bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of invasive alien species-Prosopis juliflora on floral diversity of Sathyamangalam tiger reserve, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: BL Maheshnaik , K Baranidharan , bhama Vijaya
Published: October 2022

The Bhavanisagar Range of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in the foothills of the Nilgiris is one of the most famous preferred breeding grounds for the Elephants in the Western Ghats and it is known for its landscape beauty, varied of forest ecosystems and wildlife diversity. Unfortunately, during the last decades, there has been a drastic reduction in the diversity of the natural vegetation. The available niches have been occupied by invasive exotic species especially Prosopis juliflora. The present study deals with the impact assessment of Prosopis juliflora in Bhavanisagar range of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu. The parameter assessed are floral diversity and its diversity indices. For floral diversity sample plot technique was followed in three different sites viz., Prosopis juliflora eradicated and effectively managed area, Prosopis juliflora invaded area and natural forest. The study results revealed that totally 79 species of trees, shrubs, herbs and grass species were recorded out of which 38 trees belonging to 22 families, 22 shrubs covering 16 families, 19 herbs and grass species relating to 14 families was recorded. In Prosopis juliflora invaded area, 24 tree species belonging to 11 families, 16 shrubs species occupying 13 families and 11 herbs & grasses belonging to 8 families were documented. The highest floral species contribution was from families like Fabaceae, Solanaceae and Astracese in tree shrub and herbs respectively in the study area. The natural forest area was more diverse in flora and fauna than Prosopis juliflora invaded and eradicated area. The Shannon–Weiner diversity index, among the three sites, reveals that natural forest (site-III) registered more diverse, and in the case of Simpson index of dominance, the natural forest (site-III) recorded the highest dominance. With respect to Pielou’s evenness index and the Margalef index, natural forest area (site-III) has registered higher index.
Communication System in the Organization of the Hajj Worship in North Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Sikumbang Ahmad Tamrin , Kholil Syukur , Rubino Rubino , Indra Farhan
Published: October 2022

This article discusses the role of communication in attracting Hajj pilgrims to North Sumatra. This article examines the steps taken by the North Sumatra Province Ministry of Religion to implement a communication system in terms of services and pilgrim protection guarantees. This article's research employs a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. Interviews were conducted with several informants who were considered qualified to answer this topic within the Ministry of Religion of North Sumatra, including the Jemaah Haji from North Sumatra. Literature studies and documentation are two other methods for gathering data. Data processing and analysis techniques were applied in three stages: data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. According to the findings of this study, the Ministry of Religion has ensured a fair, professional, and accountable implementation of the Hajj by prioritizing the interests of the congregation, and general and special services for disabled people. Meanwhile, both domestically and in Saudi Arabia, coaching takes the form of practice. Furthermore, the Ministry of Religion has put legal safeguards in place to ensure the safety of Hajj pilgrims.
Leaders' Personal Communication And The Job Satisfaction Of Private Higher Education Employees
Authors: Rubino Rubino , Sikumbang Ahmad Tamrin , Kholil Syukur , Helmi Badrul
Published: October 2022

This article discusses how leaders and employees communicate with one another, focusing on private universities in Medan City. Essentially, the communication that exists between leaders and employees has a large impact on the work environment. Good communication will result in a healthy work environment and good collaboration to improve the agency's quality. In retrospect, if the established communication is poor, it will decline the agency's integrity. This article focuses on the importance of communication and how it affects job satisfaction. This article employs a descriptive analysis technique based on field research. Data was gathered through observation and interviews with a number of key informants drawn from the leadership and employees. According to the findings of this study, interpersonal communication between leaders and employees in private universities in the city of Medan creates a productive work environment marked by harmony between the communication climate on commitment and employee satisfaction with their performance. However, several sources of dissatisfaction must be addressed by management in order to avoid misunderstandings that harm the work environment. The effectiveness of interpersonal communication is very influential in ensuring that collaboration between leaders and employees runs smoothly in order to improve the agency's quality
Use of Digital Transaction Services During the Pandemic Based on Perceptions of Community in Manado, Indonesia
Authors: Niu Fitria Ayu Lestari
Published: October 2022

