bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the tracrARN-DRARN genetic complex associated with the CRISPR-Cas9 system of the phytosymbiont Acholeplasma palmae: biotechnological interest
Authors: Moncayo Luis , Castro Alex , Arcos Diego , Centanaro Paulo , Vaca Diego , Maldonado Cristina , Perez Aleivi , Lossada Carla , González-Paz Lenin
Published: October 2021

The CRISPR-Cas9 technology used in plant biotechnology is based on the use of Cas9 endonucleases to generate precise cuts in the genome, and a duplex consisting of a trans-activating CRISPR RNA (tracrRNA) and a CRISPR RNA (DRRNA) which are precursors of guide RNA (sgRNA) commercially redesigned (sgRNA-Cas9) to guide gene cleavage. Most of these tools come from clinical bacteria. However, there are several CRISPR-Cas9 systems in environmental microorganisms such as phytoendosymbionts of plants of the genus Acholeplasma. But the exploitation of these systems more compatible with plants requires using bioinformatics tools for prediction and study. We identified and characterized the elements associated with the duplex in the genome of A. palmae. For this, the protein information was obtained from the Protein Data Bank and the genomics from GenBank/NCBI. The CRISPR system was studied with the CRISPRfinder software. Alignment algorithms and NUPACK software were used to identify the tracrRNA and DRRNA modules, together with various computational software for genetic, structural and biophysical characterization. A CRISPR-Cas system was found in A. palmae with type II-C characteristics, as well as a thermodynamically very stable duplex, with flexible regions, exhibiting a docking power with Cas9 thermodynamically favored. These results are desirable in programmable gene editing systems and show the possibility of exploring native molecular tools in environmental microorganisms applicable to the genetic manipulation of plants, as more research is carried out. This study represents the first report on the thermodynamic stability and molecular docking of elements associated with the tracrRNA-DRRNA duplex in the phytosymbiont A. palmae.
Effect of anisosmotic stress on the structural and functional integrity of the plasma and acrosomal membrane of ram sperm
Authors: Rubio-Guillén Jorge , Osorio-Meléndez Carla , González-Villalobos Decio , Nava-Trujillo Héctor , Quintero-Moreno Armando
Published: October 2021

The integrity of the plasma membrane (MP) and the acrosome (MA) have been two of the most studied seminal evaluation parameters due to their role as a cell boundary and because they are responsible for interactions between cells effective. To assessing more objectively the effects of osmotic stress on the integrity of the PM and MA, as well as the rate of change that occurred during seminal cryopreservation, five freshly collected ejaculates were evaluated, refrigerated at 5 ºC and thawed per ram/session during 5 consecutive weeks. Using eosin-nigrosin (EN) staining, vitality (VIT), morpho abnormalities and cellular response were evaluated after performing osmotic resistance (ORT) and endosmosis (HOST) tests. The direct effect of anysosmosis and cryopreservation on the dependent variables were analyzed using the GLM procedure (SAS®) and when differences were observed, the effects were quantified using the LSMEANS. All the sperm quality values studied were significantly affected (P <0.001) by cryopreservation (VIT, ORT, HOST). The ORT demonstrated how the acrosome was one of the structures most affected by cryopreservation (P <0.001). In conclusion, the present study confirms that anysosmotic stress affects the sperm cell in an important way, compromising the reference values that quantify semen quality, especially MA and MP.
Adding aromatic herbs in the elaboration of a carbonated drink based on passion fruit
Authors: Cedeño Rubén , Gorozabel Wagner
Published: October 2021

Generally, companies have limited themselves to offering products based on artificial additives, leaving the consumer dissatisfied, who, driven by preferences for healthier products, seeks a drink with better sensory and nutritional characteristics. In this work, a carbonated drink based on passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) was prepared with the addition of the aromatic herbs peppermint (Mentha spicata), lemon verbena (Cymbopogon citratus) and ginger (Zingiber officinale), at three concentrations (1, 3 and 5%). To identify physicochemical and sensory differences in the elaborated beverages, the physicochemical parameters °Brix, acidity, pH and CO2 volume were evaluated, based on the NTE INEN 1101-2017 and were subsequently subjected to an acceptability test by thirty untrained judges. A completely randomized bifactorial AxB design was used, for the comparison of means the Tukey al test was used (p <0.05). For the analysis of results, non-parametric statistics were used using the KRUSCAL WALLIS test and the Mann Whitney U test was used to determine the difference in means. The results of the ANOVA for the physicochemical parameters showed statistical significance (p˂0.05) for the °Brix and pH; and for the variables acidity and volume of CO2, no statistically significant differences were observed (p> 0.05). The drink made with lemon verbena at 3% presented a higher concentration of soluble solids with a value of 14.03 °Brix, and pH of 3.08, showing that these results comply with the parameters established by the standard. Sensorially, the drink made with lemon verbena at 1% obtained a better acceptance with respect to taste by the panelists.
Willingness to pay and consumer preferences for organic lettuce (Lactuca sativa L)
Authors: Cerda Arcadio , García Leidy , Viscay Angela , López Beatriz
Published: October 2021

