Month: July 2024

Abstract

Researchers in the field of ESL and EFL are increasingly directing their focus towards the Global Englishes (GE) paradigm and its effects on teacher beliefs and practices. However, many teachers in Turkiye seem to lack a clear understanding of this paradigm, creating a significant research gap regarding GE awareness. To bridge this gap, this research investigated the effectiveness of a GE-based MA course in raising 17 English language teachers’ GE awareness through reflection on assigned readings throughout 14 weeks. Data collected through pre-course questionnaires and reflective reports written on assigned papers on various aspects of GE and analysed via descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis indicated that teachers’ low to moderate levels of GE awareness increased dramatically with engagement in reflective thinking and practice on the shift from a monolithic view of English to a bi/multilingual and dynamic one, a static view of culture to a dynamic and fluid one, native-speaker target to effective communicators and standard English-based assessment to performance-based assessment focusing on strategy use. The findings indicated a need for curriculum renewal, redesigned teaching materials, communication-oriented strategy teaching, and improved teachers’ awareness of alternative targets aligning with GE pedagogies.

Abstract

One feature of middle adolescence is the transition to high school, a stressful life event. As teenagers enter high school, they face increased demands for independent academic work coupled with the need to establish new social networks. Students who successfully navigate this change have higher positive affect than those who find the transition rife with challenges. In addition, those who struggle to adjust post-transition experience increased negative affect and more mental health concerns – all of which are markers of subjective well-being (SWB). This study examined differences in youth SWB coinciding with the move to high school. Additionally, we explored the extent to which variations in teenagers’ executive functions (EFs) and close relationships with others predict SWB. To do so, we utilized self-report survey data from a community sample of 13-to-15-year-old adolescents (N = 106). Results showed that post-transition, youth reported significantly lower SWB, as reflected by less life satisfaction, and more psychological distress. Psychological distress was higher in adolescent girls, those who experienced more EF challenges, and teenagers with weaker relationships. Findings were similar for life satisfaction with one notable difference. For adolescents with average to low close relationships with others, greater EF difficulties predicted lower life satisfaction. However, strong close relationships weakened the negative association between EF challenges and life satisfaction. We discuss how mechanisms accounting for the possible protective role of social relationships for youth who struggle to utilize their EFs effectively will be crucial to explore in future research.

Abstract

The planned Special Report on Climate Change and Cities represents a key opportunity to connect the IPCC assessment process to the topics of cities and global urbanization, which are both critical elements of climate adaptation and mitigation during the current ‘decade of action’. To help seize this opportunity, we recommend the development of inreach and outreach strategies that can help the report to have greater impact. The new strategies could allow interest groups, including practitioners and policymakers, along with researchers and IPCC representatives to be more coordinated and enhance the utilization of the assessment results. These advances would be useful not only for the upcoming Special Report but also for future IPCC reports and other comparable scientific assessments.

Abstract

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are often resource-constrained and motivated by necessity or opportunity. They play an essential role in national economies due to their contributions to employment, human capital development, knowledge spillovers, and social mobility in maintaining diverse entrepreneurial ecosystems. Government support policies (GSP), both financial and nonfinancial, can directly impact SME performance or indirectly by developing an entrepreneurial orientation (EO). Few studies have investigated the important question of how GSP simultaneously may impact both the EO and the performance of an SME. Thus, this paper aims to identify the current understanding of how different forms of GSPs relate to and impact the EO and the performance of SMEs. A systematic literature review was conducted using the PRISMA methodology to synthesize this understanding, resulting in 65 relevant articles from the ABI/INFORM, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Web of Science databases. The relationships between the constructs were analyzed using thematic and semantic analyses, employing computer-assisted data analysis software (NVivo 12 and Leximancer 4.5). This resulted in the categorization of GSPs as direct and indirect support policies, with financial and nonfinancial-subcategories, and depicted their pathways of influence on SMEs’ EO and performance. The study found that GSPs have four different pathways by which they can impact performance. Both direct and indirect policies have moderating effects that can magnify the impact of EO on performance. The review established that the direct effect of GSP on EO varies by sector, SME growth-intention, and type of GSP. Based on the findings, we recommend policymakers develop support policies tailored to SMEs’ specific sector and its intentions to enhance performance.