This study aims to describe the perception of community in Manado City by using qualitative research methods and a phenomenological approach using OVO as digital transaction services. Data were collected through interview techniques with informants and direct observation, and data were analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion. The results showed that the perception that was studied according to internal factors was through attitudes, motivations, interests, experiences, and expectations. The attitude expressed by the community of Manado City as users is that they feel happier, satisfied, easy, sophisticated, practical, and flexible. The motivation came from an offer of cashback when shopping, the prices given by tenants who work with OVO are cheaper and help the community to reduce direct interaction with people in transactions during the pandemic. The people’s interest came from their desires, the needs of the digital era like today, and encouragement from their family and co-workers. The experience so far is still very good, judging from the attitude of the informants, who are happy, and satisfied with the existence of this OVO digital transaction service. The people expect that OVO can collaborate more with tenants at malls, SMEs, and shopping places that do not yet provide digital transactions, as well as provide an official office in Manado, increase promos, and provide more payment features according to user needs, and educate the people of Manado City to switch to digital transactions.
Religious Tolerance in France: A Perspective of Maqasid Shari'a
Authors: Mujib Lalu Supriadi Bin , Hamim Khairul
Published: October 2022

This study examines religious tolerance in France from the perspective of Maqasid Shari'a. This study employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. The study was conducted in 2019, taking place in France. Data collection techniques were carried out using observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation also the informants were selected by purposive sampling and snowball sampling. Data analysis used the critical analysis method through in-depth interviews with religious leaders, organizational leaders associated with inter-religious harmony organizations, community leaders, and youth leaders. This study revealed France's position as a country which ready to accept religious pluralism and guarantees constitutional, historical and factual tolerance among religious believers. However, this encounters several obstacles that arise in the form of radicalism, Islamophobia and unpreparedness for dialogue related to religious issues. From these obstacles, various strategies emerged to create tolerance among religious believers, namely the laicite law, integration policies and supporting religious institutions such as the Conseil Francais du Culte Musulman (CFCM). Some of the French government's strategies turned out to be in line with the dimensions of Hifz al-Din which is one of the goals of Maqasid Shari’a. Hifz al-Din in this context, is interpreted repressively then it becomes haq al-tadayyun (religious rights), where this strategy can guarantee the continuity of religious people to worship and carry out religious values. Haq al-Tadayyun not only maintains the sanctity of religion but also creates a harmonious relationship pattern in practicing religion amidst religious diversity. This research has implications for the emergence of a form of tolerance among religious believers in France, therefore, it can be a policy reference for countries with Muslim majority populations in responding to the dynamics that occur due to religious diversity.
Corruption in the Nigeria Police Force: A Response to a Hostile State
Authors: Oke Chris Ifeanyi
Published: October 2022

Over the years, Nigerians have been confronted with police brutality and highhandedness. It is becoming a common happenstance to witness extra-judicial killings, disappearance of suspects and detainees from custody, rebellions and revolts among the rank and file, and of course, the usual giving and taking of bribes in all the nooks and crannies of the country wherever a policeman is sighted either at the police stations, checkpoints or public offices. Very few researchers have taken due care to examine the root causes of police malfeasances. A closer look at the state and condition of service of an average Nigerian police officer will reveal that he is working and operating under the  most inhumane and vicious circumstance. The implication of this is that he becomes frustrated, disillusioned, resigns to fate and takes his destiny in his own hands. In his daily conducts, he manifests acts of corruption, lawlessness, violent and aggressive behaviours to the State. Qualitative method of data collection was adopted in this study. Data for the study was generated from secondary sources such as textbooks, journals, newspapers, the internet, etc., while frustration-aggression theory was deployed as the theoretical framework for the study. This research revealed that corruption and other unethical attitudes exhibited by the Nigerian Police Force are a response to the hostile milieu in which they are subjected to. The paper, therefore, recommends that the welfare of the police officers must be prioritized.
The Portrait of Children Custody Rights in Indonesia: A Study of Mother's Rights in Child Custody from Gender Perspective
Authors: Podungge Mohamad Salman , Khosyi'ah Siah
Published: October 2022

Divorce separates not only husband and wife but also parents and children. After the divorce, the role of the mother is identified as the best caregiver for the child. While the father's role is only limited to providing for the child's needs. The question is "whether a mother is the only one with custody rights of a child who has not been mumayiz or is not 12 years old yet? The study was carried out in a descriptive juridical method, with a gender approach, from two things: (1) the normative basis for determining child custody after divorce and (2) determining child custody for the father in a religious court. The findings of this study proved that caring for unmarried children is not the absolute right of a mother. Fathers also have the same rights, even more than a mother. The principle of "the best interest of the child" can be easily enforced by placing the custody rights of the father and mother equally.
Managerial Performance-Based Education and Training in South Sulawesi
Authors: Nawi Rusdin
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study to analysis the effect of training service toward performance of managerial, to analysis the effect of training service toward organization governance, and analysis indirect effect the training service through performance of managerial toward organization governance on BPSDM South Sulawesi Province. The research applied on BPSDM South Sulawesi Province with population as amount 583 employees and samples as amount 237 respondent through Slovin formulation. Data from questioner to analysis with path analysis. The result of research with path analysis obtained: the first, implementation of training service have effected toward organization governance in BPSDM. The second, the practice performance of managerial not yet to support the implementation of training service in effect toward organization governance in BPSDM. The result of test showed that the training service have positive and significant toward organization governance. That meaning the implementation of training service, so can to increase the organization governance. better of implementation the training service so the organization governance in BPSDM South Sulawesi Province more increase it.
Analysis of the Implementation of Disaster Management Budget Allocations in Garut Regency West Java Province
Authors: Suhendar Deden , Suherman Diki
Published: October 2022