Global production of organic products has grown significantly due to increased environmental awareness and healthier lifestyles. However, vegetable growers often lack relevant information about people’s preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for such products. This difficulty is even more pronounced in developing countries, as Chile, mainly due to the low demand increase for organic products. This research aims to analyze preferences and WTP for Chilean organic lettuce. To obtain the WTP, the contingent valuation (CV) method and conjoint analysis (CA) was applied. The data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey using a representative sample of 416 subjects from the Maule region, Chile, stratified by income level. The results showed that subjects were willing to pay a premium of 26.72 % and 52.83 % for an organic head of lettuce compared to conventionally grown products, according to CA and CV methods, respectively. These results show a strong preference for organic products. Furthermore, the CA method indicated that the organic variety of Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa L., at its lowest observed price, was the consumer’s product of choice. Finally, the main reasons to consume this type of product are, firstly, its higher quality, followed by its taste or smell, and finally, it has better nutritional contents. Therefore, lettuce growers can use the estimated premium price as a reference when making decisions about production and pricing.
O Governo das Armas de uma província dissidente: uma breve narrativa da trajetória do major português João José da Cunha Fidié na Independência do Piauí (1822-1823)
Authors: Albano Duarte Sousa Luís Carlos , Santana de Araújo Johny
Published: October 2021

Este artigo busca, a partir do levantamento de uma série de dados empíricos, construir uma breve narrativa sobre a passagem do major português João José da Cunha Fidié no cargo de Governador das Armas da Província do Piauí, fornecendo bases para importantes compreensões sobre o período da independência. Em contraste com as ações dos líderes dissidentes, como Simplício Dias, João Cândido e outros, questionamos o grau de comprometimento do pragmatismo de Fidié em relação aos interesses da Coroa portuguesa, vez que sua presença configurava intervenção direta nos rumos políticos do Brasil. Para isso, utilizamos ofícios e correspondências do Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino e do Museu Ozildo Albano, na intenção de apreender as ações e reações desses sujeitos, e suas contradições diante do momento histórico aqui analisado.
De bedwants: a bad bug?
Authors: VAN HOOSTE W.L.C.
Published: October 2021

The bed bug: a bad bug?

The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, is a bloodsucking ectoparasite which attacks mammals and is on the rise since the beginning of the early 21st century. They are brown and flat. Skin lesions appear after the painless bite, often during the predawn hours. Small, purpuric macules develop into erythematous, indurated papules on exposed areas of skin of the face, neck and extremities, and resolve over the course of 2 weeks. Often, a linear or cluster configuration of 3 to 4 lesions (‘breakfast, lunch and dinner’) appears. Pruritic wheal reactions represent a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction elicited by the parasite’s saliva antigens. The clinical differential diagnosis is broad and may include other insect and arthropod bites and stings, scabies infestation, dermatitis herpetiformis, ecthyma, etc. There is no evidence that bed bugs are vectors and transmit human pathogens. They are responsible for considerable physical irritation and significant psychological distress. Very rarely, the patient could develop anemia or anaphylaxis. Control involves treating both the patient’s symptoms and the cause by the eradication of the infestation, a challenge that may require a professional exterminator for an integrated pest management strategy. “Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite!”
The Effectiveness of Program Keluarga Harapan in Kendal Regency
Authors: Fauzin Karmelia Ardhyanti Nor , Soesilowati Etty
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine the implementation of the distribution and effectiveness of the program keluarga harapan in Kendal Regency as a poverty reduction program. This research uses mix method. The population of this study were all recipients of program keluarga harapan assistance with a sample of 100 respondents through purposive sampling technique. Analysis of the data is using descriptive analysis. The results showed that the variable of goal accuracy has not achieved the goal with a percentage value of 61.25%, the satisfaction variable with the program was obtained by being satisfied with the program with a percentage of 80.65% and the target accuracy variable obtained the target result was very precise with a percentage value of 61%. Suggestions related to this research are the need to immediately design technical guidelines for business assistance for the recipients, optimization of coaching by eliminating "poor mentality" by changing the character of society to work hard to break the poverty chain of their families, and the need for strong coordination between institution to reduce poverty.
Improving Human Rights Protection on the national and the European Level
Authors: SCHNUTZ RUDOLF DUR
Published: October 2021

The recent move towards the individual access to constitutional justice is a progress for
protection of human rights in Europe. The explicit purpose of these efforts is to settle
human rights issues on the national level and to reduce the number of cases at the
Strasbourg Court. Such individual complaints have to be designed in a way that
makes them an effective remedy which has to be exhausted before a case can be
brought before the European Court of Human Rights. This paper points out the
current state of these improvements on the national level in a difficult context on the
European level and the recommendations of the Venice Commission in this regard.
Establishing an International Court against Terorism
Authors: AURESCU BOGDAN , GÂLEA ION
Published: October 2021

