Computer-assisted Language Learning Research Articles

Investigating the mechanism of PAD in the treatment of acne based on network pharmacology and molecular docking: A review.

Acne is a common and chronic skin condition characterized by high incidence, recurrent symptoms and difficult cure. Summarizing the clinical treatment experience, it was found that the powder for ascending and descending was effective in the treatment of acne. Our aim was to use network pharmacology and molecular docking to reveal the hub genes, biological functions, and signaling pathways of powder for ascending and descending against acne. First, the chemical components and target genes of PAD were sifted using the TCMSP and HERB database. The targets of acne were obtained simultaneously from the CTD, OMIM and GeneCards database. The obtained drug targets and disease targets were imported into the R language software to draw Venn diagrams. Then, the potential targets were imported into the String website to construct a protein interaction network diagram. And Cytoscape software was used for topological analysis to screen the core targets, and the core targets were analyzed by GO functional enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment. Finally, molecular docking was used to verify the predictions of key genes' reliability. The core targets of the treatment of acne were TNF, GADPH, IL-6 and so on. The results of enrichment analysis showed that the treatment of acne with PAD may be related to TNF signaling pathway and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway. The molecular docking verification showed that the components were well bound to the core targets of acne, and the docking ability of stigmasterol and TNF (-12.73 kcal/mol) was particularly outstanding.

An Evaluation of Khanmigo, a Generative AI Tool, as a Computer-Assisted Language Learning App

The recent advancement in technology has attracted learners’ attention worldwide to Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) for educational purposes. While GenAI has shown promising results for general language purposes (Godwin-Jones, 2023; Xiao & Zhi, 2023), the potential of GenAI for language learning has not been fully explored. This paper, therefore, endeavors to decipher the potential of a GenAI app, Khanmigo, as a language learning tool, specifically for learning French. The app was analyzed by the researcher through her interactions of about 17.5 hours using Chapelle’s (2001) Evaluation Framework for discerning the task appropriateness of a given Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) tool. While the app does not show robust performance in all the six criteria suggested for evaluation, it still holds some promise.

Kurdish EFL Teachers' Attitudes Towards the Use of Computer-Assisted Teacher Corrective Feedback in Teaching Writing Classes

Technology has recently played a crucial role in facilitating English language learning and teaching. A considerable body of literature has examined the influence of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) in ESL/EFL classrooms, specifically its mediating role in developing the learner’s language skills. This study aims to investigate the attitudes of Iraqi Kurdish EFL teachers towards using CALL tools to provide teacher-corrective feedback in EFL writing classrooms. It also seeks to determine whether the teachers’ demographic characteristics influence their attitudes and preferences towards using technology in their classes and computer-assisted teacher corrective feedback (CATCF). A quantitative research design was followed, and the data was collected from questionnaires administered to Kurdish EFL teachers at the public universities’ language centres in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). The study's descriptive and inferential findings indicate that although Kurdish EFL instructors were sometimes anxious about using technology, they had an overall positive attitude towards CATCF, preferred using technology to teach their classes of writing, and were aware of the modern tools to teach writing classes. The results of this paper have some implications for EFL writing teachers.

Kurdish EFL Teachers' Attitudes Towards the Use of Computer-Assisted Teacher Corrective Feedback in Teaching Writing Classes

Technology has recently played a crucial role in facilitating English language learning and teaching. A considerable body of literature has examined the influence of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) in ESL/EFL classrooms, specifically its mediating role in developing the learner’s language skills. This study aims to investigate the attitudes of Iraqi Kurdish EFL teachers towards using CALL tools to provide teacher-corrective feedback in EFL writing classrooms. It also seeks to determine whether the teachers’ demographic characteristics influence their attitudes and preferences towards using technology in their classes and computer-assisted teacher corrective feedback (CATCF). A quantitative research design was followed, and the data was collected from questionnaires administered to Kurdish EFL teachers at the public universities’ language centres in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). The study's descriptive and inferential findings indicate that although Kurdish EFL instructors were sometimes anxious about using technology, they had an overall positive attitude towards CATCF, preferred using technology to teach their classes of writing, and were aware of the modern tools to teach writing classes. The results of this paper have some implications for EFL writing teachers.