Several things must be considered in implementing disaster management: fast, precise and priority. However, apart from that, several things hinder the implementation of budget allocations for disaster management activities, so they do not run optimally. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the budget allocation for disaster management in Garut Regency and the factors that hinder and support it by using George C. Edwards III's theory of policy implementation. The method used is descriptive qualitative with data collection techniques using interviews, literature studies on laws and regulations and other related documents. The analysis technique used is data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing. The results showed that implementing the disaster management budget allocation in Garut Regency had been carried out by the applicable laws and regulations. This is supported by communication factors and good attitude of implementers, complete Standard Operating Procedures, smooth coordination with other agencies and several resources that have been met. Unfulfilled resources are staff shortages in terms of quantity but this can be overcome with good cooperation in overcoming them. In addition, there are several external factors that affect the implementation of the budget in Garut Regency which are beyond the control of the government, for this reason, government innovation is needed to overcome this.
Talent Management Practices in the South African Public Service
Authors: Enwereji Prince Chukwuneme , Emmanuel Uwizeyimana Dominique
Published: October 2022

Talent management refers to the attraction, selection, and retention of employees, which involves a combination of HR processes across the employee life cycle. This study explored the best practice in talent management to ensure high potential talents are employed and retained due to the rising rate of employee turnover in the South African public service. A literature review and meta-analysis were conducted to explore different authors' views on the three main objectives of the study, which are to know the competencies of talent managers in developing high potential employees; explore the mechanisms talent managers can adopt in keeping high potential employees and to reveal the best practices in talent management. Findings from the study revealed that talent management is essential in assisting the employees in advancing their skills, improving their performance, and feeling engaged and motivated, thus allowing them to achieve desired goals. The ability to facilitate good planning, decision-making, change management, interpersonal relationships, emotional intelligence, programme implementation, and learning opportunities are the competencies required of talent managers to develop potential talents. Effective communication and feedback, promotion and advancement, efficient leadership, work-life balance, good organisational culture, development and training, and organisational commitment are the competencies required of talent managers to retain talents in the organisation. Regarding the best talent management practice, the study recommended that talent managers should specify the skills they need and select from a diverse pool of candidates. Other factors include onboarding practices, learning and development, performance management, an effective reward system, and a succession plan.
Prayer as a Medical Media for Pellet Victim in the Naqsabandiyah Thoriqah
Authors: Qodim Husnul
Published: October 2022

This paper examines the concept of prayer applied by Naqsabandiyah Thoriqah activists at the Suluk Babul Khairat House in preventing and treating pellet victimThis research is field research using qualitative methods. Data collection techniques were carried out by open observation, in-depth interviews, and personal documentation, while the data processing techniques were carried out using descriptive-analytical techniques. In this study the authors found that the medical practice carried out by Caliph Misno at the Suluk Babul Khairat House did not serve medical treatment, but psychological diseases caused by pellet or witchcraft, witchcraft, and various other non-medical diseases. Besides that, The author also found that the prevention technique practiced by Caliph Misno in treating these non-medical diseases was carried out by giving Naqsabandiyah tariqah practices, such as: dhikr ismu dzat, (mentioning Allah in the heart), dhikr Nafi isbat (saying Laa Ilaha Illallah). , it is better to participate in carrying out khataman tawajuh. While the treatment technique is carried out using six stages, namely; intention, reading istighfar three times, reading dhikr ismu dzat, reading surah Al-Fatihah, Al-Ikhals, Al-Falaq, An-Nass, and Ayat Kursi, channeling the energy of the prayer into the water, and the last one is closed by reading a prayer for client recovery. dhikr Nafi isbat (calling Laa Ilaha Illallah), it is even better to participate in carrying out khataman tawajuh. While the treatment technique is carried out using six stages, namely; intention, reading istighfar three times, reading dhikr ismu dzat, reading surah Al-Fatihah, Al-Ikhals, Al-Falaq, An-Nass, and Ayat Kursi, channeling the energy of the prayer into the water, and the last one is closed by reading a prayer for client recovery. dhikr Nafi isbat (calling Laa Ilaha Illallah), it is even better to participate in carrying out khataman tawajuh. While the treatment technique is carried out using six stages, namely; intention, reading istighfar three times, reading dhikr ismu dzat, reading surah Al-Fatihah, Al-Ikhals, Al-Falaq, An-Nass, and Ayat Kursi, channeling the energy of the prayer into the water, and the last one is closed by reading a prayer for client recovery. This research is expected to contribute to the development of the study of thoriqah in Indonesia, especially the Naqsabandiyah congregation in Deli Serdang district.
The Use of ASR-Equipped Software in the Teaching of Suprasegmental Features of Pronunciation
Authors: Kochem Tim , Beck Jeanne , Goodale Erik
Published: October 2022