The paper presents the initiative to create an International Court against Terrorism. The
initiative was launched by Romania and Spain, in February 2015, against the
background of tragic events in Europe. The paper exposes the grounding ideas
beneath this initiative, mainly that terrorism is a global threat and that a response to
it must be global and must be based on the rule of law and provides insight in the
historical background on which it was launched. The efforts of the international
community, dating back to the 1920’s, towards regulating terrorism in a
comprehensive manner and towards creating a permanent international jurisdiction
to prosecute persons guilty of committing terrorist acts are exposed. The article also
presents the current challenges linked to the definition of terrorism and exposes the
proposal to overcome these difficulties by creating an international jurisdiction
capable of prosecuting individuals who commit terrorist acts. The main features of
the proposals are shown: an international Court, based on the principle of
complementarity (in relation to national courts and the ICC), functioning in a flexible
and efficient manner, created by the Security Council through a resolution under
Chapter VII of the Charter and exercising its jurisdiction ratione materiae based on an
international law definition, that would combine elements of customary law with an
open list of acts described in the existing sectorial conventions against terrorism.
Profound changes in the legal system: Constitutional Court of the Republic of Moldova made it possible for every litigant to raise the exception of unconstitutionality
Authors: TĂNASE ALEXANDRU
Published: October 2021

This study analyses the Judgment of the Constitutional Court of Moldova no. 2 of 9
February 2016 for the interpretation of Article 135 para. (1) letters a) and g) of
the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova (exception of unconstitutionality),
by which it has been decided that the right to raise the exception belongs to all
courts of law, respectively to judges who belong to such courts, and the
challenge regarding the constitutional review of certain rules which are to be
applied in the settlement of a case shall be submitted directly to the
Constitutional Court by the judges/panels of judges in the Supreme Court of
Justice, courts of appeal and courts, where the case is at issue. Opening to every
individual the opportunity to raise the exception of unconstitutionality, the
existing mechanism for the protection of human rights has been redefined,
representing the first significant step towards the introduction of an individual
complaint to the Constitutional Court.
Constitutional Court of Albania, the development of its jurisprudence to guarantee the principle of constitutionality
Authors: LESKOVIKU MIGENA
Published: October 2021

In this paper, have been treated some historical aspect about the establishment of the
Constitutional Court, based on the Law no. 7191 of 29 April 1991 on the
principle constitutional provisions. The Parliament adopted a new law – the
Law no. 8577 of 10 February 2000 on the organization and functioning of the
Constitutional Court of the Republic of Albania. During the activity of the
Constitutional Court since its establishment in 1992, it has handled different
kind of cases based on its competences, creating a rich and bold jurisprudence.
An important place in this paper takes the Constitutional control exercised by
Albanian Constitutional Court. The paper treats the evolution of jurisprudence
of the Constitutional Court in Albania, to guarantee the principles of the
constitutionality.
Les ennemies de la democratie. Elements pour une problematique systemique
Authors: MILACIC SLOBODAN
Published: October 2021

La démocratie se trouve face à un défi historique, avec l'évolution accélérée du monde.
Si la démocratie est un système éminemment politique et si le politique
implique, conformément aux postulats fondateurs, l'autonomie de la volonté
des hommes, des citoyens (volonté prépondérante ou «surdéterminante»), on
peut affirmer que les hommes sont dans une certaine mesure responsables
pour l'éclipse dans laquelle se trouve le politique, dans sa version démocratique.
Ainsi, la démocratie a permis que ses Sujets deviennent, dans une bonne
mesure, des objets du marché. Dans cette perspective, il n'est pas sans raison
d'affirmer que la démocratie est devenue son propre ennemi...
Digitization of justice in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the implications of digitalization on constitutional rights
Authors: BĂNICĂ RUXANDRA ANDREEA
Published: October 2021

The article aims to generate a preliminary radiography on the actual stage of
digitalization of justice in Romania, offering a perspective on its evolution both
domestically and internationally, a development forced, at least in appearance,
by the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions imposed by it. The electronic file,
the usual use of electronic signatures in trials, as well as the multitude of
information provided in the virtual environment by public judicial institutions
are some essential aspects that define the beginnings of this deeply
restructuring process. The most important question, on which no rigorous
analysis has been carried out so far, remains the following: how does this
process impact the constitutional rights of citizens? In the chase after the
alignment to the European approaches, to the evolution and speed of the
digital age in which we live, we lose sight of the fact that the Romanian citizens
may not be prepared for this process. The human component fades in front of
the benefits of artificial intelligence, adaptation at any cost is required by
society, and indirectly, by the state, without providing the necessary resources
in this regard. We propose a necessary reading from the perspective of
affecting some rights guaranteed by the Constitution through digitization,
aspects worthy of consideration.
Brief considerations regarding decision no. 26/2021 of the constitutional court regarding the constitutionality of the provisions of the art. 4881 paragraph 2 of Code of criminal procedure
Authors: ANIȚULESEI IOANA NARCISA
Published: October 2021

In the present study, the author analyzes the provisions of art. 4881 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure which, until now, have been the subject of multiple exceptions
of unconstitutionality examined by the Constitutional Court.
Mainly, the study focuses on the considerations set out in Decision no. 26/2021
pronounced by Constitutional Court in which was statued the constitutionality of
the provisions of art. 4881 paragraph 2 and 3 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
In his approach, the author makes additional arguments in support of the
unconstitutionality of the rule by reference to national and European provisions
enshrining the principle of equality of citizens before the law.
MERCADO DE ARTE, ORGANIZAÇÕES E ARTISTAS NA CONTEMPORANEIDADE
Authors: Maranhão Romero de Albuquerque
Published: October 2021