Bioinformatics study of the TNFRSF1A mechanism involved in acute liver injury in sepsis through the mTOR signaling pathway.

This study analyzed potential key genes involved in the mechanism of acute liver injury induced by sepsis through bioinformatics techniques, aiming to provide novel insights for the identification of early-stage sepsis-induced acute liver injury and its diagnosis. Gene chip data sets containing samples from acute liver injury induced by sepsis and control groups (GSE22009 and GSE60088) were selected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with |log fold change| >1 and p<0.05 were screened with the GEO2R tool, which was also used for the selection of upregulated DEGs in the chips with p<0.05. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, Gene Ontology, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses were then conducted. Results were visualized using R language packages, including volcano plots, Venn diagrams, and boxplots. The intersection of candidate genes with relevant genes in the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) was performed, and the clinical significance of these genes was explored through a literature review. A rat model of acute liver injury was developed by inducing sepsis with the cecum ligation and puncture method. Real-time PCR was performed to determine the gene expression in rat liver tissues. A total of 646 upregulated DEGs were determined in GSE22009 and 146 in GSE60088. A Venn diagram was used to find the intersection of the upregulated DEGs between the two data sets, and 67 DEGs associated with sepsis-mediated acute liver damage were obtained. Enrichment analysis from the KEGG pathway showed that DEG upregulation was primarily associated with various pathways: TNF, NF-κB, IL-17, ferroptosis, mTOR, and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. DEGs resulted in three clusters and 15 candidate genes, as revealed by the PPI network and module analyses. Intersection with sepsis-induced acute liver injury-related genes in the CTD resulted in the identification of three significant differentially co-expressed genes: CXCL1, ICAM1, and TNFRSF1A. Sepsis-induced liver tissue indicated the overexpression of CXCL1, ICAM1, and TNFRSF1A mRNA, as compared with the control group (p<0.05). The key genes identified and related signaling pathways provided insights into the molecular mechanisms of sepsis-induced acute liver injury. In vivo studies revealed the overexpression of CXCL1, ICAM1, and TNFRSF1A mRNA in sepsis-mediated injured liver tissues, providing a theoretical basis for early diagnosis and targeted treatment research.

Pavement Service Life Prediction with PLAXIS 3D in Bangladesh

This research aims to forecast the service life of the flexible pavement in Bangladesh. The service life of flexible pavement is greatly affected by the climate and traffic load. Pavements are severely deteriorated by the overweight trucks, shortening their lifespan. The study aims to predict the service life of a flexible road using the PLAXIS 3D software. The PYTHON algorithm was utilized for the pre- and post-processing of new mechanistic empirical approach based on the AASHTO 2008 design standard. PLAXIS 3D was used for realistic soil &amp; damage modelling and to obtain a reliable service life. Rajshahi City Bypass Nowhata Road was chosen as the study area for this study because the road condition of Nowhata is defected day by day and the number of moving vehicles with high axle load also increasing. This research has established to give the valid data to the authority according to the construction materials of flexible pavement to get better performance and proper use of materials. This road is constructed under the Road &amp; Highway Department (RHD), Rajshahi Zone. This study shows realistic results based on temperature, soil data of subgrade and the materials property used in the PLAXIS 3D software and PYTHON programming language.

Pavement Service Life Prediction with PLAXIS 3D in Bangladesh

This research aims to forecast the service life of the flexible pavement in Bangladesh. The service life of flexible pavement is greatly affected by the climate and traffic load. Pavements are severely deteriorated by the overweight trucks, shortening their lifespan. The study aims to predict the service life of a flexible road using the PLAXIS 3D software. The PYTHON algorithm was utilized for the pre- and post-processing of new mechanistic empirical approach based on the AASHTO 2008 design standard. PLAXIS 3D was used for realistic soil &amp; damage modelling and to obtain a reliable service life. Rajshahi City Bypass Nowhata Road was chosen as the study area for this study because the road condition of Nowhata is defected day by day and the number of moving vehicles with high axle load also increasing. This research has established to give the valid data to the authority according to the construction materials of flexible pavement to get better performance and proper use of materials. This road is constructed under the Road &amp; Highway Department (RHD), Rajshahi Zone. This study shows realistic results based on temperature, soil data of subgrade and the materials property used in the PLAXIS 3D software and PYTHON programming language.