Technology has paved the way for new modalities in language learning, teaching, and assessment. However, there is still a great deal of work to be done to develop such tools for oral communication, specifically tools that address suprasegmental features in pronunciation instruction. Therefore, this critical literature review examines how researchers have tried to create computer-assisted pronunciation training tools using automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems to aid language learners in the perception and production of suprasegmental features. We used 30 texts from 1990 to 2020 to explore how technologies have been and are currently being used to help learners develop their proficiency with suprasegmental features. Based on our thematic analysis, a persistent gap still exists between ASR-equipped software available to participants in research studies and what is available to university and classroom teachers and students. Additionally, there seems to be more development in the production of speech software for language assessment. In contrast, the translation of these tools into instructional tools for individualized learning seems to be almost non-existent. Moving forward, we recommend that more commercialized pronunciation systems utilizing ASR should be made publicly available using the technologies that are currently developed or are in development for the purposes of oral proficiency judgments.
Enhancing Visual Learning with Keyword Captioned Video
Authors: Jones Linda C , Jennings Freddie J
Published: October 2022

This current study examined the effects of full captions (n = 37), keyword captions (n = 38), and no captions (n = 37) on students’ ability to gain pictorial knowledge from a 5 minutes and 52 seconds French language video. After completing a pre-vocabulary recognition test to determine the level of equality between groups, students watched the video and immediately completed a post-visual recognition test and a post-recall protocol test to determine students’ visual content gain and/or recall. Overall, the keyword captions group responded to visual questions about the video just as well as the no captions group, and somewhat better than the full captions group. In addition, the no captions group significantly outperformed the keyword and full captions groups on visual recall. Based on eye-tracking data, the more one looked within the captions field, the less one gained visually from the video. These results have implications for how one designs L2 video lessons with captions.
"Todo esto tiene un sentido alegórico" (GA 4,24). La Exégesis antioquena de Gálatas 4,21-31
Authors: Gil-Tamayo Juan Antonio
Published: October 2022

El texto paulino de Ga 4,21- 31 ha tenido gran relevancia en la exegesis patrística. En él se encuentra la única ocurrencia del término alegoría en todo el Nuevo Testamento, además de recoger una exegesis paulina de un texto veterotestamentario. Los alejandrinos se apoyarán en este pasaje para justificar el uso de la alegoría en la interpretación de las Escrituras; los antioquenos, por su parte, excusando al Apóstol por el uso de ese vocablo proscrito, tratarán de definir un criterio hermenéutico adecuado. Las diferencias entre ambas escuelas podrían resumirse en un problema de acentuación a la hora de establecer un sentido superior del texto sagrado: en el caso antioqueno con una interpretación más disciplinada y restringida, en el caso alejandrino con una exegesis más libre y abierta.
Thermodynamic and kinetic studies for the adsorption of malachite green on diatomite
Authors: Hadri Mohamed , Draoui Khalid , Bounab Loubna , Hamdaoui Mustapha , Douhri Hikmat , Kouda Iman , Zaitan Hicham
Published: October 2022

