Literature-based Approach Research Articles

Exploration of the Effect on Continuation Task and Its Teaching Implication in High School

Using primarily a literature-based approach, this paper examines the effects of reading followed by writing on students' language performance (including accuracy, complexity, and fluency) based on the theory of reading followed by writing for learning. The results show that the read-follow-up writing task requires interaction with reading comprehension to promote synergistic effects that effectively enhance learners' language output, especially in terms of accuracy and complexity. On this basis, to explore how reading followed by writing promotes fluency, accuracy and complexity in second language writing, the study shows that 1) progressively increasing the linguistic complexity of input texts contributes to the development of second language accuracy, while simplified texts with constant complexity contribute to the improvement of fluency. 2) The effect of input text linguistic complexity on the complexity of second language writing is inconsistent across indicators, with complexity Constant complexity increases the use of subordinate clauses in linguistic output, while increasing complexity significantly increases the number of parallel sentences used. The study points out that reading followed by writing is an effective way to improve the efficiency of foreign language teaching and learning by closely integrating language output and input and aiming to accelerate students' language use.

Cyberslacking in the Workplace: Antecedents and Effects on Job Performance

Employees’ nonwork use of information technology (IT), or cyberslacking, is of growing concern due to its erosion of job performance and other negative organizational consequences. Research on cyberslacking antecedents has drawn on diverse theoretical perspectives, resulting in the lack of a cohesive explanation of cyberslacking. Further, prior studies have generally overlooked IT-specific variables. To address cyberslacking problems in organizations, as well as research gaps in the literature, we used a combination of a literature-based approach and a qualitative inquiry to develop a model of cyberslacking that includes a 2×2 typology of antecedents. The proposed model was tested and supported in a three-wave field study of 395 employees in a U.S. Fortune-100 organization. This study organizes antecedents from diverse research streams and validates their relative impact on cyberslacking, thus providing a cohesive theoretical explanation of cyberslacking. This study also incorporates contextualization (i.e., IT-specific factors) into theory development and enriches the IS literature by examining the nonwork aspects of IT use and their negative consequences to organizations. In addition, the results provide practitioners with insights into the nonwork use of IT in organizations, particularly regarding how they can take organizational action to mitigate cyberslacking and maintain employee productivity.

Invasion history of Gyraulus chinensis (Gastropoda: Planorbidae) in Europe: a molecular and literature-based approach

AbstractInvasion of alien species is one of the major environmental problems in the globalised world. Therefore, identifying pathways for the introduction and spread of alien species can help to mitigate their impact on invaded ecosystems. This study focused on the freshwater snail Gyraulus chinensis, which invades Europe from eastern Eurasia, where it is native. It was first recorded in Europe about 50 years ago and has since expanded its distribution. However, its origin and the mechanisms of its spread have not yet been studied. Therefore, we performed molecular identification and estimated its origin and dispersal mechanisms based on a literature review, molecular phylogenetics, and population genetics. We found that the haplotypes of G. chinensis in Europe are closely related to southern East Asia, namely Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Ryukyu Islands. The results also suggest multiple introductions, mainly due to the diversity of haplotypes detected in European G. chinensis populations. Currently, the distribution and invasion of the species in the outdoor environments are concentrated in southern Europe, probably due to thermal constraints. However, the species has been recorded in many indoor habitats in the northern part of Europe, indicating a high potential for its spread in the warmer world.

Telaah Metodologis Kitab Tafsir Irsyad al-‘Aql al-Salim Ila Mazaya al-Kitab al-Karim Karya Abu al-Su’ud Al-‘Imadi

The purpose of this paper is to analyze Abu al-Su'ud Al-'Imadi's exegetical manual, Irsyad al-'Aql al-Salim ila Mazaya al-Kitab al-Karim, focusing on the manual's sources of interpretation (mashdar), techniques of interpretation (manhaj), and interpretation orientation (ittijah). The mufassir's life story, his scientific discoveries, and the context of the commentary's composition are all briefly covered. This method of research is qualitative and takes a literature-based approach. From the perspective of the source, Abu al-Su'ud Al-'Imadi's commentary Irsyad al-'Aql al-Salim ila Mazaya al-Kitab al-Karim falls into the category of interpretation bi al-Ra'yi; from the perspective of the method, it employs the tahlili; and from the perspective of the orientation, it includes the lughawi. Abu al-Su'ud al-'Imadi was a scholar who lived during the Ottoman Empire's golden age, when the population enjoyed economic success, political stability, and scientific advancement. This seems to be the driving force behind Abu al-interpretation Su'ud's from a linguistic perspective. His ardor for the Arabic language and literature, which has elevated him to the level of an expert in the field, is another important factor in the linguistic focus of his interpretations (lughawi).

