International Proficiency Research Articles

IDIOMATIC POTENTIAL OF ANATOMICAL TERMINOLOGY AND ITS ROLE IN DEVELOPING ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

The article examines the idiomatic features of anatomical terminology in modern English. The authors emphasize that understanding and correct use of idiomatic expressions is an indicator of in-depth knowledge of a foreign language and an important element in preparing for international English language exams, in particular, with the aim of recognizing implicit meanings (C1 – Advanced, C2 – Proficiency levels). It has been noted that mastering idiomatic expressions constitute one of the most difficult challenges for speakers of other languages, therefore it requires additional attention during the foreign language training of students. Based on the analysis and systematization of lexicographic sources (The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms, A Dictionary of 3800 Picturesque Idiomatic Expressions, and McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs), it has been shown that anatomical terminology has significant idiomatic potential and is widely reflected in the figurative language of modern English. The study has revealed 628 idioms based on 52 anatomical terms, among which the lexemes “head”, “hand”, “eye”, “heart” and “foot” have the most productive idiomatic potential, forming the core of 75, 70, 53, 46 and 43 idioms respectively. The developed corpus of anatomical idioms has been organized for meaningful and accessible use in the educational process at a medical university. Familiarizing students with English anatomical idioms in the course of ESP training contributes to the development of student's interest and motivation in learning a foreign language, broadening their outlook, and ensuring an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of English figurative language, which is the key to successfully passing international proficiency tests and communicating in a foreign language environment.

A study of Test-Taking strategies of Iranian IELTS repeaters: Any change in the strategy use?

This study used Latent Growth Curve Modeling (LGCM) to examine the overtime patterns of the score and test-taking strategy changes in an international high-stakes standardized proficiency test. To this end, the test records of 178 Iranian IELTS repeaters were analyzed, using close- and open-ended questionnaires to measure test scores as a function of construct-relevant and construct-irrelevant test-taking strategy changes. Additionally, this study explored the accountable factors for the changes in the repeaters’ strategies. Results indicated a small and gradual increase in the test scores following an overall augmented use of test-management (TM) and a decreased employment of test-wiseness (TW) strategies. Along with contributing to IELTS validity evidence based on the repeaters’ scores, this study found multiple sources to account for the changes in repeaters’ test-taking strategies. Consideration of changes in repeaters’ test-taking strategies by IELTS instructors and test users may add to the validity of interpretation of test scores to the intended purposes of the tests.

Non-targeted authentication of black pepper using a local web platform: Development, validation and post-analytical challenges of a combined NIR spectroscopy and LASSO method

Black pepper is a valuable commodity susceptible to economically motivated adulterations. This contribution describes the proper development, standardization, validation and late-stage validation of a non-targeted method for authentication of black pepper by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) coupled to a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Note that this is the first successful attempt to apply the LASSO method to infrared spectroscopy data. We analysed 150 diverse samples of black pepper supplied by a well-recognized spice trader. A first batch of samples (n = 116) were split into training and test sets and then normalized by multiplicative scatter correction (MSC). While the test set was withheld for further testing of the model, the training set was submitted to the LASSO method with the aim of retrieving the discriminant spectral features and classifying the samples as authentic, exogenously-adulterated or endogenously-adulterated. The model was tested on the test set, achieving an overall accuracy of 94% with very high sensitivity and specificity rates. Furthermore, an R-based local web platform was created for immediate prediction of the samples from raw data. The NIR user simply uploads the raw data to the local web application and MSC normalization on the stored training set and interrogation of the LASSO classifier are performed. The online application facilitates the model testing and enables clear visualization of the outcomes. After the creation of the local web platform, the classifier was then validated with a new batch of independent samples, resulting in the correct prediction of 33/34 samples. The robustness of this non-targeted method and its stability over time was further established, and a late-stage validation of the classifier was successfully performed by an inexperienced user. Finally, the LASSO classifier was successfully challenged with a sample from an international inter-laboratory proficiency test. • A non-targeted method for authentication of black pepper by NIR & LASSO. • A web application was created for direct classification of NIR raw data. • Validation and late-stage challenges of the method were carried out. • Successful participation to an international proficiency test.