Enhancing English Pronunciation Assessment in Computer-Assisted Language Learning for College Students

The evolution of computer science and the innovations in language teaching methodologies have paved the way for computer-assisted language learning (CALL) technology to tackle pertinent challenges. While existing CALL systems primarily emphasize vocabulary and grammar acquisition, their evaluation mechanisms often rely on a limited set of criteria, resulting in a simplistic assessment of learners’ pronunciation skills. This oversight underscores the need for a more comprehensive approach. In response, this study targets Chinese college students’ English oral proficiency and aims to enhance the conventional computerized evaluation method. Our approach involves integrating multiple assessment parameters, including pitch, speed, rhythm, and intonation. For instance, pitch assessment is grounded on frequency central feature parameters, while speech speed evaluation considers speech duration, thus enriching the evaluation framework. Through experimental validation, the efficacy of our method in evaluating pitch, speed, rhythm, and intonation has been substantiated, reaffirming its reliability.

Enhancing English Pronunciation Assessment in Computer-Assisted Language Learning for College Students

Enhancing English Pronunciation Assessment in Computer-Assisted Language Learning for College Students

USE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS IN THE E-COMMERCE

The article provides a detailed analysis of the application of information technologies and the possibilities of their effective use in the e-commerce market. The main technologies for the development of mobile applications based on the Android operating system, relevant software environments and programming languages ​​are considered. Possible scenarios for the use of programs are formed, taking into account their functionality. The analysis of native and cross-platform approaches to mobile application development was carried out.

USE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS IN THE E-COMMERCE

The article provides a detailed analysis of the application of information technologies and the possibilities of their effective use in the e-commerce market. The main technologies for the development of mobile applications based on the Android operating system, relevant software environments and programming languages ​​are considered. Possible scenarios for the use of programs are formed, taking into account their functionality. The analysis of native and cross-platform approaches to mobile application development was carried out.

The Positive Perceptions of Technology Utilization in EFL Vocational High School Classroom From In-service and Pre-service Teachers

This study describes and compares in-service and pre-service teachers’ perception and utilization of technology in the form of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) and mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Vocational High School Classroom. This research was conducted at one of the vocational high schools in Surakarta and accommodated a multiple case study. The data of the research was obtained through document analyses, interviews, and observations. This study accommodated interactive model data analysis. The findings of this study revealed that teachers show positive and negative views on technology usage in the classroom. The positive themes found in the study are familiarity, ease of use, ease of access, interest in use, and provision of various options and qualified sources while the negative themes were mostly technical problems. This study also revealed that both groups of teachers utilized technology for three main themes: (1) presenting, (2) assisting, and (3) assessing. The differences in terms of perception and utilization of technology usage between both groups teachers were revealed to be small. To conclude, while both groups hold positive views, the actual utilization of technology is still limited so that teachers should explore more on technology usage for future implementation. Keywords: CALL, EFL, MALL, Perception, Teacher

Significance of Listening Skills in Enhancing the Communication Skills

The acquisition of any kind of knowledge is dependent on the learners' capacity to listen. Active listening is crucial for effective communication and achieving academic excellence. Students may improve their communication abilities by developing their listening skills. Despite its significance, hearing has been neglected in the realms of second language acquisition, research, instruction, and evaluation. This research aims to investigate the importance of listening skills in improving communication abilities. Learners who possess high listening skills have the potential to acquire proficient communication abilities. Engaging in activities such as listening to music, viewing English movies, and attending English language classes has been shown to enhance students' listening abilities. This research demonstrates the efficacy of Computer Assisted Language Learning in enhancing students' listening abilities. Acquiring listening skills enables pupils to enhance their communication abilities.