Pollution by dyes is one of the main pollutions of industrial effluents. This research examined Moroccan diatomite as a low-cost adsorbent to remove one of the dangerous dyes, malachite green (MG). Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, scanning electron microscopy, pHpzc and X-ray diffraction were used to characterise diatomite. The studies were carried out at different levels of pH, diatomite masses and MG concentrations at a temperature of 25°C. Equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamic characteristics were also studied. The results show that the diatomite consisted of an integrated and nearly circular sieve plate with many small ordered pores, giving it a high specific surface area of 17.36 m2/g. The ideal pH was found to be 7, with a saturation period of 90 min. The results indicate that MG removal increased accordingly as the pH increased and also as the adsorbent mass increased. The results of the isotherms showed that the Langmuir model is the most adequate, while the adsorption of MG is better characterised as monolayer adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained from the Langmuir model is about 22.17 mg/g at 25°C. Kinetic studies indicated the pseudo-second-order model as the most adequate model. It was also revealed that intraparticle diffusion is not the only rate-controlling step. From the thermodynamic data, it was concluded that the adsorption is endothermic – that is, the adsorption is more favourable at high temperatures. The research confirmed the applicability of diatomite as an effective and inexpensive adsorbent for removing hazardous materials.
Emergence of a subordinate construction in a sign language: Intonation ploughs the field for morphosyntax
Authors: Dachkovsky Svetlana
Published: October 2022

A central question in historical linguistics is how subordination emerges. Many linguists have hypothesized that diachronically subordinate constructions start off with intonational signals, and that these precede morphosyntactic markers of subordination (Givón 2012; Mithun 2009 inter alia). Contemporary spoken languages cannot provide a testing ground for this hypothesis because all of them have fully grammaticalized subordinate constructions. However, a young sign language, such as Israeli Sign Language (ISL), is perfectly suited for this purpose (Meir and Sandler 2008). In ISL, relative clauses are usually marked by squinted eyes and a forward head position, which have been shown to perform the functions of intonation (Sandler 1999; Dachkovsky, Healy and Sandler 2013), as well as by a manual demonstrative form appearing at the relative clause boundary.Yet, consistent marking of relative clauses in the language is characteristic of the younger signers’ but not of the older signers’ language. This suggests that relative clause marking developed over time in the language, which leads us to ask how it emerged and developed. The present study tracks the emergence of the relative clause (RC) construction by investigating changes in intonational and morphosyntactic signals across three generations of ISL signers. The study demonstrates that these signals begin as pragmatic or, more specifically, as information structuring devices, and are transformed by a grammaticalization process into RC markers. Furthermore, we show that intonational cues in the newly emerging RCs pave the way for a morphosyntactic marker.
Unpacking Discontent: Where and why protest happens in South Africa
Authors: Lancaster Lizette
Published: October 2022

High levels of socio-economic dissatisfaction, persistent service delivery issues and increased political contestation necessitate closer monitoring of protest action. This article focuses on where and why protests happen. The findings draw on data collected by the Institute for Security Studies through its Protest and Public Violence Monitor (PPVM). Unlike other reporting systems, which tend to focus on specific types of protest, the PPVM seeks to provide comprehensive coverage and mapping of all forms of protest, including industrial strike action as well as political and group conflict. The findings highlight the wide-ranging nature of protests and illustrate how patterns of protests form over time in specific places. The article concludes by reflecting on how research into protest should not limit itself in scope. The ultimate aim of the research should be to inform the development of more appropriate responses by various role players to prevent violence and to encourage peaceful protests.
Teachers’ Perceptions of Promoting Student-Centred Learning Environment: An Exploratory Study of Teachers’ Behaviours in the Saudi EFL Context
Authors: Al-khresheh Mohammad
Published: October 2022

Background. Although the constructivist and humanistic theories advocate for a more student-centred learning approach, the contemporary practice of English teachers is more oriented towards the behavioural approach in the Saudi EFL context.

Purpose. This study aimed to explore teachers’ perceptions of promoting student-centred learning in the Saudi EFL context. It initially amplifies elements of effective student-centred EFL teaching and merges the elements with teachers’ behaviours, resulting in four measurable categories: assessment strategy, communicative approach to learning, teachers’ qualifications, and group activities in teaching EFL.

Methods. Following the quantitative approach, a questionnaire on teachers’ observable behaviours, comprising 47 items and categorised under four constructs, with a three-point Likert scale, was carried out on a group of 302 English teachers. The instrument was devised through an online survey. To analyse data, descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was used. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to validate the study’s instrument.

Results. The interpretation of data primarily showed teachers’ self-reported practices were more oriented toward a teacher-centred approach, specifically in teaching grammar. Other findings showed teachers’ positive attitude towards student-centred learning in lesson preparation, using ICT to prepare interactive teaching materials and giving constructive feedback. Teachers had a mediocre attitude towards their professional qualifications, indicating that the teachers might need more effective English language training workshops based on their needs. Additional data also proved that there was no significant difference in teachers’ perception in terms of their gender, location and status of the school, and classroom size.

