-volume nasal irrigation and nasal spray in chronic
rhinosinusitis patients who have not undergone sinus surgery. Design and
Setting : A randomized clinical study was conducted at the
Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery Department, Ramathibodi Hospital,
Faculty of Medicine, Mahidol University. Participants : 40 patients
undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis.
Thirty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria and were randomly
assigned to receive nasal irrigation or nasal spray mixed with
fluorescein sodium preoperatively. Main outcome measures : The primary
outcome was the mean difference in the staining score of fluorescein in
all sinuses between the two groups. Results : The total staining score
of fluorescein in all sinuses via nasal irrigation was statistically
more significant than the score via nasal spray, with a mean difference
score of 2.90, 95%CI: 1.22-4.58, p-value 0.001. The most significantly
affected sinuses were specific to the maxillary and anterior ethmoid
sinuses, whereas the frontal and sphenoid sinuses had the slightest
solution distribution from both techniques. Conclusion : Nasal
irrigation is a potential route to deliver drugs into the sinus in
unoperated CRS patients. However, it is not considered a superior method
to nasal spray at the most challenging anatomical areas, i.e., the
frontal and sphenoid sinuses. Keywords : Corticosteroid use, Endoscopic
sinus surgery, Irrigations, Topical therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis,
Medical therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis, Nasal polyp, Nasal spray,
Chronic rhinosinusitis
Long time behavior of stochastic evolution equations
Authors: Lu Guangying , Gao Hongjun , Wei Jinlong
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we consider the long time behavior of stochastic
evolution equations. The exponential, polynomial and logarithmic decay
for stochastic equations are considered. Sufficient conditions are given
to obtain these exponents. All the results show the noise (time
diffusion) will prevent the solutions to decay in $p$-th moment, which
coincides with the fact that the noise is a diffusion process but it
will be different in the sense of almost surely, and the partial
diffusion operator (spatial diffusion) will accelerate the decay of
solutions.
From Pandemic to Greater Resilience: Enhancing Disaster Risk Financing in the People’s Republic of China
Authors: Wei Gary , Fan Emma , Huang Anqian
Published: March 2022

The paper proposes five market-based parametric insurance pilot schemes to enhance the PRC’s public finance capacity for disaster risk response, to soften budget shocks, and to bolster long-term fiscal stability and resilience. The paper highlights the inadequacy of public finance instruments—such as fiscal reserves, contingent credit arrangements, and traditional indemnity insurance—to manage the contingent liabilities that disasters represent. It also discusses the effects of disasters on economies, societies, and global supply chains, particularly in the context of climate change.
Enhancing the flexural load capacity of the reinforced concrete simply supported slabs using damaged tires strips (DTS)
Authors: Ali Saba , Alalikhan Ahmed
Published: March 2022

Damaged tires or ended-life tires represent a difficult problem due to their ability to sustain for a long time which are not able to be dissolved easily. Present study focuses on the ability of using the damaged tires strips (DTS) in the field of structural engineering as an innovative reinforcing material used additionally with the main reinforcement. The adopted technique in the present work represents a clean solution to reuse and recycle DTS to increase the ultimate flexural capacity of the reinforced concrete one-way and two-way slabs used in structural systems satisfying clean environment and economic considerations. The tests were conducted upon eight specimens of reinforced concrete one-way slabs (RCOWS) and two specimens of reinforced concrete two-way slabs (RCTWS) reinforced by the DTS as an additional reinforcement. Experimentally obtained results exhibited enhancement for the ultimate flexural load capacity of the RCOWS and RCTWS models reinforced by the DTS in the range of 16–80 and 14.28% respectively, compared to the original reference specimens.
Temperatures of different face regions of healthy people measured by a thermal camera
Authors: Cosic Andrija , Jovanovic Igor , Kostic Ivana , Andrejevic-Stosovic Miona , Krasic Dragan , Mancic Dragan
Published: March 2022