Na contemporaneidade, o mercado das obras de arte carrega nuances tão intrigantes quanto às próprias técnicas e representações das produções artísticas. Ele movimenta cifras altas em todo o mundo – a considerar leilões, vendas em galerias de arte, aquisições de museus e até polêmicas transações ilegais, como as que eclodiram recentemente na Operação Lava Jato. Com isso, a partir de uma revisão bibliográfica e análise crítica da produção artística de quatro reconhecidos artistas, o objetivo deste texto é apresentar conceitos e reflexões sobre o mercado de arte contemporâneo e suas (inter) conexões com as organizações artísticas, bem como com os artistas. Conclui-se que, na Arte Contemporânea, o artista cujas obras, ainda, não têm visibilidade no mercado de arte, não existe até que alguém como um reconhecido curador e/ou colecionador o transforme em marca, ou grife, principalmente de luxo, além do auto marketing.
ENTREPRENEURIAL DETERMINANTS AFFECTING THE GROWTH OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN THE MOTOR VEHICLE INDUSTRY IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA
Authors: Njeru Lawrence , Mutiso Josephine
Published: October 2021

Purpose: The current study sought to establish the entrepreneurial determinants affecting the growth of small and medium enterprises in the motor vehicle industry in Nairobi county, Kenya. The study specifically aimed at assessing how entrepreneurial innovativeness, Service Quality, Entrepreneurial Competency and business operational policies determines the growth of SMEs in motor vehicle industry in Nairobi County, Kenya.

Methodology: The study was anchored on Schumpeter’s Innovation Theory, Commitment Trust Theory, Competency Theory and Policy Theory. A descriptive research design was adopted and the target population comprised of SMEs operating within Central Business District in Nairobi County. A total of 245SMEs were targeted and the unit of observation comprised of owners, managers and supervisors of the enterprises. A census approach was adopted where all the targeted enterprises were involved in the study. Questionnaires were used for collecting data both qualitative and quantitative data. The study conducted a pilot on 12 small enterprises in Kiambu County before collecting data for the main study to assess the reliability and validity of the questionnaires. Data was analyzed using both Microsoft excel and SPSS tools. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The study findings were presented in form of tables and figures for easier interpretation.

Findings: The study concludes that the entrepreneurial innovativeness level has a positive and significant influence on the growth of SMEs in motor vehicle industry in Nairobi County, Kenya. In addition, the study concludes that the service quality has a positive and significant influence on the growth of SMEs in motor vehicle industry in Nairobi County, Kenya. Further, the study concludes that the entrepreneurial competency has a positive and significant influence on the growth of SMEs in motor vehicle industry in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study also concludes that the business operational policies have a positive and significant influence on the growth of SMEs in motor vehicle industry in Nairobi County, Kenya.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: From the results, the study recommends that the management of SMEs in the motor vehicle industry should enhance their ability to introduce new product, new services and ability to capture market niche of products and services. In addition, that the management of SMEs in the motor vehicle industry should be more focused on ensuring quality services are provided to their customers.
Điều trị phẫu thuật bệnh van tim trong thai kỳ
Authors: Dũng Văn Hùng , Khôi Hoàng Anh , Hà Nguyễn Thị Như , Hào Nguyễn Tiến
Published: October 2021

Tổng quan: phẫu thuật tim cho bệnh nhân đang mang thai mang lại nhiều rủi ro cho cả mẹ và thai nhi. Chúng tôi trình bày kinh nghiệm điều trị phẫu thuật ở bệnh nhân có bệnh van tim đang mang thai.

Phương pháp nghiên cứu: hồi cứu các trường hợp BN có bệnh van tim đang mang thai được trong giai đoạn 1998-2018 tại Viện Tim thành phố Hồ Chí Minh. Loại trừ nhóm bệnh cơ tim chu sản, bệnh tim bẩm sinh.

Kết quả: tổng số BN là 78 bao gồm 15 BN được phẫu thuật nong van tim kín, 63 BN được tạo hình hoặc thay van. Không có tử vong ở nhóm nong van tim kín, tử vong mẹ ở nhóm BN điều trị phẫu thuật tim hở: 3 (4,7%). Biến chứng tim mạch chính: 16 (20,5%) bao gồm suy tim nặng, rối loạn nhịp tim và phù phổi cấp. Các yếu tố làm tăng tử vong mẹ là phân độ NYHA trước mổ (p= 0,037) và mổ cấp cứu (p= 0,034). Tử vong thai nhi là 10 (13,1%). Biến chứng sản khoa: 28 (36,8%) bao gồm phải mổ lấy thai, sẩy thai, dọa sẩy thai và sinh sớm. Các yếu tố làm tăng tử vong thai nhi là thời gian tuần hoàn hoàn cơ thể (p= 0,003) và thời gian kẹp động mạch chủ (p= 0,01). Thời gian theo dõi trung bình là 104,25 ± 68,7 tháng (từ 12- 238 tháng).

