Inhibitory activities of microalgal extracts against Epstein-Barr virus DNA release from lymphoblastoid cells

This study aimed to assess the inhibitory activities of methanol extracts from the microalgae Ankistrodesmus convolutus, Synechococcus elongatus, and Spirulina platensis against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in three Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cell lines, namely Akata, B95-8, and P3HR-1. The antiviral activity was assessed by quantifying the cell-free EBV DNA using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The methanol extracts from Ankistrodesmus convolutus and Synechococcus elongatus displayed low cytotoxicity and potent effect in reducing cell-free EBV DNA (EC(50)<0.01 μg/ml) with a high therapeutic index (>28000). After fractionation by column chromatography, the fraction from Synechococcus elongatus (SEF1) reduced the cell-free EBV DNA most effectively (EC(50)=2.9 μg/ml, therapeutic index>69). Upon further fractionation by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the sub-fraction SEF1'a was most active in reducing the cell-free EBV DNA (EC(50)=1.38 μg/ml, therapeutic index>14.5). This study suggests that microalgae could be a potential source of antiviral compounds that can be used against EBV.     

Convergence Between Platforms in the Newsroom

Through ethnographic observation and content analysis, this study aims to classify the Al-Jazeera Mubasher (AJM) newsroom according to the Schantin model of newsrooms, describe the network’s convergence level based on the Dailey, Demo, and Spillman Dynamic Scale Model, and present a unique model elucidating how, specifically, convergence works at AJM. Based on the Schantin model of newsrooms, AJM can be classified as a second-generation newsroom, a “cross-media platforms newsroom.” Convergence among the different platforms of AJM is considerable, but still below full convergence level. Accordingly, the AJM newsroom can be classified into the fourth level of the Dailey et al. Dynamic Scale Model — “content sharing.” The unique AJM-specific model presented near the end of this paper depicts the ways in which different AJM platforms function and interact inside the newsroom, explains the degree of convergence between platforms, and classifies the newsroom in terms of its convergence level.     

Mining of Egyptian missions data for shaping new paradigms

This paper reviews data mining applications of students’ databases in educational institutions. Data mining techniques that predict and improve students’ retention rates and success is presented. Moreover, the Missions Administration at the Ministry of Higher Education in Egypt and previous analysis done on the missions databases is described. The focus of the paper is to examine how data mining can help in classifying the delayed and succeeded missioners to support the implementation of a missioners model. An investigation of how data mining can help in best or worse destinations for missioners is implemented using the Cross Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP-DM). The paper further describes the methodology used for analyzing the database for the ministry of higher education in Egypt. The process starts by extracting a subset of data including the missioners and the mission’s data, countries, specialties, departure and arrival dates and finally the extension requests from the missioners. These data were extracted into a data warehouse for the analysis purpose. The used model discovered the best and the worst countries for student mission. A detailed analysis discovered the best and the worst specialties in the previously discovered countries. Moreover, the analysis revealed the effect of the marital status on the mission of students in foreign countries. A visual display using a chart was used to express the information to business users. This model may help in supporting decision making regarding the reallocation of Egypt students to other countries.     

The phonological awareness relation to early reading in English for three groups of simultaneous bilingual children

Reading and Writing - Phonological awareness is critical for early reading acquisition across alphabetic as well as non-alphabetic languages. The grain size of phonological awareness varies with...     

Alphab��tisation �� travers l��Initiative LIFE et le suivi de CONFINTEA VI au Maghreb

Literacy education through the LIFE Initiative and follow-up of CONFINTEA VI in the Maghreb ?C Illiteracy is seriously compromising the economic and social development of the Maghreb countries. In Morocco and Mauritania, for instance, national strategies and literacy programmes have been implemented. These efforts ought to be assessed so that lessons can be learned from them and the contribution of the national and international initiatives implemented in recent years can be evaluated. The Sixth International Conference on Adult Education provided an opportunity to launch a Maghreb-wide literacy cooperation process. Drawing on the experience of two high-priority countries (Morocco and Mauritania), the countries of the Maghreb created a mechanism for ongoing exchange within the framework of the Forum on Literacy for the Maghreb Region. The second meeting of this Forum, which was held in May 2010 in Nouakchott, was devoted to monitoring the implementation of the Belém Framework for Action and resulted in the creation of a joint cooperation programme in this domain.     

Fidelity to and satisfaction with prescribed curriculum in an Arab educational context: ESL teachers' perspective

Educational institutions in the Arab Gulf are requiring rapid changes to enhance English language learning to keep up with globalization and economic growth. This urges the need for investigating policy changes such as effectiveness in curriculum orientations and their impact on the actual process of teaching in order to gauge how educational institutions are performing. This paper reports the findings of a survey study on curriculum enactment in the English Language Foundation Program of a higher education institution in the Arab Gulf region. Data collection methods included a survey and interview with teachers investigating their opinions about the curriculum, how much support it offers teachers to reach the objectives of the course, and whether/to what extent as well as the reasons why they feel they need to modify the curriculum at the implementation level. Results showed that most teachers exercised discretion in using the prescribed curriculum materials due to individual contextual factors. Results also indicated that either when implementing the prescribed or modified materials, most participants highlighted the importance of using reliable quality resource materials that can help teachers as well as students to enhance the learning process. Findings have implications for English as a second language curriculum design in Arab higher educational contexts.     

Working commitment among trainee teachers： A meta evaluation approach

The main aim of the study was to evaluate trainee teachers working commitment in their teaching practicum. There were seven component teaching practices and eleven demographic factors. The instrument of the study was extracted from various sources to suit the research design based on Units, Treatments, Observing, and Surveying （UTOS） model modification. The reliability index obtained for both research instruments were reasonably good ranging from 0.7030 to 0.9053. A total of 276 trainee teachers who were doing their practical teaching in one of the state in Malaysia （Kelantan）. Stratified random sampling was used. They made their self-assessment by using the working commitment instrument. At the same time, their teaching processes were guided through conferences, observations and finally evaluations to get their comparative scores of teaching performance. The data were analyzed by using statistical multiple regression at significant ofp 〈 0.05. As a result, a linear equation of trainee teachers＇ commitment comprises contribution of work load, work satisfaction, study opportunities, teachers＇ prospect, marital status, teaching practices, planning and preparation teaching procedure, and religious studies. Furthermore the findings of this study led to some suggestions for future teachers development and become more efficient and adaptive.     

Effectiveness and time-course adaptation of resistance training vs. plyometric training in prepubertal soccer players

PurposeThis study aimed to assess the effectiveness and time course for improvements in explosive actions through resistance training (RT) vs. plyometric training (PT) in prepubertal soccer players.MethodsThirty-four male subjects were assigned to: a control group (n = 11); an RT group (5 regular soccer training sessions per week, n = 12); a PT group (3 soccer training sessions and 2 RT sessions per week, n = 11). The outcome measures included tests for the assessment of muscle strength (e.g., 1 repetition maximum half-squat test), jump ability (e.g., countermovement jump, squat jump, standing long jump, and multiple 5 bounds test), linear speed (e.g., 20 m sprint test), and change of direction (e.g., Illinois change of direction test).ResultsThe RTG showed an improvement in the half-squat (Δ = 13.2%; d = 1.3, p < 0.001) and countermovement jump (Δ = 9.4%; d = 2.4, p < 0.001) at Week 4, whereas improvements in the 20-m sprint (Δ = 4.2%; d = 1.1, p < 0.01); change of direction (CoD) (Δ = 3.8%; d = 2.1, p < 0.01); multiple 5 bounds (Δ = 5.1%; d = 1.5, p < 0.05); standing long jump (Δ = 7.2%; d = 1.2, p < 0.01); squat jump (Δ = 19.6%; d = 1.5, p < 0.01); were evident at Week 8. The PTG showed improvements in CoD (Δ = 2.1%; d = 1.3, p < 0.05); standing long jump (Δ = 9.3%; d = 1.1, p < 0.01); countermovement jump (Δ = 16.1%; d = 1.2, p < 0.01); and squat jump (Δ = 16.7%; d = 1.4, p < 0.01); at Week 8 whereas improvements in the 20-m sprint (Δ = 4.1%; d = 1.3, p < 0.01); and multiple 5 bounds (Δ = 7.4%; d = 2.4, p < 0.001); were evident only after Week. The RT and PT groups showed improvements in all sprint, CoD, and jump tests (p < 0.05) and in half-squat performance, for which improvement was only shown within the RTG (p < 0.001).ConclusionRT and PT conducted in combination with regular soccer training are safe and feasible interventions for prepubertal soccer players. In addition, these interventions were shown to be effective training tools to improve explosive actions with different time courses of improvements, which manifested earlier in the RTG than in the PTG. These outcomes may help coaches and fitness trainers set out clear and concise goals of training according to the specific time course of improvement difference between RT and PT on proxies of athletic performance of prepubertal soccer players.     

Review of “Theorizing the Future of Science Education Research” Edited by Vaughan Prain and Brian Hand

Science & Education -     

Bringing objectivity to motor skill assessment in children

ABSTRACT

The study purpose was to use Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) to objectively assess children’s motor competence in seven movement skills. Fourteen children aged from seven to 12 years (M = 9.64) participated. Children were asked to perform up to 10 trials of each skill. Children performed the skills, which were captured by XSENS MVN Awinda wireless motion capture, and video. Skills were assessed from video as per the criteria from the Test of Gross Motor Development 3. Initially, 17 IMU sensors were used for signal processing, but this was restricted to four sensors (wrists and ankles) to be more feasible for field assessment. Results of the signal testing against its modelled “Good” signal, showed the skip was classified correctly each time, as was the sidestep. Accuracy % rates for each skill were: kick (95.2), catch (95.0), throw (80.5), jump (78.9), and hop (76.9). Using signal processing-based methods via four sensors was a reliable and feasible way to assess seven motor skills in children. This approach means monitoring and assessment of children’s skills can be objective, which will potentially reduce the time involved in motor skill assessment and analysis for research, clinical, sport and education purposes.