Applying Paul’s Theological and Ethical Teachings in Romans 12:1 to an African Context

One of the key challenges facing Christianity in contemporary Africa is ineffective discipleship. The African church has won many converts in recent times and yet, the continent is among the least performing continents in terms of socio-economic development. The reason for this observation is that many African Christians consider Christianity as a religion of the heart and consequently, do not care so much about what they do in the public arena. In a context like this, Paul’s concept of the transformed life (explained in Romans 12:1) has the potential of correcting misconceptions about Christianity and empowering African Christians to engage the public sphere with their faith. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a textual analysis of Romans 12:1 to develop Christian ethics for (Africa) believers. The paper used a literature-based research approach and collected data from such sources as commentaries, articles and dissertations. The main thesis is that living a sacrificial life involves a total dedication to God in response to his gracious mercies manifested toward the believer. The paper contributes to Christian ethics, Pauline studies and African Christianity.

Thriving in Ambiguity – A Dispositive of Self-Optimisation

This paper explores a discrepancy between research and application in the operationalisation of ambiguity tolerance. Observational results from the practice of human resource development raised the question: How does the umbrella term ambiguity tolerance relate to the Frenkel-Brunswik theorem, and has this possibly become a dispositive of self-optimisation? Methodologically, the article follows a literature-based approach. Tracing three shifts in the reception of the term, the trend around tolerance of ambiguity is linked to its theoretical construct. While by no means exhaustive, by recontextualising the Frenkel-Brunswik theorem in this way and bringing it into focus, the article aims to open up further discussion.

Exploring the principles of the influence of mental illness on decision-making

Much of the literature has focused on how emotions affect decision-making, but little has been written about the impact of specific mental illnesses on decision-making. However, this is a serious and relevant topic because people living with mental illness tend to make impulsive or bad choices because of their symptoms and mood. It is hoped that this literature will help people with mental illness or their families to have a better understanding of their behaviour and decisions. This paper attempts to answer the two questions. What cognitive and physiological factors influence the decision making of people with depression and how does depression influence people to make the decision to commit suicide. We used mainly a literature-based approach to our research and conclude that the areas of the brain affected by depression are strongly associated with decision-making and thus contribute to the tendency of depressed people to make poor decisions. For example, the areas of the brain affected by depression are strongly associated with decision-making and thus contribute to the tendency of depressed people to make bad decisions.

Considering modes of delivery in blended PBL: a literature-based approach

The COVID-19 pandemic had accelerated Blended Learning in many institutions worldwide, catapulting it into a now permanent spot in the school curriculum in many higher learning institutions. However, given the infinite permutations in blended learning, it is not surprising that it has led to contradictory student outcomes and learning experiences. Research has suggested the combination of Problem-based learning and blended learning can lead to constructivist learning environments that promote 21st century skills such as innovative uses of technology, problem-solving and collaborative skills. However, there is little to guide educators in the design of blended PBL. One design consideration is the choice of delivery modes. In this presentation, the literature is explored for the essential instructional components in PBL, and the modes of delivery that best support them. This could be offered as a starting point to support lesson designers approaching blended PBL.

Social policies driven by labour scarcity: colonial social policies in the concession economies of the United Nation subregion Middle Africa and their legacy

There is a growing literature on the legacy of colonial social policies in sub-Saharan Africa. In the UN subregion Middle Africa, the colonial period is marked by concession economies. However, the francophone and especially the iberophone countries of this region are largely ignored in the literature. A literature-based historical sociology approach is used to answer two research questions to address this gap: What were the driving forces of social policies in concession economies? And what is their post-colonial legacy? Case studies of the concession economies of Angola, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and São Tomé e Príncipe have been made. They reveal three key drivers of social services and schemes in concession economies: the scarcity of labour, domestic pressure and international pressure. The social services and schemes provided varied. They were most extensive in company towns where at the end of the colonial period the social reproduction of the workforce was possible, less extensive in what could be termed company villages, smaller in the scattered plantations and forest camps, and too small to create a permanent workforce in one concession. However, in a context of population growth, labour was no longer scarce and lost its bargaining power. Governmental and especially international pressure supported the reversal of social services through privatisation and informalisation. The quality of these services and schemes generally declined after independence. Therefore, labour scarcity is a key condition for the provision of social services by concession companies.