Regulatory network analysis based on integrated miRNA-TF reveals key genes in heart failure

The etiology and pathophysiology of heart failure are still unknown. Increasing evidence suggests that abnormal microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) expression may be associated with the development of heart failure. Therefore, this study aims to explore key miRNAs, TFs, and related genes in heart failure to gain a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of heart failure. To search and download the dataset of mRNA chips related to heart failure from the GEO database (GSE59867, GSE9128, and GSE134766), we analyzed differential genes and screened the common differentially expressed genes on two chips using R language software. The binary interactions and circuits among miRNAs, TFs, and corresponding genes were determined by Pearson correlation coefficient. A regulatory network of miRNAs, TFs, and target genes was constructed based on bioinformatics. By comparing the sequences of patients with and without heart failure, five downregulated genes with hypermethylated mRNA and three upregulated genes with hypomethylated mRNA were identified. The miRNA-TF gene regulatory network consisted of 26 miRNAs, 22 TFs and six genes. GO and KEGG analysis results revealed that BP terms like cellular response to organic substance, cellular response to cytokine stimulus, and KEGG pathways like osteoclast differentiation, MAPK signaling pathway, and legionellosis were enriched of the DEGs. TMEM87A, PPP2R2A, DUSP1, and miR-92a have great potential as biomarkers for heart failure. The integrated analysis of the mRNA expression spectrum and microRNA-transcription factor-gene revealed the regulatory network of heart failure, which may provide clues to its alternative treatment.

Smart Operation Control of Power and Heat Demands in Active Distribution Grids Leveraging Energy Flexibility

Demand flexibility plays a crucial role in mitigating the intermittency of renewable power sources. This paper focuses on an active distribution grid that incorporates flexible heat and electric demands, specifically heat pumps (HPs) and electric vehicles (EVs). Additionally, it addresses photovoltaic (PV) power generation facilities and electrical batteries to enhance demand flexibility. To exploit demand flexibility from both heat and electric demand, along with the integration of PVs and batteries, Control and Communication Mechanisms (CCMs) are formulated. These CCMs integrate demand flexibility into the distribution grids to obtain economic benefits for private households and, at the same time, facilitate voltage control. Concerning EVs, the paper discusses voltage-based droop control, scheduled charging, priority charging, and up-/down-power regulation to optimize the charging and discharging operations. For heat demands, the on-off operation of the HPs integrated with phase change material (PCM) storage is optimized to unlock heat-to-power flexibility. The HP controllers aim to ensure as much self-consumption as possible and provide voltage support for the distribution grid while ensuring the thermal comfort of residents. Finally, the developed CCMs are implemented on a small and representative community of an active distribution grid with eight houses using Power Factory software and DIgSILENT simulation language (DSL). This scalable size of the active distribution network facilitates the careful study of symbiotic interaction among the flexible load, generation, and different houses thoroughly. The simulation results confirm that the integration of flexible demands into the grid using the designed CCMs results in the grid benefiting from stabilized voltage control, especially during peak demand hours.

Methodological characteristics in technology-mediated task-based language teaching research: Current practices and future directions

Abstract In the past two decades, the synergistic relationship among task-based language teaching (TBLT), instructed second language acquisition, and computer-assisted language learning has gained increasing interest.Technology-mediated TBLT combines these three research domains by integrating the use of technology with task-based approaches for second language (L2) learning purposes. Since the emergence of this framework, empirical studies have increasingly explored the incorporation of tasks with technology-mediated settings for L2 learning and teaching purposes. To understand the methodological characteristics of technology-mediated TBLT research to date, we conducted a systematic search and reviewed 254 technology-mediated TBLT studies published between 2000 and 2022 in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters. These studies were coded for methodological features, research foci, and types of technology. We further examined the role of technologies in task performance to identify their effectiveness in creating authentic tasks. The findings revealed that technology-mediated TBLT research investigated a rather limited scope of contexts, learner groups, and linguistic features, with little attention paid to evaluating the quality of task outcomes. The types of technology used were skewed toward computer-mediated communication. The results also showed that studies examined various interactional features, and the majority reported both quantitative and qualitative data. Furthermore, technologies were integrated into task design to create meaningful language use contexts. Based on these findings, we share suggestions for future technology-mediated TBLT research.