Body temperature is an important indicator that may indicate the possibility
of the existence of various pathological conditions and diseases. In the
head and neck area, an infrared camera allows accurate temperature
measurements of all regions of interest. The analysis of temperature
characteristics of the region of interest of the head and neck in healthy
subjects in terms of comparison of values in relation to the side of the
face in the same person, and the comparison of values relative to the sex of
the subjects is the topic of this research. These analyses are performed to
create temperature maps of the face and determine physiological values. The
research was conducted with the participation of 30 healthy people, 16 women
and 14 men of different ages. Thermal imaging was performed in controlled
conditions with infrared thermographic camera Varioscan 3021ST, while the
software package IRBIS Professional 2.2 was used for thermogram analysis.
Results show that the temperatures in female subjects at the submandibular
region are significantly lower than in male subjects with an average
temperature difference of 0.46?C, and the temperatures in female subjects at
the supraorbital region are on average 0.5?C higher than in male subjects.
Effects of Intensive Lifestyle Intervention on All-Cause Mortality in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes and Overweight/Obesity: Results From the Look AHEAD Study
Authors:   Look AHEAD Research Group, Wing Rena R. , Bray George A. , Cassidy-Begay Maria , Clark Jeanne M. , Coday Mace , Egan Caitlin , Evans Mary , Foreyt John P. , Glasser Stephen , Gregg Edward W. , Hazuda Helen P. , Hill James O. , Horton Edward S. , Isaac Juan Carlos , Jakicic John M. , Jeffery Robert W. , Johnson Karen C. , Kahn Steven E. , Kritchevsky Stephen , Lewis E. , Maruthur Nisa M. , J. Maschak-Carey Barbara , Nathan David M. , Patricio Jennifer , Peters Anne , Pi-Sunyer Xavier , Reboussin David , Ryan Donna H. , Ruelas Valerie , Steinburg Helmut , Toledo Katie , Wadden Thomas A. , Wagenknecht Lynne E. , Wesche-Thobaben Jacqueline , Wyatt Holly , Yanovski Susan Z. , Zhang Ping
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE

Look AHEAD, a randomized trial comparing intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) and diabetes support and education (DSE) (control) in 5,145 individuals with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes, found no significant differences in all-cause or cardiovascular mortality or morbidity during 9.6 (median) years of intervention. Participants in ILI who lost ≥10% at 1 year had lower risk of composite cardiovascular outcomes relative to DSE. Since effects of ILI may take many years to emerge, we conducted intent-to-treat analyses comparing mortality in ILI over 16.7 years (9.6 years of intervention and then observation) to DSE. In a secondary exploratory analysis, we compared mortality by magnitude of weight loss in ILI relative to DSE.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Primary outcome was all-cause mortality from randomization to 16.7 years. Other outcomes included cause-specific mortality, interactions by subgroups (age, sex, race/ethnicity, and cardiovascular disease history), and an exploratory analysis by magnitude of weight loss in ILI versus DSE as reference. Analyses used proportional hazards regression and likelihood ratio.

RESULTS

The incidence of all-cause mortality did not differ significantly in ILI and DSE (549 and 589 participants, respectively) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.91 [95% CI 0.81, 1.02]; P = 0.11). There were no significant differences between treatments in cause-specific mortality or within prespecified subgroups. ILI participants who lost ≥10% at 1 year had a 21% reduced risk of mortality (HR 0.79 [95% CI 0.67, 0.94]; P = 0.007) relative to DSE.