Kết luận: điều trị chuyên biệt cho nhóm bệnh này vẫn còn là thách thức, có nhiều biến chứng. Cần  sự phối hợp của nhiều chuyên khoa sâu, tối ưu hóa tuần hoàn ngoài cơ thể và chọn thời điểm phẫu thuật phù hợp nhằm mang lại kết quả tốt cho cả mẹ và con.
Đặc điểm lâm sàng, hình thái tổn thương và kết quả điều trị chấn thương, vết thương động mạch chi dưới tại Bệnh viện Hữu nghị Việt Tiệp
Authors: Công Hoàng Anh , Ước Nguyễn Hữu , Doanh Bùi Thanh
Published: October 2021

Đặt vấn đề: Tổn thương mạch máu ngoại vi là cấp cứu ngoại khoa thường gặp. Tại Hải Phòng, Bệnh viện Hữu nghị Việt Tiệp tiếp nhận hầu hết các cấp cứu ngoại mạch máu của khu vực; do vậy nghiên cứu “Đặc điểm lâm sàng, hình thái tổn thương và kết quả điều trị chấn thương, vết thương động mạch chi dưới” là cần thiết, có ý nghĩa trong đào tạo và thực hành chuyên khoa.

Phương pháp nghiên cứu: Mô tả cắt ngang.

Kết quả: 33 bệnh nhân trong khoảng thời gian từ 1/2014 đến 7/2019, 40 thương tổn động mạch (ĐM), tuổi trung bình 34,6 ± 14,7. Lâm sàng chủ yếu là các dấu hiệu gián tiếp. Đa số bệnh nhân được phẫu thuật cấp cứu trong 6 giờ đầu sau bị thương. Hình thái tổn thương ĐM hay gặp là đụng dập kèm đứt rời và đứt rời; tập trung ở nhóm động mạch chày, đùi nông, khoeo. Phương pháp phẫu thuật chủ yếu là khâu nối động mạch trực tiếp, ghép mạch tự thân, thắt mạch. Kết quả điều trị: đa số bệnh nhân xếp loại tốt, tỉ lệ tử vong 6,1%. Kết luận: Tổn thương ĐM chi dưới do chấn thương, vết thương là cấp cứu mạch máu hay gặp. Phương pháp điều trị chủ yếu là phẫu thuật phục hồi lưu thông động mạch. Kết quả điều trị khá tốt, song vẫn có trường hợp hoại tử cắt cụt chi; tử vong.
Judicialização da Violência de Gênero em Debate: Perspectivas analíticas
Authors: Rifiotis Theophilos , Cardozo Fernanda
Published: October 2021

O livro reúne reflexões teóricas que fundamentam as pesquisas empíricas realizadas no âmbito do projeto Estudos da judicialização da “violência de gênero” e difusão de práticas alternativas numa perspectiva comparada entre Brasil e Argentina, o qual contou com apoio do CNPq. Através de cinco textos (originais e republicações), apresentamos um conjunto de pistas para a pesquisa que emergem de trajetórias consolidadas ao longo dos anos sobre a judicialização da “violência de gênero”. Sendo assim, este livro é dedicado a uma necessária sistematização dos fundamentos para a pesquisa sobre a judicialização da “violência de gênero” no seu estado atual, procurando identificar caminhos possíveis para o desenvolvimento do campo de estudos e para o aprofundamento do diálogo com os agentes de intervenção. São ensaios que buscam elencar elementos analíticos considera-dos de base para a pesquisa antropológica e que podem, em certa medida, ampliar a troca com outras disciplinas, com grupos organizados em torno de bandeiras feministas, bem como com profissionais que atuam no sistema judiciário e em outras instituições que se defrontam com os desafios da judicialização da “violência de gênero”.
MALTED - a shared experience
Authors: Bangs Paul , Quintana Agustín
Published: October 2021

The story of MALTED (Multimedia Authoring for Language Tutors and Educational Development) (www.malted.org) goes back a few years to the acceptance by the European Commission of the MALTED project for European Commission funding under the Educational Multimedia Task Force programme. The result is the appearance of the MALTED authoring system as freeware, available to all under a GNU agreement. The appearance of the MALTED2 version has resulted from considerable post-project development work by the Spanish Ministry of Education (CNICE - Educational Information and Communications Technology Unit).
This article will examine how the system addresses the points discovered in the needs analysis and trialling phases of the project, which have contributed to the creation of the most powerful language authoring tool to appear so far. It will also explain how the system has been introduced and disseminated, especially in Spain, and finally will explain varied examples of applications created using the tool.
Disseminate
Authors: Delcloque Philippe
Published: October 2021

DISSEMINATE is a mnemonic acronymic vehicle capable of brand recognition to support a set of development principles for what some have now referred to as the emerging science of Courseware Engineering (Marshall 1997). Above all, DISSEMINATE is an active verb which implies that the proponents may wish to follow this with definite planned actions which may occur simultaneously and in a co-ordinated fashion in all parts of the world. Although the concept of the project is "authorability", it is seen by its members as the sum of the key elements described below, yet considering the definition of each component proposed as open and flexible. It is not meant to be prescriptive and to create new constraints; quite on the contrary, it may lead to substitutions and refinements to suit individual authors and collaborators.

