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Implementing Critical Pedagogy into EFL Context to Reach Higher Order Level of Thinking by Bloom’s Taxonomy
Get PDFThe primary goal of this paper is to promote critical pedagogy in the higher education system by applying it in the EFL context. Critical pedagogy is concerned with how educators can alter education from the banking model of education; due to the traditional way of teaching, learners are passive receivers, whereas, in the problem-posing method, students are active agents of their learning process. For this purpose, problem-posing and two-way dialogue were pedagogical actions to enhance students’ critical thinking and communication skills. The present study intended to develop the student’s speaking capacity, engage them to ask questions, and give reflections on the exposed issues. Five steps have been followed for problem posing; describe the content, define the problem, personalize the problem, discuss the situation, and discuss substitutes for the problem. The observation method was carried out to collect data among two classes containing 20 students each. Finally, the finding of this study proved that implementing critical pedagogy in EFL classrooms increases students’ engagement with the curriculum and enhances their interactions in the school. In addition, students reached a higher level by Bloom’s Taxonomy associated with their earlier rank
Developing Writing Abilities in L2: A Review
Get PDFWriting is an essential component of language learning, and it provides learners with an opportunity to practice their language skills in a structured learning setting. Writing is a challenging aspect of language learning because learners need to master linguistic components of the target language and discourse community knowledge. It is a complex process that entails creating and structuring ideas and transforming them into cohesive compositions which are understandable and readable. Also, it requires a combination of skills, including critical thinking, language proficiency, and creativity to produce effective written communication. This study attempts to explore the role of developing L2 writing on language learning
The Challenges of Grammar Learning and Teaching and Students’ Perceptions in EFL Classes – Tishk International University, Erbil Case
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the challenges of teaching and learning grammar in EFL classrooms, as well as students’ views of those challenges. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including a questionnaire and in-person interviews, to achieve its objective. 56 EFL students from a private university in Tishk International University participated in the study. According to the study’s findings, grammar plays a crucial role in the teaching and learning of English as a foreign language. The majority of students viewed grammar as one of the most challenging components of learning English, according to the survey results. The face-to-face interviews provided additional insight into the difficulties of teaching and learning grammar. The majority of students stated that grammar is extremely important and will contribute to their academic growth in foreign language study. The conclusion of the study is that teaching and learning grammar in EFL classrooms is a difficult process requiring greater attention and inventive ways. Teachers should explore adopting more interactive and communicative techniques in teaching grammar, such as using real materials and giving students opportunities to practice using language in meaningful circumstances, according to the research. In addition to this information, 80% of students felt it more advantageous to listen to a teacher discuss grammatical topics, regardless of how much they studied grammar independently
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF DEMOTIVATING FACTORS INFLUENCING THE CONSISTENCY OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN LEARNING ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN KRG OF IRAQ
Get PDFThe paper explores demotivating factors that influence the consistency of learning the English language of undergraduate students. A lot of research has been done to examine the demotivation of students; however, very little research has focused on exploring the demotivating components affecting the consistency of learning a language in the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq. This work comprises students from diverse backgrounds, ages, and faculties at Tishk International University in Erbil, Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq. A quantitative approach was chosen as a means of research design the results of which were analyzed with SPSS (version 27). The findings of the study revealed three major and three minor factors that affect the learners’ consistency in English language development. This research provides significant insights and understanding of the obstacles the students face during their English language learning journey
Novel incorporation of charged hydroxyapatite nanoparticles into resin adhesive
Get PDFThe direct mixing of Nano-hydroxyapatite with Resin Adhesive often leads to weak molecular interactions, which can compromise the dispersion of Nano-hydroxyapatite within the resin adhesive and cause structural damage to the Nano-hydroxyapatite. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify an approach in which Nano-hydroxyapatite is charged or modified prior to its integration into resin adhesive. In this study, Nano-hydroxyapatite was modified using aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS), subsequently, the amine groups present on the surface of Nano-hydroxyapatite were additionally modified using succinic anhydride. This modification process resulted in the production of negatively charged Nano-hydroxyapatite - aminopropyltriethoxysilane (n-HA-APTS-SAH). The charged Nano-hydroxyapatite particles were characterized using FTIR and SEM. Subsequently, the charged Nano-hydroxyapatite particles were incorporated into resin dental adhesive. Comprehensive characterization of the composite material was carried out through SEM, FTIR, EDX mapping, and Micro-Raman Spectroscopy. The results revealed the presence of Nano-hydroxyapatite in the mixture and a homogeneous and well-dispersed state with no observable aggregation of Nano-hydroxyapatite particles within the adhesive. Furthermore, the particles still maintain a spherical shape with their sizes falling within the nanoscale range
Cytotoxicity, Antioxidant Activity and Phytochemical Screening of Four <i>Euphorbia</i> Species from Jordan