New approach for barbiturates, phenytoin, methyprylon and glutethimide determination and fragmentation (UHPLC-MS/MS)

Barbiturates which are old pharmaceutical drugs are still widely used in medical treatment of epilepsy and for general anesthesia. To date, more than 2500 different barbituric acid analogs have been synthesized, and 50 of them were introduced into medical use over the last century. Due to their highly addictive properties, pharmaceuticals containing barbiturates are under strict control in many countries. However, by considering the worldwide problem with new psychoactive substances (NPS) the introduction of new designer barbiturate analogs into the dark market might serve a serious public health problem in the near future. For this reason there is an increasing need for application methods for barbiturates monitoring in biological samples. The UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS method for determination of 15 barbiturates, phenytoin, methyprylon and glutethimide was developed and fully validated. The biological sample volume was reduced to only 50 µL. A simple LLE (pH 3 with ethyl acetate) was successfully applied. The lower LOQ was 10 ng/mL. The method enables differentiation of structural isomers: hexobarbital and cyclobarbital; as well as amobarbital and pentobarbital. Chromatographic separation was achieved with the use of the alkaline mobile phase (pH 9) and Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column. Furthermore, the novel fragmentation mechanism of barbiturates was proposed, which may have a great impact in identification of novel barbiturates analogs introduced to illegal marketplaces. The presented technique has a great potential to be applied in forensic, clinical and veterinary toxicological laboratories, as was evidenced by the positive results of international proficiency tests.

Enhanced Automated Online Immunoaffinity Liquid Chromatography-Fluorescence Method for the Determination of Aflatoxin M1 in Dairy Products.

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is found in the milk of cows exposed to feed spoiled by Aspergillus fungi species. These fungi may produce the secondary metabolite aflatoxin B1, which is converted in the cow liver by hydroxylation to AFM1 and is then expressed in milk. AFM1 is regulated in milk and other dairy products because it can cause serious health issues, such as liver and kidney cancers, in humans and is an immunosuppressant. To optimize the chromatographic protocol and to extend the matrix scope to include a wider range of dairy products: whey powder, whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, liquid milk, skim milk powder, whole milk powder, adult nutritional products, and yogurt. AFM1 is extracted using 1% acetic acid in acetonitrile incorporating ionic salts. The AFM1 in the resulting extract is concentrated using an automated RIDA®CREST IMMUNOPREP® online cartridge coupled to quantification by HPLC-fluorescence. The method was shown to be accurate, with acceptable recovery (81.2-97.1%) from spiked samples. Acceptable precision was confirmed, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) for repeatability of 6.6-11.2% and an RSD for intermediate precision of 7.5-16.7%. Method LOD and robustness experiments further demonstrated the suitability of this method for routine compliance testing. Analysis of an international proficiency trial sample generated results that were comparable with the value assigned from alternative independent methods. A method with improved chromatography for high-throughput, routine testing of AFM1 in an extended range of dairy products is described. The method was subjected to single-laboratory validation and was found to be accurate, precise, and fit for purpose. Single-laboratory validation of an automated online immunoaffinity cleanup fluorescence HPLC method for AFM1 in whey proteins, milk powders, nutritional products, liquid milk, and yogurt. Allows for high-throughput analysis of AFM1 with enhanced chromatographic performance. Method applicable to the analysis of AFM1 in an extended range of milk and milk-based products.