Land policy conflict profiles for different densification types: A literature-based approach

Densification is being promoted in urban areas globally because of its many economic, environmental, and social benefits. The concept itself remains ambiguous, however, which is hampering the pursuit of densification as a strategic land policy objective. In this paper we construct literature-based land policy conflict profiles for different types of densification in order to reach a more nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in promoting densification through land policy. To that end we use a hermeneutic approach to critically review the literature and develop a typology of different densification types with relevance to land policy and categorize land policy conflicts specific to each type. As a result, we distinguish four densification-type-specific land policy conflict profiles: 1) policy-driven large-scale brownfield development, 2) policy-driven large-scale densification of strategic areas, 3) owner-driven medium-scale densification of individual high-rise sites, and 4) owner-driven incremental-scale densification of low-rise sites. The land policy conflict profiles address factors hindering the efficiency and effectiveness of the policy, the allocative, distributive, and procedural justice of densification, and conflicting policy outcomes. These unique conflict profiles allow for a detailed recognition of gaps, weaknesses, contradictions, justice and/or political indecisiveness in land policies promoting densification. The paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by land policy aimed at promoting densification. In addition, the conflict profiles will be helpful for practitioners in drafting municipal densification strategies.

Surgical Management of Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Systematic Review and Proposed Treatment Algorithm

Category: Sports; Other Introduction/Purpose: The Achilles tendon is the most commonly ruptured tendon in the lower limb, and when left untreated for at least 4 weeks, these are classified as chronic or 'neglected' Achilles tendon ruptures (CATR). There is discordance on the optimal surgical treatment to treat CATR. Given the prevalence of this injury, there is a need to determine the best treatment modality. In this study, we performed a systematic review of the literature to compare the different treatment options for CATR, analyze the level of evidence (LOE) and quality of evidence (QOE) of the included studies, and recommend a literature-based algorithmic approach to the treatment of CATR. Methods: In July 2019, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically reviewed by 2 independent reviewers based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Full-length peer-reviewed studies in English with a sample size of 10 participants that reported functional outcome scores with a minimum follow-up of 24 months were included. We excluded systematic reviews, meta-analyses, review articles, cadaveric and animal studies, and case reports. The LOE and QOE of the included studies were evaluated using the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery Criteria and the Modified Coleman Methodology Score, respectively. Patient demographic data, surgical procedure type, subjective outcomes, postoperative strength, range of motion, postoperative imaging, return to sports and work data, complications, failures, and reoperations were evaluated. Continuous variables were reported as weighted mean and estimated standard deviation, whereas categorical variables were reported as frequencies with percentages. Results: Thirty-one studies with 653 CATRs were included. Three studies were LOE III and 28 studies were LOE IV. A large variety of repair techniques were described and analyzed, and semitendinosus tendon grafting was the most frequently utilized technique (6 of 31 studies). The most commonly reported clinical outcome was the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score (58.6%). Most studies reported good postoperative subjective outcomes, strength outcomes, and return to sports data at mid-term follow-up. In total, 14.6% of patients experienced postoperative complications, where the most common was surgical wound complications (10.8%). Conclusion: Surgical management of CATR produces good clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up, but a high complication rate (14.6%) was noted. This systematic review found that no evidence-based treatment guidelines exist for CATR. Future studies of higher QOE and LOE which focus on specific risk factors are warranted to determine in which case one particular technique would be suitable for CATR repair. Our proposed treatment algorithm (Figure 1) may assist in shared decision-making for this complex problem.

Drug repurposing as a potential source of innovative therapies in cervical cancer

ObjectiveDrug repurposing is an alternative development pathway that utilizes the properties of drugs approved for other diseases and builds on available safety and pharmacological data to develop the drug as...