Abstract

In India, Rajasthan, the northwestern part of India, possesses geological diversity comparable to its cultural richness. This paper focuses on evaluating a promising geological heritage site in Rajasthan, the Palaeo-Mesoproterozoic Stromatolite Park at Bhojunda (District Chittorgarh). The Bhagwanpura Limestone Formation of the Lower Vindhyan Group hosts well-preserved stromatolites at this geosite. The paper assesses, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the potential of this stromatolite-bearing site and based on the available data and analysis considers it to be a strong candidate for a potential geoheritage site. SWOT analysis also suggests that the site has immense potential but at the same time, is in urgent need of geoconservation. Stromatolites provide valuable insights into the early life on Earth; the Stromatolite Park at Bhojunda holds a significant potential as a Geoheritage site due to its extensive geological exposure. Stromatolites are layered sedimentary structures formed mainly by photosynthetic microorganisms that include cyanobacteria, sulfate-reducing bacteria, and Pseudomonadota. They produce cementing materials that bind sediments (sand and other rocky materials) to form “microbial mats”. In the present study, species from seven genera, namely Conophyton cylindricus, Baicalia baicalica, Collenia columnaris, and Kussiella kussiensis, Tungussia sp., Stratifera rara, and Weedia walcott are recorded suggesting a lower‒middle Riphean age. Petrographically, the Bhagwanpura Limestone is composed of fine grains of calcite and dolomite with dispersed grains of cryptocrystalline silica, iron oxide, chert fragments, and veinlets of quartz and calcite. Present analysis suggests that the Bhojunda Stromatolite Park meets all standards to become a Global Geopark. It is crucial to take the necessary actions to apply for UNESCO confirmation, advocating not just community-driven conservation of the region’s geological heritage but also fostering sustainable development by improving the native tribes’ standard of living.

Abstract

Earthquake early warning (EEW) alerts may give people valuable seconds to take protective action, such as drop, cover and hold on, before earthquake shaking starts. In order for individuals to take protective action, they need to receive the alert, understand the alert message, and have enough contextual knowledge to take appropriate protective action. Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH+) persons do not have equitable access to earthquake information, warning systems, training, and participation in disaster decision-making at all levels. Despite international policies for emergency alerts to be accessible to people with disabilities, there are no research publications that specifically address the effectiveness of EEW alerts for DHH+ communities. Missed notifications and misunderstandings about elements of the EEW alert message can delay the response time of DHH+ persons. Furthermore, unequal access to earthquake drills and preparedness information can leave DHH+ persons with insufficient context to take protective action when receiving alerts. The existing gaps in effectiveness of the EEW alerts stem from language inequities for DHH+ persons in our schools, workplaces and families, which we analyze by applying linguistic anthropological and sociolinguistic frameworks to examine the nexus of DHH+ communities’ languages and EEW messaging. To advance language equity in EEW alerting, inclusion of DHH+ communities can improve messaging and reduce misunderstandings so that DHH+ persons can quickly take protective action when they receive an alert.

Abstract

Heat stress presents unique challenges compared to other environmental stressors, as predicting crop responses and understanding the mechanisms for heat tolerance are complex tasks. The escalating impact of devastating climate changes heightens the frequency and intensity of heat stresses, posing a noteworthy threat to global agricultural productivity, especially in rice-dependent regions of the developing world. Humidity has been demonstrated to negatively affect rice yields worldwide. Plants have evolved intricate biochemical adaptations, involving intricate interactions among genes, proteins, and metabolites, to counter diverse external signals and ensure their survival. Modern-omics technologies, encompassing transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics, have revolutionized our comprehension of the intricate biochemical and cellular shifts that occur in stressed agricultural plants. Integrating these multi-omics approaches offers a comprehensive view of cellular responses to heat stress and other challenges, surpassing the insights gained from multi-omics analyses. This integration becomes vital in developing heat-tolerant crop varieties, which is crucial in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. To expedite the development of heat-resistant rice varieties, aiming at sustainability in terms of food production and food security globally, this review consolidates the latest peer-reviewed research highlighting the application of multi-omics strategies.