Examining the reliability of an international Chinese proficiency standardized writing assessment: Implications for assessment policy makers

Using generalizability (G-) theory and rater think-aloud protocols (TAPs) as research methods, this study examined the effects of person, task, rater, and the interactions among these facets on the variability and reliability of the HSK-6 (i.e., an international Chinese proficiency standardized assessment) writing scores assigned by the national HSK writing raters as well as their scoring decision making processes. Sixty-four HSK-6 writing samples written by 32 CFL (Chinese as a foreign language) learners from 17 L1 (first language) backgrounds were scored holistically by ten experienced HSK writing raters using the authentic HSK-6 scoring rubric. They were then invited to produce a written retrospective TAP of their scoring decision making processes immediately after they had completed scoring each HSK-6 writing sample, which resulted in 64 protocols per rater. A total of 640 protocols were included in the qualitative data analysis. The G-theory results indicated that the current single-task and two-rater holistic scoring scheme would be unable to yield acceptable generalizability and dependability coefficients. The rater TAP results also revealed considerable rater variations in their scoring decision making processes. Important implications for the HSK-6 writing assessment policy makers in China are discussed.

Evaluation of 19years of international external proficiency testing for high-resolution HLA typing.

The international high-resolution external proficiency testing (EPT) started in 2004 with high-resolution typing of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I (HLA-A,B,C) and HLA class II (HLA-DRB1, DRB345, DQB1, and DPB1) alleles, since possibilities for such an EPT within Europe were limited and all existing EPTs at that time made use of the comparison of HLA typing results without a reference. This EPT was set up as a collaboration between the HLA laboratory of Leiden, providing DNA samples to the participants, and the laboratory of Maastricht, performing the high-resolution typing as the reference result and evaluating the results of all participants according to the prevailing European Federation for Immunogenetics (EFI) standards. Once a year, 12 samples were sent to the participating laboratories, and evaluation and certificates were provided at the end of that same year. During the years, the EPT was extended to low-resolution HLA class I and II typing, high-resolution typing including DQA1 and DPA1, and allelic resolution typing for HLA class I, the latter one being unique in this field. Evaluation of the high-resolution typing results of the last 19years showed a clear increase in the number of loci tested by the participating laboratories and a clear change of method from Sanger sequencing with additional other techniques (SSO/SSP) to the nowadays widely used next-generation sequencing method. By strictly using the EFI rules for high-resolution HLA typing, the participants were made aware of the ambiguities within exons 2 and 3 for class I and exon 2 for class II and the presence of null alleles even in a two-field HLA typing. There was an impressive learning curve, resulting in >98% correctly typed samples since 2017 and a 100% fulfillment of EFI rules for all laboratories for all loci submitted in the last 2years. Overall, this EPT meets the need of an EPT for high-resolution typing for EFI accreditation.

INDONESIAN PRE-SERVICE ENGLISH TEACHERS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE USE OF WORLD ENGLISHES IN INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TESTS: A SMALL-SCALE SURVEY

While a considerable number of English language users come from expanding-circle countries, international English proficiency tests like TOEFL and IELTS tend to model inner-circle varieties like British, North American, and Australian, implying that inner-circle varieties are more preferable. This quantitative study investigated the attitudes of Indonesian student teachers of English towards the use of World Englishes (WE) in international English proficiency tests like TOEFL and IELTS. 86 student teachers from the same cohort at a private university in Indonesia were involved. The data were collected using an 18-item questionnaire adopted from Monfared (2020) and then analyzed statistically using SPSS. The results of this study indicated that the participants generally acknowledged the idea of the use of World Englishes in international English proficiency tests, but they tended to disapprove deviations from standard English grammar and vocabulary. The implications of this study are also discussed.

Understanding International Students' Learning Experiences of English as a Medium of Instruction Courses

<p style="text-align:justify">This study aims to understand international students' learning experiences in English as a medium of instruction (EMI) courses in a private Korean university. By using mixed-method research, this study collected two data sources, including 1) an online survey (n=46) and 2) an individual in-depth interview (n=4) at the end of the 2022 Spring semester. The study results are summarized as follows. First, EMI courses could enhance international students' content knowledge development effectively. Second, EMI courses could improve international students' English proficiency in terms of reading and vocabulary ability. Third, international students showed high satisfaction with EMI courses and are willing to take EMI courses continuously. However, the interview analysis showed that it was challenging for a few international students to improve their English speaking ability due to limited opportunities to speak English during graduate-level courses. These study results suggest several recommendations to provide practical EMI courses for teaching diverse international students, including English language learners in higher education.</p>