Implications. This study provides an overview of the teachers’ position on integrating student-centred learning in their English classroom and thus accentuates the need for potential opportunities for the teachers’ professional development and demands less content overload so that the teachers can ample their teaching process appropriately.
The Relationship between EFL Learners’ Flipped Learning Readiness and their Learning Engagement, Critical thinking, and Autonomy: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach
Authors: Ravandpour Afsaneh
Published: October 2022

Purpose. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between Iranian EFL learners’ flipped learning readiness and their learning engagement, critical thinking, and autonomy.

Methods. The participants comprised 520 EFL learners studying at various language institutes in the context of Iran. They were chosen according to convenience sampling. In this study, four instruments were used: flipped learning readiness questionnaire, learner autonomy scale, critical thinking inventory, and learning engagement questionnaire. To analyze the relationships among the variables, Pearson's correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling (SEM) was run.

Results. The results revealed that flipped learning readiness correlated positively and significantly with three variables: learning engagement, critical thinking, and autonomy. In addition, based on the results, flipped learning is a positive significant predictor of critical thinking, learning engagement, and autonomy. Moreover, engagement is positively predicted by both critical thinking and autonomy. Finally, the results and their implications in the context of language learning were discussed.
Rhetorical Structure of Applied Linguistics Research Article Discussions: A Comparative Cross-Cultural Analysis
Authors: Ahmadi Leila
Published: October 2022

Background. Recent years have seen tremendous research efforts in the development of English for academic and research publication purposes, utilising an established approach to comparative genre analysis. This growing interest is primarily driven by the global dominance of Anglophone writing conventions, which necessitates raising awareness among researchers, particularly in non-Anglophone contexts.

Purpose. This study explored and analysed the communicative intents of the discussion sections in research articles in two different contexts to investigate the effect of nativeness on the structural organisation in this genre. The focus of the study was on the rhetorical structure and employment of Moves in the applied linguistics research article Discussions, written in English by Iranian and native English-speaking researchers.

Methods. A mixed-methods research study was conducted on two corpora, comprising 40 Discussions written by Iranian scholars and 40 Discussions written by native English-speaking scholars, selected from research articles published in international peer-reviewed journals.

Results. The comparison of the two corpora revealed similarities and differences in the frequency, type, structure, sequence, and cyclicity of Moves. While there were significant differences in the frequency and sequence of Moves and Steps, both corpora employed the same types. They featured cyclical structures with no evidence of linear patterns across the Discussions. Both groups of researchers found it essential to provide background information and report and comment on the results in the research article Discussions, however, with notable differences in commenting strategies, i.e., Steps. The results indicated that socio-cultural conventions might have influenced the scholars' under- and over-employment of certain Moves and Steps in the research article Discussions.

Implications. The findings of this study provide research-based evidence to practically and pedagogically assist in the context of English for academic and specific purposes, particularly in teaching English for research publication purposes to non-native English-speaking scholars.
The Interaction of Variables Affecting Definitional Skills: Extending Previous Research on Word Definitions
Authors: Gavriilidou Zoe , Markos Angelos , Dourou Chryssa
Published: October 2022

Background and Purpose. Given that definitional skills are closely related to literacy and reading comprehension, the purpose of this study was to extend the existing literature in definitional skills by empirically investigating the effect of new parameters that may affect word definitions and definitional types of content and form, such as grammatical categories, word structure, and semantic characteristics.

Methods. The sample consisted of 5152 recorded oral definitions produced by 322 individuals (pre-schoolers, school-age children, university students, and adults), who were asked to define 16 words orally. Deﬁnitions were transcribed and scored on a six-point scale along a continuum that reflects the developmental path of the definitions.

Results. The results indicated a significant interaction between grammatical category and word structure for content and form and also between word structure and semantic characteristics only for content. Furthermore, the grammatical category, word structure, and semantic characteristics were strongly associated with specific definitional types for content and form.

Implications. This paper broadens our knowledge on definitional skills and offers new insights into the variables that affect the production of definitions.
Cognitive Predictors of Coherence in Adult ESL Learners’ Writing
Authors: Saeed Abdul , Everatt John , Sadeghi Amir , Munir Athar
Published: October 2022

Background. Coherence is considered one of the most important qualities of written discourse. Despite its fundamental importance, it is still considered a fuzzy and abstract concept in most English Second Language (ESL) contexts. Consequently, many ESL learners struggle to produce a coherent text. Morphological, phonological, orthographic awareness, vocabulary knowledge, and grammatical competence have been identified as predictors of writing quality in novice writers. There is, however, a lack of data to assess whether such linguistic skills also predict coherence in adult ESL learners’ writing.