CONCLUSIONS

ILI focused on weight loss did not significantly affect mortality risk. However, ILI participants who lost ≥10% had reduced mortality relative to DSE.
Segmental Pigmentation Disorder: Clinical Manifestations and Epidemiological Features in 144 patients, a Retrospective Case-control Study
Authors: Oren-Shabtai Meital , Metzker Aryeh , Ben Amitai Dan , Sprecher Eli , Goldberg Ilan
Published: March 2022

Segmental pigmentation disorder (SPD) is characterized by hypo- or hyper-pigmented patches segmentally distributed, present in infancy, more prominently in darker-skinned children. The aim of this study was to define the demographic and clinical characteristics of SPD in a large series of patients. This was a retrospective case-control study at 2 paediatric dermatology centres in Israel. Data were collected through a telephone questionnaire and medical records. The study group consisted of 144 individuals with SPD and 144 individuals visiting the same institutions matched for age and sex. Median age of onset of SPD was near birth; 51% of patients were Sephardic Jews, and patients were followed up for a median period of 27 years. The patches were located on the torso (43%), mostly hypopigmented (52%), and remained of the same intensity and size in 55% and 41% of cases, accordingly. No differences in extracutaneous morbidities were found between SPD and control patients. This study delineates the demographic and clinical characteristics of SPD, confirms that cutaneous findings in SPD are more prominent in darker skin, tends not to expand in size or accentuate throughout the years, nor to be associated with extracutaneous morbidities.
Unmet Needs in the Management of Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis in Spain: A Multidimensional Evaluation
Authors: Zozaya Néboa , Villoro Renata , Abdalla Fernando , Alfonso Zamora Santiago , Balea Filgueiras Jesús , Carrascosa Carrillo José Manuel , Delgado Sánchez Olga , Dolz Sinisterra Francisco , García-Ruiz Antonio , Herranz Pinto Pedro , Manfredi Antonio , Martínez Olmos José , Morales de los Ríos Luna Paloma , Puig Sanz Lluis , Ros Sandra , Hildago-Vega Álvaro
Published: March 2022

Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease that affects the skin, with a high impact on patients’ quality of life. The aim of this study was to identify and determine the relative importance of unmet needs in the management of moderate-to-severe psoriasis in Spain, from a multi-stakeholder perspective. A mixed method-approach was used to collect information, design a questionnaire and a discrete-choice exercise, and elicit the unmet needs through a multidisciplinary committee composed of 12 experts. A total of 65 unmet needs were identified and categorized into 4 areas: clinical, patient-related, decision-making process, and social. Decision-making process unmet needs were perceived as the most pressing ones, followed by social, clinical and patient-related. Individually, the need to incorporate outcomes that are important to the patients and to have treatments that achieve total clearance with a rapid onset of action and long-term persistence were the most important unmet needs.
A new Lattice Boltzmann method for a Gray–Scott based model applied to image restoration and contrast enhancement
Authors:   Laboratory LAMAI, Faculty of Science and Technology Cadi Ayyad University, Alaa H. , Alaa N. E. ,   Laboratory LAMAI, Faculty of Science and Technology Cadi Ayyad University, Aqel F. ,   Computer, Networks, Mobility and Modeling laboratory (IR2M), Faculty of Sciences and Technics, Hassan First University of Settat, Lefraich H. ,   Laboratory MISI, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Hassan First University of Settat
Published: March 2022

The aim of this work is to propose a new numerical approach to image restoration and contrast enhancement based on a reaction-diffusion model (Gray–Scott model). For noise removal, a Lattice Boltzmann technique is used. This method is usually used in fluid dynamics experiments. Since pixels motion can be compared to fluids motion, the presented technique also indicates a good performance in processing noisy images. The efficiency and performance of the proposed algorithm are verified by several numerical experiments.
Influencing Factors of Employee Engagement on Financial Wellbeing: Special Reference to Bank of Ceylon, Matara District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Warnabarana T. D. , Randika P. A. D. D.
Published: March 2022