Evaluation of HMF levels in unbranded flower honeys in terms of food safety

5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is formed by reducing sugars in honey in acidic environments by the Maillard reaction and is known as a carcinogenic, mutagenic and genotoxic compound. The aim of this study is to investigate the toxic HMF content of unbranded flower honey samples sold under the sun under inappropriate conditions and unsupervised on the highway sides and to make an evaluation in terms of food safety. The quality of the analysis results was guaranteed by participating in an international proficiency test. Analysis was performed on a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) device with Diode Array Detector (DAD) and Refractive Index (RI) detectors- The HMF levels of 5 honey samples were determined to exceed the legal limit (40 mg kg-1). It is revealed by the current study that the honey sold on the roadside is not safe in terms of toxic HMF. In addition, 5 samples were not found to comply with the regulation in terms of glucose + fructose content and 2 samples in terms of fructose/glucose ratio. Thus, it has also been determined that these honeys are not reliable in terms of purity.

Students’ achievement in an online course on technical writing and communication skills

PurposeThis study aims to investigate students’ satisfaction, self-efficacy and perceived competencies in a ‘technical writing and communication skills’ course after the switch of teaching the course from face to face to fully online during and after COVID-19. The study also measured the Achievement of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology course learning outcomes (CLOs).Design/methodology/approachA descriptive cross-sectional survey design approach was adopted in this study. Students were asked to respond to an online survey after completion of the course to measure the target parameters. The data of 250 respondents, analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics 28, show high scores on all constructs.FindingsStatistically significant differences among gender, field of study, grade point average (GPA) level, type of school attended and attainment of English proficiency certificate were detected for students in terms of their baseline perceived competencies, achievement of CLOs and self-efficacy scores. In addition, gender, field of study, GPA and holding an international English proficiency certificate had statistically significant effect, whereas the academic level and type of school were insignificant.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, the data had been collected through survey only. A limitation of this method is that there could be survey fraud. Second, as some respondents found the survey long, their responses might have been less reliable. Moreover, as the survey was entirely conducted online, this may have caused limited sampling, because some respondents are less likely to have internet access/disconnection and respond to online surveys. Furthermore, this research had focused on studying the impact of an online course on university students’ achievement in a Jordanian university, this limits the generalizability of the result to students of other levels and classes, or ones studying in other universities or living in different countries.Practical implicationsBecause of its impact on effective teaching and achievement, educators need to pay much attention to self-efficacy when designing new curricula for different environmental contexts. Furthermore, it is apparent that some courses, such as “technical writing” can be taught fully online without affecting students’ performance and achievement. Because educators always look for ways that make teaching effective, they may need to consider online platforms for teaching specific courses, hence save time, effort and resources.Originality/valueA course on technical writing and communication skills offered to undergraduate engineering and information technology students at Princess Sumaya University for Technology was switched from face to face to fully online modality during the COVID-19 pandemic in the period 2020–2021. The effect of such massive and sudden transformation on students’ achievement and satisfaction called for immediate scrutiny of the prospect and expectancy of online learning.

Method of Glyphosate, AMPA, and Glufosinate Ammonium Determination in Beebread by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry after Molecularly Imprinted Solid-Phase Extraction.

The aim of this study was to develop a method for the determination of glyphosate, its metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), and glufosinate ammonium residues in beebread samples, which could then be used to assess bees’ exposure to their residues. The complexity of beebread’s matrix, combined with the specific properties of glyphosate itself, required careful selection and optimization of each analysis step. The use of molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MIP-SPE) by AFFINIMIP glyphosate as an initial clean-up step significantly eliminated matrix components and ensured an efficient derivatization step. Colorless beebread extracts were derivatized by the addition of 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC-Cl). After derivatization, in order to remove FMOC-OH and residual borate buffer, a solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up step using Oasis HLB was carried out. Instrumental analysis was performed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The method was validated according to the SANTE/11312/2021 guideline at concentrations of 5, 10, and 100 µg/kg, and satisfactory recovery (trueness) values (76–111%) and precision (RSDr) ≤ 18% were obtained. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 5 µg/kg for AMPA and glufosinate ammonium and 10 µg/kg for glyphosate. The method was positively verified by the international proficiency test. Analysis of beebread samples showed the method’s usefulness in practice. The developed method could be a reliable tool for the assessment of beebread’s contamination with residues of glyphosate, its metabolite AMPA, and glufosinate ammonium.