SMS based reservoir condition monitoring sensor system for pumped hydro storage in mini-grids

Solar mini-grids are a cost-effective and efficient method of improving energy access in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in low-income communities. However, conventional battery storage systems have reduced the affordability of solar mini-grid-generated electricity, necessitating the development of alternative energy storage systems such as pumped hydro storage to replace lithium-ion batteries. This paper introduces a model for an SMS-based fluid parameter monitoring system to provide visibility of reservoir conditions during peak and off-peak periods. The model uses hardware such as voltage regulators, sensors, microcontrollers, and C- programming language software. Sensors monitor various parameters in the reservoir and penstock, transmitting signals to a microcontroller for analysis. The results are relayed to a display unit and personnel's mobile phones for alert notifications, ensuring precise and accurate reporting. Simulation results show the reliability of the design to monitor water levels, water temperature, flow rate, and transmission through SMS to mobile devices for timely reporting. The paper recommends the development and commercialization of this model for larger applications, such as monitoring dams for irrigation and power generation.

Effect of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) Attitude and Practices in University Students

This study explores how technology, particularly mobile devices, is changing the landscape of foreign language learning. Traditionally, foreign language education relied on various methods and techniques, but the rise of technology and changing teacher attitudes have paved the way for innovative approaches. Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) represents the latest evolution, following the earlier Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) approach. This research investigates the impact of MALL on student attitudes and practices in foreign language learning. The mixed study involved 40 university students from various majors. Data was collected through a 5-point Likert scale survey and follow-up semi structured interviews with some volunteers. The findings revealed a strong belief among students that mobile devices are highly effective for language learning. Students highlighted the advantage of instant access to target language input through mobile tools. Overall, participants' high mobile phone use, media preferences, and frequency of mobile phone usage all pointed towards a positive attitude towards the role of mobile phones in their foreign language development. The findings of this study extend beyond the immediate research and can be applied by future researchers, teachers, parents, and others interested in language learning.

Teaching and Learning English in the Digital Era: Opportunities and Challenges

This paper examines the opportunities, challenges, and perspectives of teaching and learning English in the digital era. With the rapid advancement of technology and its integration into educational settings, English language instruction has experienced significant transformations. The paper explores the potential benefits of digital tools and platforms in language learning while also addressing the challenges in the digital language classroom. Based on a review of previous studies and a comprehensive analysis, it further discusses the evolving roles of teachers and learners in this digital landscape and presents strategies for effective implementation and utilization of technology in English language education. The findings offer to share expertise, disseminate the lessons learned, and recommend best practices collected from scholarship. Sustainable solutions to specific problems and perspectives to cope with future challenges have been proposed with the recommendation of effective systems such as Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL), Mobile Phone Assisted Language Learning (MPALL) and other sophisticated tools that fit some specific situations.

Hey &lt;i&gt;Google&lt;/i&gt;, Let’s Write

Writing involves more than attention to form (e.g., orthography, grammar), since it requires attention to text type, content, and genre. However, most students of English as a second language (L2) tend to prioritize linguistic accuracy in their writing, to the detriment of the content of their texts. Automatic speech recognition (ASR) has the potential to mitigate this, as it reduces the cognitive burden of writing by facilitating the text input process (using a skill most humans possess—speaking), offering assistance in spelling, and allowing a focus on other aspects of the task (e.g., cohesion, content). Automatic speech recognition is not only accessible and free, but it also fulfills Chapelle’s (2001) criteria of an effective computer-assisted language learning tool (e.g., authenticity, learner fit). Despite these affordances, there is a dearth of studies examining the possible affordances of ASR for writing. This mixed methods, one-shot study examines L2 writers’ perceptions of using ASR to write using the technology acceptance model (TAM). Seventeen (N = 17) undergraduate students at a Canadian university were provided with training on Google Voice Typing (Google Docs) and carried out a series of ASR-based writing tasks over a two-hour period. In order to measure their perceptions of the target criteria, participants filled in a TAM-informed survey consisting of statements about their experience with ASR scored on a 7-point Likert scale. To further explore the participants’ perceptions, semi-structured interviews followed. Findings indicate positive perceptions of ASR’s usefulness in terms of language learning and its ease of use due to the user-friendly voice commands. This suggests that ASR has pedagogical potential, thus requiring further examination to determine its optimal use for L2 writing.