This study "Influencing Factors of Employee Engagement on Financial Wellbeing: Special Reference to Bank of Ceylon, Matara District, Sri Lanka" mainly address the impact of employee engagement on financial wellbeing based on the banking industry in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s banking industry plays a crucial role towards the entire economy as it is contributing to about 60% of GDP and among the employed population 40% belongs to this particular industry. Hence, researcher prioritizes to determine the relationship of employee engagement and financial wellbeing and the relationship between influencing factors of employee engagement and financial wellbeing of Bank of Ceylon Matara District. One of the Sri Lankan governments owned systematically important bank was selected through purposive sampling. Structured questionnaire is the primary data collection method and questionnaire was distributed through 350 banking employees who work for Bank of Ceylon in Matara district as respondents. Statistical software naming SPSS used to analyze the data. In the case of data analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis has used as the data analysis techniques to measure variables in different perspectives. Organizational support, Job stress, Information technology in the organization, Family and social support, Individual issues and organizational society are occupied to measure the employee engagement. When summarizing Regression analysis' results, Organizational Society and Job Stress have a positive significant impact on Financial Wellbeing and Individual Issues has negative significant impact on Financial Wellbeing. On the other hand, Organizational Support, Family Support, and ICT have no significant impact on Financial Wellbeing of workers who are working for BOC in Matara district.
THE ROLE, SCOPE, HEALTH BENEFITS AND MARKET GROWTH OF NUTRACEUTICALS: AN OVERVIEW
Authors:   Institute of Pharmacy, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi-284128, Uttar Pradesh, India, PRAJAPATI RAM NARAYAN , KUMAR SANJEEV ,   Institute of Pharmacy, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi-284128, Uttar Pradesh, India
Published: March 2022

Nutraceuticals are products used as medicines in addition to nutrition. Nutraceuticals can be defined as substances that have physiological benefits or provide protection against chronic disease. Nutraceuticals can be used to improve health, slow down the aging process, prevent chronic diseases, increase life expectancy or support body structure or function. Nutraceuticals are getting a lot of attention these days because of their potential nutritional, safety and therapeutic benefits. Recent studies have shown that these compounds have promising results in various complications. In this review, we have made a great effort in proposing new concepts for nutraceuticals based on disease indications. Highlights herbal remedies that are effective for harsh therapeutic conditions associated with oxidative stress, including allergies, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, eye, immunity, inflammation, and Parkinson's disease and obesity. These nutraceuticals are used in various diseases, their application, and current market demand. Examples of fish oil preparations, prebiotics and probiotics reviewed. KEYWORDS: Nutraceutical, Dietary supplements, Antioxidants, Probiotics, Health benefits
The Efficacy of Completing Form-focused Tasks Collaboratively vs Individually: Utilizing Interventionist Dynamic Assessment to Quantify Learning Gains
Authors: Scotland James
Published: March 2022

Many language teachers employ collaborative learning within their classrooms. However, expectations surrounding the efficacy of working collaboratively need to be empirically verified. This study employed dynamic assessment to investigate whether learners who are situated within an undergraduate Qatari EFL context learn second language grammatical structures more effectively by working either collaboratively with their peers or individually. Interventionist dynamic assessment was used to quantify the extent of the learning gains made by male Arabic undergraduate EFL learners (N = 52) three times (pretest, posttest, and delayed posttest) over a 12-week period. In between the pretest and the posttest, six form-focused treatment tasks were administered. The experimental group (n = 20) completed the tasks collaboratively with their peers; a comparison group (n = 16) completed the tasks individually; and a control group (n = 16) did not complete the tasks. The target structures were the simple past passive and the present continuous passive. A Mood’s median test (Mood, 1954) found no statistically significant differences between the collaborative condition and the individual condition. Although measuring emergent abilities which are still in the process of developing provided a more complete picture of the efficacy of working collaboratively, the lack of a statistically significant difference between the performances of the experimental and comparison groups for both target structures suggests that working collaboratively is not statistically more effective in facilitating learners’ linguistic development than working individually.
­Parents’ Perspectives towards Implementing English-Medium Instruction at Tertiary Education in Oman
Authors: Khalifa Al-Riyami Thuraya , Sandaruwan Dayananda Chinthana
Published: March 2022