http://www.disseminate.org.uk/
Practicing Pronunciation: Will Voice XML do for language learners what HTML did for collaborators?
Authors: Luterbach Kenneth J. , Rodriguez Diane
Published: October 2021

This paper considers the utility of the Voice Extensible Markup Language (Voice XML) for language learning. In particular, this article considers whether Voice XML might become as popular as HTML. First, this paper discusses the surprising popularity of HTML, which provides contextual information useful for considering the potential of Voice XML. Second, this article discusses two voice scripts in order to demonstrate Voice XML tags and features. The first example script concerns voice synthesis only whereas the second script utilizes both voice synthesis and voice recognition. In order to gain insight into the utility of Voice XML for instructional applications, the second voice script can be accessed by language learners in order to practice pronouncing words in English. Technically, each voice script is a text file containing Voice XML tags. Once the file containing a Voice XML script is stored on a web server and a telephone number linked to the file, a language learner can use a telephone to practice pronouncing words. Those implementation details are considered in the third section of this paper, which identifies one particular system that permits developers to test and deploy Voice XML scripts free of charge. Lastly, this article concludes with a discussion of issues concerning the utility of Voice XML relative to HTML.
An Evaluation of Chatbots as Software Aids to Learning English as a Second Language
Authors: Coniam David
Published: October 2021

'Chatbot' programs are pieces of software that can hold a conversation, or interact, in English. This paper explores the potential of chatbots for ESL (English as a Second Language) learning from a pedagogical perspective. From the command-line days of Eliza, chatbots have matured considerably – to the point where many chatbots now involve an avatar interface, with speech recognition also becoming available as a feature. The paper evaluates six chatbots currently available either online or for purchase. The evaluation examines chatbots from the perspective of their interfaces as a human-looking or sounding partner to chat with, as well as their usability as pieces of software suitable for ESL learners. To put some of these issues in perspective and provide insights into their use, the paper also reports on the use of some chatbots in
the ESL classroom. The paper concludes with an analysis of chatbots currently available, noting that while chatbots have matured considerably since the early days of Eliza, they still have a long way to go before they can interact with students in the way that researchers such as Atwell (1999) envisage.
Enhancing Blended Language Learning: Development of a New eLearning Template
Authors: Kane-Iturrioz Rosario
Published: October 2021

Improvements in dedicated e-learning tools and the new insights provided by CALL research are at the core of a new course for Business Language. The course incorporates an innovative eLearning template as the key element of its main mode of delivery. A number of authoring tools have been integrated in order to provide a userfriendly, flexible and effective online learning medium for both teachers and learners. This paper describes the background for the design of the course and discusses the needs it aims to meet. The study also outlines the objectives informing the development of the eLearning template and examines the main features and parameters of the pilot module developed in order to test this template within a blended learning setting. Finally, the paper addresses the issues encountered during the pilot trial and the main
findings from the student feedback.
Book review "Online Communication in Language Teaching and Learning"
Authors: Perry David
Published: October 2021

Lamy, Marie-Noëlle & Hampel, Regine (2007)
Online Communication in Language Teaching and Learning
Series: Research and Practice in Applied Linguistics
London: Palgrave MacMillan
ISBN: 9780230001275 (280 pages)
Autonomous Language Learning Project: Catering to Less Widely Used Languages
Authors: O'Donovan Aisling
Published: October 2021

This article describes the aims and outputs of the Autonomous Language Learning (ALL) project. It describes the challenges and targets of the project from methodological and curriculum development, to activity and platform design. It further collates feedback from the project pilots. Finally it situates the project in terms of material currently available online both in the specific context of the less widely used languages of the project, and, in the broader context of recent technological innovations in language learning in general. The ALL EU-funded project developed blended learning language courses at A2 level for Lithuanian, Romanian, Bulgarian and Turkish. Courses have multilingual access in French, Italian, Spanish and English. Designers and platform developers faced a dual challenge: to innovate in terms of methodology and to innovate in terms of technology. The methodological framework of the project was to develop CEF competence based syllabi and material that promoted student autonomy and collaboration, using a constructivist task-based approach. The languages share a VLE, specifically adapted to the needs of each language. Project outputs include student and teacher guides, on and offline material and printed blended learning sets for each language.
ESELE: Independent language learning resources for Spanish at the University of Manchester
Authors: Niño Ana
Published: October 2021

This paper describes ESELE (Enhancing the Spanish E-learning Language Experience), an innovative project that presents a comprehensive virtual learning environment with a wide variety of inbuilt e-tools and resources that aims to boost the independent learning of students of Spanish at all levels at the Language Centre, University of Manchester. The main objectives of the project are presented together with the structure of the various learning modules. Subsequently, the results of a student survey are put forward in order to provide an indication of the frequency of use, the usefulness and appropriateness of the materials, as well as the impact on the students' language skills. Finally, some comments and recommendations about the course components are suggested by the students. The outcomes indicate that the Blackboard-based e-learning platform resources proved to be beneficial, helped to improve the students' motivation and confidence, and encouraged autonomy by providing guidance and support throughout their multiple forms of interactive and collaborative practice.
Computer-assisted Cooperative Learning in EFL in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Maini Yousef H.
Published: October 2021