Get PDFThe current study was designed to reveal the main groups of secondary metabolites in the methanol (M) and acetone (A) extracts from four Euphorbia species from Jordan. The extracts of these species were also tested for their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity, and cytotoxic effects against human MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. Different groups of secondary metabolites were found in the M and A extracts of E. hierosolymitana, E. aleppica, E. petiolata, and E. prostrata. All extracts had moderately high TPC and TFC. Of all species, both extracts of E. aleppica had an exceptionally high TFC that far exceeded its content in all other extracts (1462.67 ± 0.04; 1600.44 ± 0.03 mg quercetin equivalents/g of extract, respectively). E. prostrata extracts had high amounts of TPC (182.61 ± 0.12; 187.35 ± 0.07 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract) and TFC (629.78 ± 0.00; 774.22 ± 0.01 mg quercetin/g extract). Extracts obtained from the tested Euphorbia species had moderate high antioxidant activity, but the DPPH and ABTS-scavenging activity of the E. prostrata extracts was the highest, but were lower than those observed for the the positive controls (range 0.004–0.009 mg/mL). The methanol extract of E. hierosolymitana also showed strong DPPH scavenging activity (0.007 ± 0.002 mg/mL). The acetone extract of E. prostrata showed much stronger anticancer activity than the positive control drug, doxorubicin (62.5±3.71 mg/mL), against the human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 (HTB-26TM) cell line (IC50 value: 58 ± 3.71 µg/mL)
Characterization of Essential Oil Composition of Syzygium aromaticum Linn. (Clove) by GC-MS and Evaluation of its Antioxidant Activity
Get PDFBackground: Syzygium aromaticum Linn. (Clove, Family: Myrtaceae) is traditionally used as a spice and condiment; and medicinally used as a dental analgesic, carminative, and antiseptic. The Clove buds are widely used as a spice in Kurdish foods and are abundantly available in the local market; the quality of Clove available in the local market of Erbil has not been studied till now. Therefore, the aim of current research is to characterize essential oil composition by gas-chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and evaluate its antioxidant potential by the DPPH method. Results: The GC-MS analysis of Clove essential oil resulted identification of 37 chemical compounds which constitute about 99.49% of total essential oil. Clove essential oil was found rich in eugenol (59.87%), caryophyllene (23.58%), α-selinene (4.67%), α-terpinyl acetate (4.12%), and humulene (3.74%). The Clove essential oil was found potent antioxidant with a maximum inhibition of 90.94% and it was found comparable with standard antioxidant compounds such as ascorbic acid (92.94%), and gallic acid (87.80%) inhibition. Conclusion: The present study explores the essential oil composition of Clove found in the Kurdistan region and results also show its essential oil has potent antioxidant activity
Exosomal non-coding RNAs: Blueprint in colorectal cancer metastasis and therapeutic targets
Get PDFColorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked as the world's third-most prevalent cancer, and metastatic CRC considerably increases cancer-related fatalities globally. A number of complex mechanisms that are strictly controlled at the molecular level are involved in metastasis, which is the primary reason for death in people with CRC. Recently, it has become clear that exosomes, which are small extracellular vesicles released by non-tumorous and tumorigenic cells, play a critical role as communication mediators among tumor microenvironment (TME). To facilitate communication between the TME and cancer cells, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a crucial role and are recognized as potent regulators of gene expression and cellular processes, such as metastasis and drug resistance. NcRNAs are now recognized as potent regulators of gene expression and many hallmarks of cancer, including metastasis. Exosomal ncRNAs, like miRNAs, circRNAs, and lncRNAs, have been demonstrated to influence a number of cellular mechanisms that contribute to CRC metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms that link exosomal ncRNAs with CRC metastasis are not well understood. This review highlights the essential roles that exosomal ncRNAs play in the progression of CRC metastatic disease and explores the therapeutic choices that are open to patients who have CRC metastases. However, exosomal ncRNA treatment strategy development is still in its early phases; consequently, additional investigation is required to improve delivery methods and find novel therapeutic targets as well as confirm the effectiveness and safety of these therapies in preclinical and clinical contexts
Description of energy levels and decay properties in 158Gd nucleus
Get PDFIn this paper, IBM-1 and IBM-2 with a SU(3) limit are used to describe the 158Gd isotope. The calculations of energy levels in the ground state, beta-, and gamma-bands are made up, which account for 15 energy levels. However, we found that the energy states of the same spin of the beta- and vibrational bands become degenerate states. In breaking the SU(3) dynamical symmetry by introducing a value of pairing interaction, the degeneracy is lifted and the energy levels are brought up to the same order as the experimental ones
Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Smart Contracts: A Systematic Review
Get PDFAs one of the fundamental technologies of blockchain, smart contracts have become one of popular and indispensable for certain businesses. Smart contracts have been introduced by Nick Szabo in 1997. However, the actual implementation was after the introduction of Blockchain, in particular, Ethereum. The enforceability of these contracts has always been dubious due to their unique characteristics and their considerable potential for abuse in criminal activities. The uncertainty stems mostly from these unique qualities and their connection to blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. Consequently, determining the legal approach governing smart contracts is vital to ensuring the legal validity and the legal viability of such technology. This paper aims to provide a thorough overview and synthesis of prior literature on smart contracts and related regulatory implications (2016-2021). A thorough literature search of Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), Springer, and Emerald was done using two different combinations of key terms: “Smart Contracts AND Legality” and “Smart Legal Contracts AND Regulatory”. The final relevant articles were 22 articles found from 2016 to 2021. The narrowing of the literature search shows that smart contracts are a relatively new area that must be legally studied rather than merely focusing on the technical aspects. Ignoring the legal aspect would create uncertainly and inconsistency which might result in various legal dispute due to the nature of smart contracts. the novelty and lack of research represent one of the most major limitations of this research. However, it is crucial to highlight that the number of scientific journals published has increased significantly over the past five years, particularly in 2019 and 2020. This paper offers some guiding principles for academics, legal advisors, practitioners, and policymakers for their future research on smart contracts from a legal perspective