This study investigates parents’ perspectives towards using English as a medium of instruction (EMI). Hundred and seventeen (117) parents who had children studying at higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Sultanate of Oman answered a questionnaire featuring 40 items with a 5-point Likert-scale response key. Findings indicate that, while many parents displayed favorable attitudes towards implementing EMI in HEIs, approximately half of them asserted that their children’s English is not good enough to cope with EMI. Therefore, most of them believed that some courses at least should follow Arabic medium instruction. The study explores the advantages and disadvantages of EMI, and findings reveal that the majority of the respondents identify more advantages. It was also found out that the respondents assisted their children in several ways to cope with EMI. For instance, by financing their children to learn English in private institutions, encouraging children to translate their course materials into the Arabic language, and seeking the support of parents’ friends to explain doubts and what children have not understood in the classroom.
Migrating Vs. Decentralizing MOOC-based e-content to Teaching MA Language and Communication Students
Authors: El Amine Ghobrini Rafik , Sarnou Hanane
Published: March 2022

Never before has education been more tech-oriented, cloud-based, and online-driven, especially with this new pandemic-altered educational environment. However, new regulations worldwide limit physical interaction inside the bounds of educational institutions, which pushed Algerian university teachers to operate mainly online under unsuitable conditions. Therefore, our prime objective is to devise a MOOC-based teaching modal that primarily palliates the current dire problems regarding students’ equity. One of the solutions proposed in this paper is two equitable, to some extent, tech-enabled modalities of instruction that leverage the available first-rate Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) e-content to teach Master of Arts (MA) students: language and communication students of English department at Mostaganem University in Algeria. There were two online groups, the first one regards migrating to the MOOC itself and letting students operate on the MOOC provider. The second e-group decentralizes the e-content to a closed Facebook group where students can access the e-pedagogical materials directly from the social-media-mediated landscape. To this end, a pedagogical action research based on the comparative approach is used to undertake this study that comprehended 44 students to compare the two e-groups through different working situations. Findings revealed the difference between the two e-modes of teaching. They presented a framework enabling instructors to choose which one to leverage according to students’ digital skills and access to internet bandwidth, thus serving as a guideline for any instructor wishing to participate in such an educational endeavor. Finally, implications of these two technologized modes of instruction on the teaching profession overall are set forth.
Collocation Networks of Selected Words in Academic Writing: A Corpus-Based Study
Authors: Adil Jaafar Eman
Published: March 2022

This study aims at shedding light on the linguistic significance of collocation networks in the academic writing context. Following Firth’s principle “You shall know a word by the company it keeps.” The study intends to examine three selected nodes (i.e. research, study, and paper) shared collocations in an academic context. This is achieved by using the corpus linguistic tool; GraphColl in #LancsBox software version 5 which was announced in June 2020 in analyzing selected nodes. The study focuses on academic writing of two corpora which were designed and collected especially to serve the purpose of the study. The corpora consist of a collection of abstracts extracted from two different academic journals that publish for writers from different countries around the world. This corpus-based study aims at examining the significance of chunks of language in texts. The concept of collocations is crucial in corpus linguistics to identify semantic relations. This can help in the teaching and learning processes. Furthermore, this study is conducted to answer the following research questions; first, whether the three words study, paper, and research are used interchangeably in the corpora or not? Second, what are the shared collocational associations surrounding the selected nodes? Finally, it is worth noting that the study of collocations highlights the linguistic features of texts through computational analytical tools that can save time and help to gain objective results systematically. The findings show that ‘research’ and ‘study’ are used rather interchangeably in the writing of the abstracts; however, ‘paper’ has fewer shared collocations in the same academic context.
A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Speech of Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bint Bander Al-Saud: A Saudi Woman Empowerment Model
Authors: H Alsoraihi Maha
Published: March 2022