The Saudi education system is facing a climate of change characterized by an interest in integrating new technology and educational approaches to improve teaching and learning. In this climate, the present article explores the feasibility of introducing computer-assisted co-operative learning in government secondary schools in Unaizah, Saudi Arabia. In particular, it considers teacher experience with/attitudes towards such learning in teaching English as a foreign language; administrative support for such innovation and students' responses to a co-operative learning environment, based on interviews and observations. The author concludes that the introduction of computer-assisted co-operative learning in English, supported by appropriate training, could benefit both students and teachers and offers recommendations for its implementation.
Localisation Education Activity Programme (LEAP)
Authors: Anastasiou Dimitra , Nishio Naoto , Quigley Enda
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a new initiative called the Localisation Education Activity Programme (LEAP). It has been set up within the Localisation Research Centre (1) (LRC) at the University of Limerick, under the auspices of Centre for Next Generation Localisation (2) (CNGL), a government sponsored Centre for Science, Engineering and Technology in Ireland.

Localisation is the adaptation of digital content to a combination of language and culture, called locale . In this article we describe the two main pillars of LEAP which are i) courses run in conjunction with the Irish Centre for Talented Youth (3)(CTYI) and ii) the Primary School Localisation Toolkit, consisting of a toolkit which offers a suite of educational activities and a teacher assistance toolkit. The main goal of LEAP is to use localisation related concepts at primary schools (ages 7 – 12) in order to help students and teachers overcome obstacles resulting from cultural diversity.
Towards new roles for learners and teachers in a language learning system?
Authors: Chateau Anne , Zumbihl Hélène
Published: October 2021

In a flexible language learning system, developed at a French university and gradually improved through Action Research, different elements are combined: individual work on a virtual learning environment (VLE), pair-work and counselling appointments. One of the objectives of the system is to help the students involved progress towards autonomy – defined as “the ability to take charge of one’s own learning” (Holec 1981: 3) or “as the capacity to take control over one’s own learning” (Benson 2001: 2) – in their learning of English. The implementation of the system involves a new conception of the different actors’ roles. Teachers become tutors, or counsellors, as defined by CRAPEL (Gremmo, 1995; Ciekanski, 2005) with new specific pedagogical goals (Bertin, Gravé & Narcy-Combes, 2010) and the learners have a new role to play. The introduction of two new guidance tools over the last years – a logbook, and specific sections in the existing forum of the VLE – were meant to help the students develop a reflexive approach and thus enhance autonomization, or developing learners’ capacity to learn (Holec 1990: 77), and, in a second time, to promote the development of collaborative learning strategies and encourage the students to use strategies which they would not primarily have thought of. The guidance tools used in this specific language learning environment such as the counselling appointments, the logbook, and the forum, may influence the roles played by the different actors, but also the representations they have of their own roles, which may have an impact on their motivation and thus on the autonomization process (Dickinson, 1995). From the creation of the flexible system five years ago, the research has studied a population of 610 students through quantitative and qualitative analyses (Chateau, 2008; Chateau & Zumbihl, 2010). Focusing on the results obtained with the last population of students, the paper discusses the differences between them and the previous populations, and in particular whether the evolution of the roles played by the different actors, as compared with traditional language teaching/learning situations, has been enhanced.
An in-depth exploration of the effects of the webcam on multimodal interactive learning
Authors: Codreanu Tatiana , Combe Celik Christelle
Published: October 2021

Current research describes multimodal pedagogical communication of two populations of online teachers; trainee tutors (second year students of the Master of Arts in Teaching French as a Foreign Language at the university Lumière- Lyon 2, France) and experienced teachers based in different locations (France, Spain and Finland). They all taught French as a Foreign Language to a group of students from UC Berkeley in 2010. They participated in a project using a desktop videoconferencing platform (VISU) designed for delivering online courses. The study focuses on the webcam’s effects on teaching and learning and tries to answer the following question: how does multimodal interaction affect interactive learning? Our hypothesis is that experienced teachers channel information through the webcam more efficiently and effectively in order to engage learners in knowledge construction. This paper presents the results of research based on an empirical method of collecting ecological data.
Using a quest in a 3D virtual environment for student interaction and vocabulary acquisition in foreign language learning
Authors: Kastoudi Denise
Published: October 2021

The gaming and interactional nature of the virtual environment of Second Life offers opportunities for language learning beyond the traditional pedagogy. This study case examined the potential of 3D virtual quest games to enhance vocabulary acquisition through interaction, negotiation of meaning and noticing. Four adult students of English at advanced level and a native speaker of English formed two groups, one group of two students and one group of two students and the native speaker. The groups took part in the Pot Healer Adventure Quest in Second Life. Qualitative analysis showed that a) there was a great amount of output and meaningful interaction, as well as negotiation of meaning and negative feedback for the words tested, b) small but substantial quantities of incidental learning of vocabulary occurred, together with some small samples of incidental learning from some students, and c) noticing worked very well in the activity, due to the combination of the written chat, the virtual environment and the game itself. There is a need to promote the creation of quests that will combine the attractive elements of games with the aim of second language learning. More research is needed to see how we can have effective language learning while interacting in virtual environments. More study cases with various samples should be conducted for more conclusive evidence.
Enhancing writing skills through blogs in an EFL class
Authors: Vurdien Ruby
Published: October 2021