Interlaboratory comparison study of immunosuppressant analysis using a fully automated LC-MS/MS system.

All guidelines recommend LC-MS/MS as the analytical method of choice for the quantification of immunosuppressants in whole blood. Until now, the lack of harmonization of methods and the complexity of the analytical technique have prevented its widespread use in clinical laboratories. This can be seen in international proficiency schemes, where more than half of the participants used immunoassays. With the Cascadion SM Clinical analyzer (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Oy, Vantaa, FI) a fully automated LC-MS/MS system has been introduced, which enables the use of LC-MS/MS without being an expert in mass spectrometry. To verify the interlaboratory comparison of the immunosuppressant assay on this type of instrument, three centers across Europe compared 1097 routine whole blood samples, each site sharing its own samples with the other two. In other experiments, the effects of freezing and thawing of whole blood samples was studied, and the use of secondary cups instead of primary tubes was assessed. In the Bland-Altman plot, the comparison of the results of tacrolimus in fresh and frozen samples had an average bias of only 0.36%. The respective data for the comparison between the primary and secondary tubes had an average bias of 1.14%. The correlation coefficients for patient samples with cyclosporine A (n=411), everolimus (n=139), sirolimus (n=114) and tacrolimus (n=433) were 0.993, 0.993, 0.993 and 0.990, respectively. The outcome of this study demonstrates a new level of result harmonization for LC-MS/MS based immunosuppressant analysis with a commercially available fully automated platform for routine clinical application.

An ultra-sensitive UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS method for determination of 54 benzodiazepines (pharmaceutical drugs, NPS and metabolites) and z-drugs in biological samples

Benzodiazepines exhibit central nervous system depressive activity as well as sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant properties, which enable to use them as medical treatment in anxiety, epilepsy, insomnia and alcohol withdrawal syndrome. However, from 2000s illegal benzodiazepine derivatives have started to emerge on illicit drug market as new psychoactive substances (NPSs) monitored in many countries.Analysis of both pharmaceutical drugs and NPSs from benzodiazepines group could be challenging, as usually very low concentrations need to be determined. Thus, an ultra-sensitive UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS method was developed for simultaneous determination of 54 benzodiazepines (pharmaceutical drugs, NPS and their metabolites) and 3 z-drugs with one metabolite in biological fluid samples. The lower limit of quantification for most substances was 50 pg/mL, whereas for 17 substances as low as 10 pg/mL was achieved. Together with reduced sample volume to 100 μL it makes the developed method suitable for a sensitive multidrug toxicological analysis. Presented method was applied in routine toxicological practice as well as for the determination of benzodiazepines, z-drugs and their metabolites in 25 authentic biological fluids (blood, urine, vitreous humor and bile), both antemortem and postmortem. 19 different compounds, including benzodiazepines, their metabolites and z-drugs were determined. Antemortem blood concentrations were within 0.2–114.5 ng/mL, whereas concentrations in antemortem urine samples were 0.03–102.6 ng/mL. In postmortem specimens, concentrations ranged within 0.2–473.2 ng/mL, 0.5–94.1 ng/mL, 1.3–208.8 ng/mL and 41.5–42.0 ng/mL in blood, vitreous humor, urine and bile, respectively.The developed method is suitable for a forensic toxicology analysis, as well as clinical toxicology which is evidenced by the positive results of international proficiency tests.

Validated single urinary assay designed for exposomic multi-class biomarkers of common environmental exposures.