Princess Reema Bint Bander Al-Saud is a Saudi woman leader who is nowadays serving as the Saudi ambassador to the United States of America. She has been serving passionately and effectively in both the public and private sectors of Saudi Arabia, setting a perfect example of Saudi women’s empowerment in different fields. This paper gives a comprehensive linguistic analysis of selected spoken texts of HRH Princess Reema. The research focuses on both the rhetoric and the persuasive patterns based on the linguistic structures proposed by Van Dijk’s theory and Norman Fairclough’s reflections on Ideology. This paper has successfully identified some essential linguistic strategies and how they are conducted skillfully by HRH Princess Reema Bint Bander with a focus on the concept of Saudi women empowerment. This research adopts a qualitative method based on observations and thematic interpretations of selected texts of a public speech given by HRH Princess Reema. Moreover, this paper investigates the linguistic and the stylistic markers that Princess Reema applied in her public remarks that makes her address sounds very persuasive and convincing. This research concludes by discussing some linguistic themes that HRH Princess Reema mentioned, such as the concepts of Conservatism, Socialism, and Liberalism feminist ideology, which create a perfect model of Saudi woman empowerment aligned with the Vision of 2030.
Anti-Essentialist Culture Conception for Better Intercultural Language Teaching in EFL Contexts
Authors: Toufik Ghaffour Mohamed
Published: March 2022

Culture is a crucial facet in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. (TEFL) Hence, we shall in this paper discuss the theories underpinning this concept and how we can utilize these epistemological and ontological understandings to promote the TEFL field and the higher education task. Henceforward, we have answered the following question: How to move from the essentialist view of culture to the non-essentialist view of culture, and why it is essential to do so in 21st century English as a Foreign Language context? To answer the proposed question, we have discussed the essentialist and non-essentialist dichotomy of the culture concept and how both frameworks affect TEFL and intercultural language teaching (ILT) differently. In this regard, we aim to help EFL policymakers, EFL teachers, and students alike shift their attention towards the merits of adopting a non-essentialist understanding of the culture concept in the ILT. First, this article covers the theories of culture to understand this concept from different anthropological perspectives. Second, we relied on Byram’s Model (1997) critiques to demonstrate how a misunderstanding of culture as a concept can be damaging. Third, after critically discussing the relevant literature, we recommended an anti-culturalist perspective in the EFL context to improve the ILT experience. This article concludes with recommendations for EFL and ELT policymakers and EFL teachers and students alike. The proposals mainly focus on shifting the attention towards a non-culturalist approach towards culture.
From Natural Translanguaging to Planned Translanguaging: Developing Classroom Translanguaging as Pedagogy in a Private University in China
Authors: Zhang Yumei , Jocuns Andrew
Published: March 2022

Despite a large body of literature on English learning using translanguaging, such research on the role of translanguaging on English reading among Chinese private university students is minimal. The present study presented a need for teachers in an English medium instruction context to mitigate language deficiencies where the students are not able to perform in an English-only classroom. The research examined when and how translanguaging emerges in Chinese private university students’ English reading practice. Ethnographic research methods were implemented over a six-month period. Twenty-eight students and their teacher participated in this study. Data were collected through classroom observations, open-ended interviews. Translanguaging as theoretical framework and nexus analysis as analytical framework were employed to examine the real reading practice of private university students and their trajectories of the shift from natural translanguaging to planned translanguaging. The findings indicated that: a) reading using translanguaging rather than English medium instruction is typical in teaching and reading practices among private university students in China; b) although Chinese private university students as a community of low English proficiency appreciated the pedagogical translanguaging, they still needed time, space, and planned translanguaging to reconcile the tension between translanguaging and English medium instruction.
The Impact of Raising Awareness of Arabic and English Word Order Differences on Arabs’ English Use
Authors: Abdullah Bukhar Shahinaz
Published: March 2022