Novel clinical, molecular and bioinformatics insights into the genetic background of autism

BackgroundClinical classification of autistic patients based on current WHO criteria provides a valuable but simplified depiction of the true nature of the disorder. Our goal is to determine the biology of the disorder and the ASD-associated genes that lead to differences in the severity and variability of clinical features, which can enhance the ability to predict clinical outcomes.MethodNovel Whole Exome Sequencing data from children (n = 33) with ASD were collected along with extended cognitive and linguistic assessments. A machine learning methodology and a literature-based approach took into consideration known effects of genetic variation on the translated proteins, linking them with specific ASD clinical manifestations, namely non-verbal IQ, memory, attention and oral language deficits.ResultsLinear regression polygenic risk score results included the classification of severe and mild ASD samples with a 81.81% prediction accuracy. The literature-based approach revealed 14 genes present in all sub-phenotypes (independent of severity) and others which seem to impair individual ones, highlighting genetic profiles specific to mild and severe ASD, which concern non-verbal IQ, memory, attention and oral language skills.ConclusionsThese genes can potentially contribute toward a diagnostic gene-set for determining ASD severity. However, due to the limited number of patients in this study, our classification approach is mostly centered on the prediction and verification of these genes and does not hold a diagnostic nature per se. Substantial further experimentation is required to validate their role as diagnostic markers. The use of these genes as input for functional analysis highlights important biological processes and bridges the gap between genotype and phenotype in ASD.

A critical assessment of Church and political engagement in Zimbabwe under the new dispensation

Since the reign of the late Robert Gabriel Mugabe, Zimbabwe has been seized by retrogressive puppetisation of partisan gospel ministers and churches, worsened by state victimisation of those who stand against political ills. Church and state relations were compromised and fear gripped most citizens. At his inauguration, the incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa pledged a ‘new dispensation’ but contrarily remained similar to the preceding regime. Today, Church and state relations remain compromised as leaders appear accommodative when supported and vindictive when critiqued. The prevailing situation divided the Church, leaving some pastors dining with oppressive leaders whilst others side with the oppressed, culminating in disturbing polarisation. Ruling politicians captured some gospel ministers to sanitise the ‘new dispensation’ and vilify its critics. Although multiple researches have been carried out on Church and politics in Zimbabwe, the lack of clarity on how churches should engage with the state remains an ongoing challenge. Using a literature-based approach, this article evaluates ecclesial engagement with national politics in view of the Old Testament’s fearless prophetic involvement in politics and the New Testament’s understanding of the Church as the salt and the light of the world (Mt 5:13–16). Results of this assessment are that Church engagements with politics have been defined by economic volatility, polarisation, corruptibility, hermeneutical weaknesses and theological differences. The article concludes that the Church should contextually apply the Old Testament’s prophetic stance and the New Testament’s ‘salt and light’ engagement in Zimbabwe.Interdisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: Assessing Church and political engagement in Zimbabwe under the new dispensation in light of the Old Testament’s prophetic involvement in politics and the New Testament’s conceptualisation of the Church as salt and light (Mt 5:13–16) is a contextually critical contribution that interfaces ecclesiology with Christian, biblical, public and political theologies.

Enhancement of Writing Skills in English of Engineering Students Through Autobiographies — A Literature-Based Approach

This study emphasizes the importance of writing skills in English and analyses from various perspectives the reasons for the present-day students lacking good writing skills in English. The authors insist on reading of autobiographies for better enhancement of writing skills and the insistence is justified appropriately. The paper begins with the importance of writing skills in the present scenario, throws light on literature-based approach and a detailed description of the methodology adopted by the researcher including conduct of a pre-test for the selected students of engineering students from various branches of engineering (at the entry-level), a three-month session on reading of select autobiographies along with language activities for the selected students, and a post-test after reading the autobiographies (at the exit level). The statistical approach paired-t-test and one-way ANOVA have been used to examine the efficiency of the autobiographies that help to improve the writing skills of students in English based on the marks secured in the post-test. A comprehensive input was given on the autobiography reading session by the students selected for the experiment. The performance of the students in the tests bears testimony to the fact that reading of autobiographies remarkably enables learners to enhance their writing skills.

Exploring Translator and Interpreter Training in the Trinidad and Tobago Context: An overview

This article provides an overview of the current provision of translator and interpreter training in the English-speaking Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago. In contextualising the country's current linguistic and geopolitical situation, including the growing prominence of Spanish in the country's society, present conditions regarding the need for translational services are outlined. The overview adopts a literature-based approach which involves analysing the websites of tertiary institutions in Trinidad and Tobago where translation and interpreting-related training provision is currently on offer. Through examination of the relevant course syllabi and the pertinent degree and diploma programmes available, available course offerings are presented and discussed, thus giving a solid panorama of the present landscape regarding translator and interpreter training options in the country. Finally, although interpreter training seems well-established in the country, suggestions are offered regarding possible future steps for translator training in the Trinidad and Tobago context, as well as pointers for subsequent empirical research in the future.