Epidemiological studies often call for analytical methods that use a small biospecimen volume to quantify trace level exposures to environmental chemical mixtures. Currently, as many as 150 polar metabolites of environmental chemicals have been found in urine. Therefore, we developed a multi-class method for quantitation of biomarkers in urine. A single sample preparation followed by three LC injections was optimized in a proof-of-approach for a multi-class method. The assay was validated to quantify 50 biomarkers of exposure in urine, belonging to 7 chemical classes and 16 sub-classes. The classes represent metabolites of 12 personal care and consumer product chemicals (PCPs), 5 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 5 organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), 18 pesticides, 5 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 4 tobacco alkaloids, and 1 drug of abuse. Human urine (0.2 mL) was spiked with isotope-labeled internal standards, enzymatically deconjugated, extracted by solid-phase extraction, and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The methanol eluate from the cleanup was split in half and the first half analyzed for PCPs, PAH, and OPFR on a Betasil C18 column; and pesticides and VOC on a Hypersil Gold AQ column. The second half was analyzed for tobacco smoke metabolites and a drug of abuse on a Synergi Polar RP column. Limits of detection ranged from 0.01 to 1.0 ng/mL of urine, with the majority ≤0.5 ng/mL (42/50). Analytical precision, estimated as relative standard deviation of intra- and inter-batch uncertainty, variabilities, was <20%. Extraction recoveries ranged from 83 to 109%. Results from the optimized multi-class method were qualified in formal international proficiency testing programs. Further method customization options were explored and method expansion was demonstrated by inclusion of up to 101 analytes of endo- and exogenous chemicals. This exposome-scale assay is being used for population studies with savings of assay costs and biospecimens, providing both quantitative results and the discovery of unexpected exposures.

International proficiency trial for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) antibody detection: limitations of milk serology.

BackgroundControl programs were implemented in several countries against bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), one of the most significant cattle diseases worldwide. Most of the programs rely on serological diagnostics in any phase of the program. For the detection of antibodies against BVD virus (BVDV), neutralization tests as well as a variety of (commercially available) ELISAs are used. Here, test systems applied in various laboratories were evaluated in the context of an international interlaboratory proficiency trial. A panel of standardized samples comprising five sera and five milk samples was sent to veterinary diagnostic laboratories (n=51) and test kit manufacturers (n=3).ResultsThe ring trial sample panel was investigated by nine commercially available antibody ELISAs as well as by neutralization tests against diverse BVDV-1, BVDV-2 and/or border disease virus (BDV) strains. The negative serum and milk sample as well as a serum collected after BVDV-2 infection were mostly correctly tested regardless of the applied test system. A serum sample obtained from an animal immunized with an inactivated BVDV-1 vaccine tested positive by neutralization tests or by total antibody or Erns-based ELISAs, while all applied NS3-based ELISAs gave negative results. A further serum, containing antibodies against the ovine BDV, reacted positive in all applied BVDV ELISAs, a differentiation between anti-BDV and anti-BVDV antibodies was only enabled by parallel application of neutralization tests against BVDV and BDV isolates. For the BVDV antibody-positive milk samples (n=4), which mimicked prevalences of 20% (n=2) or 50% (n=2), considerable differences in the number of positive results were observed, which mainly depended on the ELISA kit and the sample incubation protocols used. These 4 milk samples tested negative in 43.6%, 50.9%, 3.6% and 56.4%, respectively, of all investigations. Overall, negative results occurred more often, when a short sample incubation protocol instead of an over-night protocol was applied.ConclusionsWhile the seronegative samples were correctly evaluated in most cases, there were considerable differences in the number of correct evaluations for the seropositive samples, most notably when pooled milk samples were tested. Hence, thorough validation and careful selection of ELISA tests are necessary, especially when applied during surveillance programs in BVD-free regions.

Comparative Study Between International and Domestic English Proficiency Standards From a Diachronic Perspective

This paper intends to explore the relationship between international English-language proficiency scales and the English teaching syllabus for domestic universities by comparing their objectives, standards and definitions of proficiency. The results show that the development of English proficiency standards in China is always accompanied by the evolution of international language proficiency theory, and combined with its practical application in various countries. It is suggested that the college-level standard of English proficiency in China should be set based on the research of domestic and international scholars and organizations on language proficiency scales. At the same time, by drawing lessons from proficiency scales and adapting them to the English language scales used in China, a standard, comprehensive language proficiency system for teaching English can be established.