Science communication often assumes a ‘deficit’ in knowledge on behalf of the recipient, but this deficit-based approach is inequitable and ineffective. We must train all STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) students in inclusive science communication, which uses collaboration with diverse people to address misinformation and solve socioscientific issues.

Abstract

Introduction

Decades of evidence have demonstrated a lack of workforce diversity and sustaining disparities in academic dentistry and professional practice. Underrepresented minority students may face challenges and implicit bias during the dental schools‘ admission/selection process. This review collected papers from different countries to summarize the Equity-Diversity-Inclusion (EDI)-related strategies that dental schools worldwide have used in their admissions process to increase diversity.

Methods

A comprehensive search using MEDLINE (via PubMed), ERIC, Cochrane Reviews, Cochrane Trials, American Psychological Association Psyc Info (EBSCO) and Scopus was done between January and March-2023. All types of articles-designs were included, except comments and editorials, and all articles selected were in English. Two independent investigators screened the articles. Extracted data were general characteristics, study objectives, and EDI-related strategies.

Results

Sixteen publications were used to construct this manuscript. The year with the greatest number of publications was 2022. Type of studies were case studies/critical reviews (50%), cross-sectional (including survey and secondary data analysis) (n = 5, 31.25%), qualitative methods of analysis (n = 2, 12.5%), and retrospective/secondary data collection (n = 1, 6.25%). The strategies described in the articles were related to (1) considering the intersectionality of diversity, (2) using noncognitive indicators during the school admissions process to construct a holistic selection process, (3) diversifying, professionalizing, and providing training to admissions persons who had leadership roles with the support from the dental school and the university, and (4) allocating financial investments and analyzing current policies and procedures regarding EDI.

Conclusions

This review aggregated interesting findings, such as: some schools are considering the intersectionality of diversity as a way to include underrepresented minorities and to diversify the students-body. The recent growth in publications on EDI during dental admission/selection process might indicate a positive movement in this field.

Abstract

Background

American Indian (AI) communities are affected by uranium exposure from abandoned mines and naturally contaminated drinking water. Few studies have evaluated geographical differences across AI communities and the role of dietary exposures.

Objective

We evaluated differences in urinary uranium levels by diet and geographical area among AI participants from the Northern Plains, the Southern Plains, and the Southwest enrolled in the Strong Heart Family Study (SHFS).

Methods

We used food frequency questionnaires to determine dietary sources related to urinary uranium levels for 1,682 SHFS participants in 2001–2003. We calculated adjusted geometric mean ratios (GMRs) of urinary uranium for an interquartile range (IQR) increase in self-reported food group consumption accounting for family clustering and adjusting for sociodemographic variables and other food groups. We determined the percentage of variability in urinary uranium explained by diet.

Results

Median (IQR) urinary uranium levels were 0.027 (0.012, 0.057) μg/g creatinine. Urinary uranium levels were higher in Arizona (median 0.039 μg/g) and North Dakota and South Dakota (median 0.038 μg/g) and lower in Oklahoma (median 0.019 μg/g). The adjusted percent increase (95% confidence interval) of urinary uranium levels per IQR increase in reported food intake was 20% (5%, 36%) for organ meat, 11% (1%, 23%) for cereals, and 14% (1%, 29%) for alcoholic drinks. In analyses stratified by study center, the association with organ meat was specific to North Dakota and South Dakota participants. An IQR increase in consumption of fries and chips was inversely associated with urinary uranium levels −11% (−19%, −3%). Overall, we estimated that self-reported dietary exposures explained 1.71% of variability in urine uranium levels.

Impact

Our paper provides a novel assessment of self-reported food intake and urinary uranium levels in a cohort of American Indian participants. We identify foods (organ meat, cereals, and alcohol) positively associated with urinary uranium levels, find that organ meat consumption is only associated with urine uranium in North Dakota and South Dakota, and estimate that diet explains relatively little variation in total urinary uranium concentrations. Our findings contribute meaningful data toward a more comprehensive estimation of uranium exposure among Native American communities and support the need for high-quality assessments of water and dust uranium exposures in SHFS communities.