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to find out the relationships among a set of linguistic skills measures which included morphological, phonological, orthographic awareness, vocabulary knowledge and grammatical competence and coherence in adult ESL learners’ writing.  

Methods. To testify to the potential predictors of coherence in ESL writing, adult university students (126) were assessed by the measures of the linguistic skills mentioned above in addition to four measures of coherence: two relatively reader-based measures (ILETS and the Holistic Coherence Scale) and two relatively text-based measures (Topical Structure Analysis and Topic Based Analysis). All measures of the study were proved valid and reliable.

Results. The findings revealed that vocabulary knowledge, morphological awareness, and grammatical competence were related to the coherence measures, particularly the reader-based measures. In contrast, measures of phonological and orthographic awareness generally did not correlate with the coherence measures.

Implication. Reasons for the associations among the variables of the study were discussed and areas for future research were offered.
Comparing Two Measures of L2 Depth of Vocabulary Knowledge Using their Relationship with Vocabulary Size
Authors: Dabbagh Ali , Janebi Enayat Mostafa
Published: October 2022

Background. This study compared two tests of second language (L2) depth of vocabulary knowledge, namely the word association test (WAT) and vocabulary knowledge scale (VKS), with respect to their associations with vocabulary size. The same relationships were further examined separately for the five word-frequency bands of the vocabulary size test.

Method. 115 Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners who were native speakers of Persian took the WAT, VKS, and Vocabulary Levels Test (VLT). The selected participants were undergraduates who ranged from freshmen to junior and were both male (n=47) and female (n=68) students.  

Results. The outcomes of multiple linear regression analyses indicated that: (a) while both measures of vocabulary depth were predictive of the VLT, the WAT had a higher association with the dependent variable; (b) both the WAT and VKS were predictive of the  high-frequency vocabulary, with the relationships being more significant for the WAT; (c) the WAT could significantly predict the mid-frequency vocabulary, whereas the VKS had no significant contribution; and (d) while the VKS was significantly associated with the low-frequency vocabulary, the WAT had no significant contribution to the prediction of this level.

Implications. The implications of the findings are interpreted with reference to the suitability of both the WAT and VKS depending on the type of input, expected response, and desired frequency of the target words.
Developing and Piloting a Q-sample on Chinese Language Learners’ Epistemic Beliefs
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Nikitina Larisa , Kaur Jagdish , Furuoka Fumitaka
Published: October 2022

Background. Epistemic beliefs refer to a person’s viewpoints about the nature of knowledge and the process of knowing. A number of studies have explored language learners’ subjective views about what knowing and learning a foreign or a second language (L2) means to them personally. For the most part, these studies adopted quantitative research designs and employed self-reported questionnaires with Likert-type scales to collect the data.

Purpose. This pilot study aimed to assess feasibility of adopting Q-methodology (Q) for explorations of language-related epistemic beliefs held by Chinese university students. A detailed account is given of the development of the research instrument (Q-sample); the findings from the Q-sample piloting are reported.  

Methods. The newly-developed Q-sample consisting of 45 statements was tested among six students learning the English language in a university in Mainland China. The students were at a different level of the English language proficiency. The 11-point Q-sorting grid had the values ranging from -5 (“Most disagree”) to +5 (“Most agree”). To gain deeper insights into the students’ personal epistemologies, a semi-structured post Q-sorting interview was conducted with each student.  

Results. The newly-developed Q-sample was found suitable for exploring language-related epistemic beliefs. Two groups of students sharing similar beliefs were distinguished. Students who clustered together to form Factor 1 held stronger viewpoints concerning certainty of knowledge; these students were at a lower English language proficiency level. The students who conglomerated on Factor 2 were at a higher level of language proficiency and they held stronger opinions relating to the authority and source of knowledge.

Implications. The findings highlighted the relevance and salience of the epistemic beliefs pertaining to the process of acquiring knowledge. Further research with larger numbers of students is required to explore the role of language proficiency in shaping language learners’ personal epistemologies.
Digital Support for Teaching Punctuation in Academic Writing in English
Authors: Ivanova Marina , Arupova Nadezhda , Mekeko Natalya
Published: October 2022

Background. Academic writing skills are crucial to the enterprise of higher education, because much of the academic communication is in writing. As a rule, foreign language learners face different problems with vocabulary misuse, grammatical errors, spelling, capitalization, punctuation and some others when write academic texts in English. There are various technologies for solving these problems. One of them is digital support, because traditional types of academic writing instruction in the classroom are not always sufficient.