Aligning Language Test Scores to Local Proficiency Levels: The Case of China’s Standards of English Language Ability (CSE)

The past decade has seen an emerging interest in aligning test scores to language proficiency levels of external performance scales or frameworks, such as the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Such alignment is ultimately a claim about the interpretation of test scores in relation to external levels of language proficiency. To support such a claim, established procedures should be carefully implemented and documented, and multiple sources of evidence should be collected. This paper demonstrates the steps in building an argument for aligning the scores of an international English language proficiency test to the levels of China’s Standards of English Language Ability, or CSE, a localized language proficiency framework for English as a foreign language. Aligning an international examination to a localized framework serves to make the test score more relevant to the intended context of its use. We discuss the contextual issues that should be considered when interpreting test scores in relation to local proficiency levels, given the potential impact of score-based decisions on individuals and institutions. The implications for similar alignment research will also be presented.

The Influence of Cognitive, Affective, and Sociocultural Individual Differences on L2 Chinese Speech Performance: A Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes Approach.

Informed by Segalowitz's (Cognitive bases of second language fluency, Routledge, 2010) L2 speech production model and MacIntyre et al.'s (Mod Lang J 82(4):545-562, 1998. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.1998.tb05543.x ) L2 willingness to communicate model, this study sought to understand the influence of cognitive, affective and sociocultural individual differences on advanced learners' L2 Chinese speech performance. A total of 240 advanced L2 Chinese learners in China participated in the study. The participants' perceptions of the impact of cognitive, affective, and sociocultural factors on their L2 Chinese speech performance were measured by an adapted questionnaire. A speaking test, following the Hanyu Shuiping Kouyu Kaoshi (HSKK, an international standardized L2 Chinese speaking proficiency test for non-native speakers), was employed to evaluate the participants' L2 Chinese speech performance. The results of multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) analysis show that (1) cognitive factors such as cognitive fluency, expression practice strategy, and assistance strategy, (2) affective factors such as speaking self-efficacy, speaking anxiety, and speaking motivation, and (3) sociocultural factors such as attitudes toward target language class and attitudes toward target language culture jointly influence advanced L2 Chinese learners' speech performance. Results and implications of the present study are discussed for enhancinglearners' L2 Chinese speech performance.

Zsírban oldódó A-, D2-, D3-, E- és K3-vitaminok meghatározása izotóphígítással és LC-MS/MS műszeregyüttessel

The purpose of our publication is the determination of the total amount (of natural origin and added) of fat-soluble vitamins A, D2, D3 and E in low amounts in foods (wheat flour, soft drinks, effervescent tablets) and dietary supplements using a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. The samples were diluted with isotope-labeled derivatives of the target components (vitamin A-d6, vitamin D2-d3, vitamin D3-d3, vitamin E-d6), and after extraction and saponification, they were purified by liquid-liquid extraction. After a solvent exchange, the concentration of the vitamins was determined on a C8 HPLC column using acidic mobile phases (0.1% formic acid in water/methanol) and LC-MS/MS technique. In dietary supplements, the analysis of the fat-soluble vitamin K3 may also be important, because the use of vitamin K3 is currently not approved in human formulations. During the determination of vitamin K3, saponification is not necessary, due to its structure, alkaline hydrolysis would lead to the decomposition of vitamin K3, so this component was analyzed by a method different from the one used for the other vitamins. LC-MS/MS analysis of small amounts of vitamin K3 is more complicated than that of other vitamins due to the low sensitivity of the MS instrument to vitamin K3. The determination of vitamin K3 was therefore carried out after chemical derivatization with L-cysteine as a derivatizing reagent, also with isotope dilution and LC-MS/MS technique. After intralaboratory validation, the methods were successfully used in domestic and international proficiency tests in infant formulas and liquid vitamin preparations.