English is a language with a rigid word order, whereas Arabic is more flexible. Canonical English word order is often a challenge for users whose first language is flexible. This study explores how Arabic learners transfer their knowledge of Arabic word order styles into the English language, and it compares Arabic learners’ use of English word order before and after raising learners’ awareness of Arabic and English word order differences. The significance of this study is manifested in its employment of both Error Analysis and Contrastive Analysis to determine priorities for efforts. The study employed an action research design to investigate the impact of adapting Galperin’s teaching model alongside explicit teaching of differences in Arabic and English word order. Four Arabic English language teachers and 142 Saudi students participated in the present study. The participating students were taking a beginning-level English course at a Saudi university. Through mixed-method approaches, the findings of the pretest and posttest showed that some learners used their knowledge and experience of Arabic standard and slang word order to compose sentences in English. This study concludes that the intervention helps Arabic learners avoid committing word order errors, as the posttest scores are better than the pretest scores at a statistically significant level.
The Role of Literature in Boosting EFL University Students’ Critical Thinking: Case of First-year Students in Algeria
Authors: Meriem OUHIBA Nawel
Published: March 2022

The integration of critical thinking within the learning process is considered a crucial indicator of education’s quality. Nevertheless, with the reforms introduced in higher education, less importance was given to this skill; consequently, most Algerian EFL learners cannot think critically and creatively. To fill the gap, this study suggests using literature as a bridge between the teaching of the foreign language and the enhancement of learners’ critical thinking abilities. The research also proposes strategies and approaches to motivate students to use their critical thinking skills in literature class. To this end, the researcher raised the following research question: How do we enhance learners’ critical thinking abilities while teaching literature? And what strategies and approaches to adopt to motivate students using their critical thinking abilities within a literature class? The researcher adopted semi-structured interviews with teachers and classroom observations as instruments to collect necessary data. The participants are EFL university teachers and first-year students of different genders from the department of English language at the University of Dr. Moulay Tahar, Saida (Algeria). Obtained results show positive feedback from the students towards the critical thinking approaches used by the teacher-researcher in literature class. It also revealed that teachers are aware of the effectiveness of critical thinking when teaching literature to improve the learners’ proficiency in English as a foreign language and enhance their critical thinking abilities. This study recommended using high order of thinking as a strategy when teaching literature. Keywords: Algeria University, critical thinking, EFL learners at Saida University, high-order thinking, literature teaching
Saudi Students’ Attitudes to the Use of Subtitles to Improve Their Listening Skills
Authors: Alzamil Abdulrahman
Published: March 2022

The role of subtitles in improving listening skills is a controversial issue in the literature of second language (L2) learning. This study attempted to investigate L2 learners’ attitudes to the use of subtitles when watching English audio-visual materials. Investigating L2 learners’ attitudes to the use of subtitles may have implications for designing listening courses in education organisations around the world. The study recruited 63 Saudi third-year students from an English department at a Saudi university. The data was collected by means of a closed-ended questionnaire containing 23 Likert-scale items. The results indicated that most participants: a) agreed that listening skills are important; b) had more positive attitudes to the use of English subtitles (captions) than to Arabic subtitles; c) expressed positive attitudes to people who use articles; and d) acknowledged that the use of captions had a greater positive impact on L2 learning than either Arabic subtitles or no subtitles at all.
Teachers’ English Level Proficiency: Do Students Perceive It as a Threat or a Chance?
Authors: Masduki Masduki , Poedjiastutie Dwi , Giat Prabowo Chandra
Published: March 2022