Beyond tithes and offerings: Revolutionising the economics of Pentecostal churches in Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwean economic crisis has exposed the unsustainability of traditional sources of Church finances. Churches that depend on tithes, freewill offerings and donations have been facing incapacitation, a disturbing predicament that has been further worsened by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the context of abject poverty and perennial price hikes of basic commodities. While attention has been given to the exploitative commercialisation of the gospel by charismatic churches, scholarship on the economics of classical Pentecostal churches is scanty. Observing fluctuating, unsustainable and unreliable incomes, this study explored the vulnerability of operating without diversified revenue and fundamentality of economising ecclesiology. Applying a theonomic reciprocity concept and using a literature-based approach, this article overviewed the nexus between ecclesiology and economics, reviewed and problematised traditional sources of ecclesial finances. Resultantly, it proposed diversification of revenue through business, interrogated problems and panaceas of doing business as churches. Conclusively, the study argued that when churches establish investments, they will not only sustain themselves, but also missionise their businesses and advance the gospel in the marketplace, hence the rationality of revolutionising their economics.Contribution: This article debunks the interplay of ecclesiology and economics by reviewing contextual realities and financial sources of classical Pentecostal churches in Zimbabwe. It calls for scholarly and clerical attention to a theology of stewardship and investment towards economic sustainability, effective operationalisation and realisation of missio Ecclesiae in volatile contexts.

A Knowledge Graph of Mechanistic Associations Between COVID-19, Diabetes Mellitus, and Chronic Kidney Disease.

We present an automated knowledge synthesis and discovery framework to analyze published literature to identify and represent underlying mechanistic associations that aggravate chronic conditions due to COVID-19. Our literature-based discovery approach integrates text mining, knowledge graphs and medical ontologies to discover hidden and previously unknown pathophysiologic relations, dispersed across multiple public literature databases, between COVID-19 and chronic disease mechanisms. We applied our approach to discover mechanistic associations between COVID-19 and chronic conditions-i.e. diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease-to understand the long-term impact of COVID-19 on patients with chronic diseases. We found several gene-disease associations that could help identify mechanisms driving poor outcomes for COVID-19 patients with underlying conditions.

Development and Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess Social Participation of High Risk-Adults in Germany During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background:Restrictions to contain the COVID-19 pandemic affect the social participation of people worldwide. Especially those at high risk for a severe disease tend to abstain from social gatherings. While there are a few questionnaires to measure social participation in elderly or chronic patients, a valid survey instrument that includes pandemic-related social participation is needed.MethodsWe developed a social participation questionnaire that aims to assess pandemic-related restrictions in social participation. Items were developed using a theory and literature-based approach and then compiled in a discursive process involving experts and lay people. This was followed by the validation of the questionnaire through a cross-sectional survey on 431 individuals. Items with low item-total correlations and low factor loadings using exploratory factor analysis [EFA] were excluded. Using EFA on the remaining items, the factor structure was retrieved and tested with a confirmatory factor analysis [CFA]. Internal consistency was assessed with Chronbachs α.ResultsInitially, 27 items were developed which were used for validation. 13 items were excluded due to low item-total correlations and factors loadings. EFA of the remaining 14 items revealed three factors which were identified as domains “active social participation,” “wellbeing,” and “restrictions”. CFA showed an acceptable model fit using the three-dimensional structure. Chronbachs α of 0.81 and McDonalds Ω of 0.87 indicate good internal consistency. Correlation analysis showed an association between the developed questionnaire and previously-established participation and mental health scales.ConclusionThis study suggests that our 14 item questionnaire is of high reliability and validity and can be used to measure social participation during a pandemic.

Emotional Intelligence and Job Performance: A Review Based Study

The 21st century is witness to a rapidly changing workplace because of technological advancements, competition posed by competitors, globalization, and the expansion in the service sector. This necessitates employees to be much more involved in work not just physically but also emotionally and mentally as employees with emotional intelligence competencies have been found to give an outstanding performance at work and contribute more to an organization’s profits (1,2). Hence, after a careful examination of literature, the present study with a literature-based approach brings to the forefront the crucial role played by emotional intelligence in job performance leading to the success of an organization. This study will be valuable for researchers, academicians, industrialists, and other stakeholders in understanding how emotional intelligence has an impact on job performance, and how it could assist an organization in employing a workforce with the necessary emotional intelligence, thereby contributing to an organization’s long-term success.