Purpose. The present study researches the influence of digital support on students’ knowledge and punctuation skills in academic writing in English.

Methods. The paper summarizes the results of an empirical study: training punctuation in academic writing lessons for two groups of students. The control group was applied a face-to-face and a text-book based traditional methodology. The experimental group was trained not only with a basic text-book but also with digital support. The level of knowledge and abilities in punctuation were measured with three final tests.

Results. The results obtained indicate that digital support has significant didactic potential that is why it should be applied permanently in academic writing training process.
Changes of Meta-Representational Skills in Ageing: First Empirical Evidence on the Relation between Metalinguistic Competence and Attributions of Mental States
Authors: Bianco Federica , Castelli Ilaria , Belacchi Carmen
Published: October 2022

Background. The present paper focuses on meta-representational changes occurring in ageing by studying the decline in Definitional Competence, an ability so far little studied in this period of life.

Purpose. The paper hypothesises a relation between Theory of Mind (ToM) and Definitional Competence, in a view that posits the former as a preparatory and facilitating competence for a more complex linguistic production, that is lexicographic definition. The effects of levels of education on the decline in ageing for Definitional Competence and ToM are also investigated.

Methods. We recruited 24 adults (age range 21–55), 25 young-old adults (age range 60–70) and 25 old-old adults (age range 71–85) and administered them the Eyes task to measure ToM and the Co.De. Scale to assess Definitional Competence.

Results. Results suggest that Definitional Competence declines earlier on than ToM, mirroring the well-known process according to which in semantic knowledge, during ageing, taxonomic relations are lost before thematic ones. Our results also show that better levels of education are associated with better performance in both our key constructs and that ToM predicts Definitional Competence, in line with our expectations.

Conclusion. The paper offers one of the first systematic studies on the changes in Definitional Competence during the last phase of life and it provides theoretical insights into the relation between ToM and Definitional Competence in ageing.

Implications. The paper is informative for future interventions aimed at enhancing linguistic and metalinguistic skills in ageing through the preservation of better levels of awareness and the assumption of a decentralised perspective in interpersonal communication.
Modelling the Linguistic Worldview: Subject Field Scoping Review
Authors: Antonova Marina , Baranovskaya Tatyana , Zakharova Anna , Li Stanislav
Published: October 2022

Background. The linguistic worldview theory stems from Humboldt’s ideas concerning the interdependence of language and its speakers. Since Humboldt’s time national linguistic worldviews remain a challenging aspect of linguistic research accounting for a significant number of publications. Since linguistic worldview is a multi-faceted phenomenon, studies differ in terms of the facets they investigate and applied methodology. The linguistic worldview research has covered a wide array of linguistic worldview fragments and utilised monolingual material as well as cross-linguistic analysis of worldview fragments. However, so far, little attention has been paid to the analysis of this ever-increasing body of research and quite few studies have attempted to review the literature in this field.
Purpose. The subject field scoping review aims to overview the available literature on national linguistic worldviews and answers the three questions: What is a diachronic change of researchers’ interest in the issue? What fragments of linguistic worldview have been investigated comprehensively? What are the most frequently used methods of modelling the linguistic worldview?
Methods. The literature for the scoping review was retrieved from the three electronic databases: SciVerse Scopus, Web of Science (Core Collection), and Google Scholar. Literature selection was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). To generate a list of current research directions, which rest on the analysis of fragments of linguistic worldview, the visualisation map of authors’ key words was created using the VOSviewer software.
Results and Implications. The concise scoping review of the previously published literature on linguistic worldview shows that most publications date between 2015 and 2021 and the years yielding most publications are 2018 and 2019. The number of publications mentioning linguistic worldview grew each year within the study period. The analysis of linguistic worldview fragments helped to identify six directions of researchers’ interest in the linguistic worldview field which include lexical fragments, linguistic worldview and consciousness, phraseological fragments, reflection of linguistic worldview in different discourses, linguistic worldview in translation and teaching, and grammar fragments. The most frequently used methods of modelling the linguistic worldview are an associative psycholinguistic experiment, a conceptual analysis, and a comparative method.
A first comprehensive look at the order-disorder nature of RTK KIT native and carcinogenic targets
Authors: Luba Tchertanov , Julie Ledoux
Published: October 2022

Receptors Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) act as sensors for extracellular ligands, the binding of which triggers dimerization, activation, and autophosphorylation of specific tyrosine (Y) residues in the Cytoplasmic Domain (CD). This leads to the recruitment and activation of multiple downstream signaling proteins, which regulate various aspects of cellular physiology.