This study examines students’ expectations regarding teachers’ English proficiency level at Muhammadiyah Malang University (UMM), Indonesia. The concepts of proficiency are various among scholars and educators. Scholars vary in their concepts of proficiency; they also have multiple dimensions and methods when assessing teachers’ proficiency. However, students are rarely asked about their expectations of teachers’ English Proficiency level due to their supposed incapability and irrelevance in assessing the tutors. This study utilized an interpretive approach that explained the subjective reasons and meanings underlying social actions and viewed the world from specific individuals’ standpoints and experiences. Focus group discussion (FGD), and an open-ended questionnaire to gather the data, was employed. The FGD led to rich data because participants interacted at the same time about the topic being raised. The second-year students of the English Department at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) were invited to participate. Regarding the teachers’ proficiency, students’ expectations fell into three parts. Firstly, teachers were expected to use mixed languages as the classroom language of instruction. Secondly, students expected teachers to possess sufficient level of English proficiency since this will potentially help students to have a better level of communication. Third, students are expected to have both native-speaking teachers and local teachers as a model of their communication. This study implicates teachers with high English proficiency are supposed to be vigilant to apply it across different settings and situations. This behavior hopefully leads to the felicitous decision of the classroom communication types
Exploring Learners’ and Teachers’ Preferences Regarding Written Corrective Feedback Types in Improving Learners’ Writing Skill
Authors: Fatima Zohra Reguieg , Hamitouche Fatiha
Published: March 2022

The current research is significant. It aims to improve learners’ writing and facilitate their academic achievement. This study examines learners’ and teachers’ preferences to written corrective feedback types in enhancing EFL learners writing. The main research question is to investigate the likes of teaches and learners regarding written corrective feedback types in enhancing learners’ writing skills. The learners’ questionnaire and the teachers’ questionnaire were the instruments. The respondents responded to the questionnaires. The submission of the research instruments took place on November 2021 at Zaida Ben Aissa middle school. The findings have shown that learners prefer their writing to be corrected via unfocused, direct feedback while teachers like to use indirect, focused feedback on their learners’ writings.
The Salamanca Diaries: La perspectiva de Alexander McCabe sobre la Bandera Irlandesa del Tercio
Authors:   University of La Rioja, Villar-Flor Carlos
Published: March 2022

One of the most recent historiographical contributions on the participation of the Irish brigade recruited by General Eoin O’Duffy in the Spanish Civil War is Tim Fanning’s edition of The Salamanca Diaries (2019), an extensively annotated selection of texts taken from the profuse personal diaries of Father Alexander McCabe, rector of the Irish College in Salamanca during the war period. Through his laborious analysis of the huge handwritten material, in quite illegible and tight handwriting, Fanning has rescued an essential source for the reconstruction of the events that accompanied this irregular adventure of the Irish volunteers who came to Spain in 1936 to fight on the Franco side.
Violence, Vulnerability and the Overcoming of Trauma in Rachel Seiffert’s The Walk Home
Authors:   University of Zaragoza, Romo-Mayor Paula
Published: March 2022

Rachel Seiffert’s The Walk Home (2014) tells the story of a Protestant Irish family living in Glasgow that has been haunted by a problematic fanaticism since the Partition of Ireland (1922). Its narrative builds an intricate family tree where its members, immersed in the vicious cycle of ethno-sectarian violence, reveal their own traumas and intrinsic frailties. Their isolation and helplessness are further exacerbated by their tendency to repress their traumatic past. However, the encounter between Lindsey and Eric, two relatives-in-law, encourages them to run away and confront the past through art respectively, thus casting some light on the unending transmission of trauma in the family. Drawing on theories of trauma and ethics (Freud 1950 [1917], 2001 [1914]; Levinas 1986, 1998 [1993]; Volkan 2001, 2017; Butler 2004; LaCapra 2014 [2001]), I will attempt to demonstrate, firstly, that the narrative form of The Walk Home performs the disruptive and repetitive symptoms of transgenerational trauma; and secondly, that the ethical encounter with the other and the recognition of a shared vulnerability transmitted through families can empower characters like Lindsey and Eric to change their lives. The analysis also considers the possibility of challenging the perpetuity of the traumas arising out of the British-Irish conflict and developing resilience through the acknowledgement of vulnerability, the need for interdependency and the heling power of artistic representation.