Today Web 2.0 technologies, including blogs, are presenting both teachers and learners with new horizons in the field of language teaching and learning. A blog is an online journal which can be continuously updated by its users (Matheson, 2004). People can write their views at their own pace without space and time constraints. Blogs aid in the development of interpretive and critical thinking skills. The present study explores how a blog as a computermediated tool engages a group of EFL learners, at a language school in Spain, in reflective and collaborative learning, and argues that personal blogs can motivate students to build on their writing skills through self-reflection and peer feedback. The students had become more careful with planning their task and error correction before submitting their work. Collaborative skills were also fostered through students’ regular interaction on the blogs.
La actitud del estudiantado, clave para entender la mejora de sus resultados académicos en un entorno de flipped classroom
Authors: Ruiz Jiménez Maria Del Carmen , Martínez Jiménez Rocío , Licerán Gutiérrez Ana , García Martí Elia , Moreno Fuentes Elena , Risueño Martínez Jesús Juan
Published: October 2021

El modelo de flipped classroom ha demostrado en los últimos años tener un efecto positivo sobre la motivación y el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes. En este trabajo analizamos la percepción que tienen los estudiantes de 9 asignaturas de Grado sobre la evaluación formativa de la asignatura y su actitud hacia este nuevo modelo de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Además, analizamos si ambas variables influyen sobre su percepción de obtener mejores resultados académicos. Los resultados de nuestro estudio muestran que ambos aspectos, conjuntamente, son los que explican en mejor medida dicha percepción, mostrando que la actitud de los estudiantes es clave para que el mayor y mejor aprendizaje se traduzca en un mayor rendimiento.
Valoración de indicadores para la CT-03 Análisis y resolución de problemas
Authors: Vidal-Meló Anna , Boigues Planes Francisco J. , Pastor Gimeno José I.
Published: October 2021

En las conclusiones de algunos grupos de trabajo se sugiere calificar la competencia transversal CT-03 Análisis y resolución de problemas, sin fórmulas proporcionales a la nota final de la asignatura, recomendando para su evaluación la utilización de rúbricas para las actividades formativas planteadas. En este trabajo se plantea la utilización de una rúbrica generada por un grupo de expertos, en la que se establecen indicadores UPV propios de la citada competencia, junto con algún indicador UPV de la competencia CT-08 Comunicación efectiva, puesto que en la resolución de problemas se pretende que el alumnado los resuelva correctamente, de forma estructurada, clara y rigurosa y utilizando el lenguaje científico de forma adecuada. El objetivo de este trabajo está centrado en la validación inicial de cada uno de los indicadores establecidos por el grupo de expertos, estableciendo un ideal, así como en la valoración por parte del alumnado, comparando dichas evaluaciones. Finalmente proponemos la utilización de un coeficiente fuzzy de adecuación al ideal, que permite medir la cercanía al ideal de la percepción que tiene el alumnado del cumplimiento de los criterios establecidos y, en un futuro, evaluar la adquisición de la mencionada competencia en el alumnado.
Análisis de la percepción del estudiante sobre el empleo didáctico de Scratch en el aula
Authors: Vázquez-Cano Esteban , Díez-Arcón Paz
Published: October 2021

This communication presents an educational experience with pre-universitary students consisting of the creation of a video game in the classroom through the computer application "Scratch". From a qualitative approach, a measure of pair documents similarity PDMS through Kendall Tau distance is applied in order to analyze students´ perception with regard to the implementation of this resource based on block programming. The results show that the most relevant positive aspects are: the increase of support between colleagues and group work, as well as the resolution of doubts. Aspects to be improved or less positive are related to its repetitive nature in the technical procedure and its reduced application in real life. Additionally, the students perceive limitations as its development is mostly constrained to tablets and smartphones, excluding mobile phones from the process. Finally, with regard to its didactic features, benefits for students in relation to their motivation towards study and greater interactivity in the work in the classroom are perceived.
Aprendizaje basado en proyectos: Generación de pódcast en asignaturas de 1º del Grado de Comunicación Audiovisual
Authors: Sanchis Rico Juan Manuel , Terol Bolinches Raúl , Navarro Laboulais Cristina , Mas Castells Josep Àngel
Published: October 2021

El proyecto ha tenido como objetivo utilizar el pódcast educativo como herramienta tecnológica para favorecer el desarrollo de competencias específicas de las asignaturas de 1º del Grado en Comunicación Audiovisual así como de algunas competencias transversales como la Comprensión e Integración, la Comunicación Efectiva, la Planificación y gestión del tiempo y la Instrumental Específica. La aplicación de esta metodología permite al alumno ser partícipe del proceso de creación y lo convierte en prosumidor: el alumno recibe los conocimientos técnicos necesarios para la producción del pódcast desde unas asignaturas para luego generar pódcast que le permitan adquirir los conocimientos teóricos de otras asignaturas, todo ello bajo la tutorización del profesorado. Los resultados obtenidos demostraron una mejora en el grado de adquisición de las competencias trabajadas aumentando su grado de satisfacción y su participación en el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje.