The present study investigates the effects of congruency and frequency on adjective-noun collocational processing for Chinese learners of English at two proficiency levels based on the data obtained in an online accep...The present study investigates the effects of congruency and frequency on adjective-noun collocational processing for Chinese learners of English at two proficiency levels based on the data obtained in an online acceptability judgment task.The subject pool of this research included 60 English majors studying at a university in China;30 were selected as a higher-proficiency group and 30 as a lower-proficiency group according to their Vocabulary Levels Test(Schmitt et al.,2001)scores and their self-reported proficiency in English.The experimental materials were programmed to E-prime 2.0 and included six types of collocations:(1)15 high-frequency congruent collocations,(2)15 low-frequency congruent collocations,(3)15 high-frequency incongruent collocations,(4)15 low-frequency incongruent collocations,(5)15 Chinese-only items,and(6)75 unrelated items for baseline data.The collected response times(RTs)and accuracy rates data were statistically analyzed by the use of an ANOVA test and pairwise comparisons through SPSS 16.0 software.The results revealed that:(1)the adjective-noun collocational processing of Chinese English learners is influenced by collocational frequency,congruency and L2 proficiency;(2)the processing time is affected by the interaction of congruency and frequency;and(3)the interactive effect of L2 proficiency in conjunction with congruency and frequency also influences the processing quality.展开更多
This paper explores the integration of the bridge-in,objectives,pre-assessment,participatory activities,post-assessment and summary(BOPPPS)teaching model within the context of the post-graduates Academic English cours...This paper explores the integration of the bridge-in,objectives,pre-assessment,participatory activities,post-assessment and summary(BOPPPS)teaching model within the context of the post-graduates Academic English course.It discusses how this structured approach can effectively enhance students’language proficiency,foster critical thinking skills,and align with the multifaceted objectives of advanced English language education.The study provides a detailed examination of each BOPPPS component as applied to the post-graduates Academic English curriculum,supported by theoretical underpinnings and practical implications.展开更多
This study investigates the efficacy of the Mathematics Independent Learning Activity Practice and Play Unite Scheme(MILAPlus)as an instructional strategy to improve the proficiency levels of Grade 9 students in quadr...This study investigates the efficacy of the Mathematics Independent Learning Activity Practice and Play Unite Scheme(MILAPlus)as an instructional strategy to improve the proficiency levels of Grade 9 students in quadratic equations and functions through a study carried out at Quezon National High School.The research involved 116 Grade 9 students and utilized a quantitative approach,incorporating both pre-assessment and post-assessment measures.The research utilizes a quasi-experimental design,examining the academic performance of students before and after the introduction of MILAPlus.The pre-assessment establishes a baseline,and the subsequent post-assessment measures the impact of the instructional strategy.Statistical analyses,including t-tests,assess the significance of differences in mean scores and mean percentage scores,providing quantitative insights into the effectiveness of MILAPlus.Findings from the study revealed a statistically significant improvement in both mean scores and mean percentage scores after the utilization of MILAPlus,indicating enhanced proficiency in quadratic equations and functions.The Mean Proficiency Scores(MPS)also showed a substantial increase,demonstrating a marked improvement in overall proficiency levels among Grade 9 students.In light of the results,recommendations were given including the continued utilization of MILAPlus as an instructional strategy and aligning its development with prescribed learning competencies.Emphasizing the consistent adherence to policies and guidelines for MILAPlus implementation is suggested for sustaining positive effects on students’long-term performance in mathematics.This research contributes valuable insights into the practical application and effectiveness of MILAPlus within the context of Grade 9 mathematics education at Quezon National High School.展开更多
The monitoring data is undoubtedly important to the water quality monitor- ing department. The proficiency testing is an important way to improve the monitor- ing capacity and enhance the quality management of laborat...The monitoring data is undoubtedly important to the water quality monitor- ing department. The proficiency testing is an important way to improve the monitor- ing capacity and enhance the quality management of laboratories. It plays an impor- tant role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity and comparability of monitoring data. In this paper, the positive role of proficiency testing in the water quality monitoring was analyzed. In addition, how to improve the water quality monitoring capacity and the quality management level of laboratories through the proficiency testing was also discussed.展开更多
Based on the interactive theory of reading, this study mainly explored the etlects ot topic familiarity and second language proficiency on IVA （Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition） of second language through reading. ...Based on the interactive theory of reading, this study mainly explored the etlects ot topic familiarity and second language proficiency on IVA （Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition） of second language through reading. By using two different measures （translation production and selection）, this study found： （1） Vocabulary can be acquired incidentally in reading passages; （2） There are no significant interactive effects of topic familiarity and second language proficiency on vocabulary acquisition, but the two independent variables of topic familiarity and second language proficiency exerted their positively significant effect on incidental vocabulary acquisition, and （3） As for the two vocabulary measures, learners can acquire more words in translation selection than in translation production.展开更多
In the light of need to use learning styles to enhance verbal proficiency,this paper will explore the interconnectedness of learning styles and proficiency in verbal communication.It will first introduce the backgroun...In the light of need to use learning styles to enhance verbal proficiency,this paper will explore the interconnectedness of learning styles and proficiency in verbal communication.It will first introduce the background of the study.This will be followed by an overview of the research on related literature and studies in the field.Lastly the paper concludes that foreign language teachers should give attention to the styles for languages learning and verbal proficiency since they are closely correlated.展开更多
By investigating the types of 371 non-English major freshmen's use of mother-tongue-reliance strategies in English languagelearning,the study showed that students' use of mother-tongue-reliance strategies woul...By investigating the types of 371 non-English major freshmen's use of mother-tongue-reliance strategies in English languagelearning,the study showed that students' use of mother-tongue-reliance strategies would vary significantly with their different L2 profi-ciency.And it was negatively correlated with L2 proficiency.And the study discussed the implications to guide English language teach-ing and learning.展开更多
The goal of teaching English speaking is to improve students' communicative efficiency, or make students speak the target language clearly, coherently, accurately and fluently (Xu, 2005). However, in China, a numb...The goal of teaching English speaking is to improve students' communicative efficiency, or make students speak the target language clearly, coherently, accurately and fluently (Xu, 2005). However, in China, a number of students in an English speaking class tend to be passive and reluctant to speak out or be singled out publicly mainly due to their high anxiety, which, of course, becomes a significant constraint on improving their English proficiency. Therefore, how to create a relaxed atmosphere with a sense of security in the English speaking class to alleviate Chinese learners' anxiety and to provide them with as many opportunities as possible to practice speaking English and improve their English proficiency is one of the central tasks for language teachers.his paper will firstly outline my teaching context in China in physical, pedagogical, institutional and personal aspects. This will be followed by the definition and classification of language learning anxiety, and the analysis of various factors contributing to foreign language learners' anxiety as well as some suggestions of how to reduce the learners' anxiety in the oral class according to the current literature. Finally, some applications will be presented in my teaching context in the hope of decreasing Chinese students' anxiety to enhance their English speaking proficiency.展开更多
With a growing number of foreign language studies on proficiency outcomes,it is imperative to address the challenge of measuring students’proficiency development in a language program where standardized proficiency t...With a growing number of foreign language studies on proficiency outcomes,it is imperative to address the challenge of measuring students’proficiency development in a language program where standardized proficiency testing is not readily available.This article reports administering a Chinese elicited imitation test(EIT)by an instructor to track students’global oral proficiency development in a small language program in a mid-size U.S.public university.The test results from the EIT of second language(L2)Chinese suggest that this tool can provide the instructor with valuable insights into students’oral proficiency.This study also discusses the potential practical value of using this EIT in a language program with limited resources for standardized proficiency assessment.The hope is that this study will encourage language educators who are not already doing so to start using empirical evidence from a valid and reliable proficiency measurement tool to reflect on,improve,and guide their instructional practices.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the proficiency level reached in laparoscopic splenectomy using the learning curve method.METHODS:All patients in need of splenectomy for benign causes in whom laparoscopic splenectomy was attempted...AIM:To investigate the proficiency level reached in laparoscopic splenectomy using the learning curve method.METHODS:All patients in need of splenectomy for benign causes in whom laparoscopic splenectomy was attempted by a single surgeon during a time period of 6 years were included in the study (n=33). Besides demographics, operation-related variables and the response to surgery were recorded. The patients were allocated to groups of five, ranked according to the date of the operation. Operation duration, complications, postoperative length of stay, conversion to laparotomy and splenic weight were then compared between these groups.RESULTS: There was a significant difference regarding operation times between the groups (P = 0.001). An improvement was observed after the first 5 cases. The learning curve was flat up to the 25th case. Following the 25th case the operation times decreased still further. There was no difference between the groups regarding the other parameters.CONCLUSION: Unlike the widely accepted "L" shape, the learning curve for laparoscopic splenectomy is a horizontal lazy "S" with two distinct slopes. Privileges may be granted after the first 5 cases. However proficiency seems to require 25 cases.展开更多
Code-switching is a linguistic behavior that arises as a result of languages coming into contact. The idea of codeswitching was proposed since the 1970 s and has been heatedly discussed. This study will particularly f...Code-switching is a linguistic behavior that arises as a result of languages coming into contact. The idea of codeswitching was proposed since the 1970 s and has been heatedly discussed. This study will particularly focus on the motivations for code-switching on campus, especially for the reason of college students and teachers as frequent users. The study aims to find out if there is any relevance between one's English proficiency and motivation for code-switching.展开更多
Problems in generating and organizing ideas, in coherence and language competence are common in non-English majors＇ writings. To improve their writing proficiency, the writing course should have real-life purposes, b...Problems in generating and organizing ideas, in coherence and language competence are common in non-English majors＇ writings. To improve their writing proficiency, the writing course should have real-life purposes, balance between real and display writing, between product and process approaches, vary writing activities, train strategies in improving coherence, balance the content of feedback and use various forms of feedback.展开更多
There are many factors that drag the feet of reading proficiency.After discussing how these factors work,this paper puts the factors into two categories of language and non-language,which,to some extent,helps readers ...There are many factors that drag the feet of reading proficiency.After discussing how these factors work,this paper puts the factors into two categories of language and non-language,which,to some extent,helps readers to realize their deficiency and conduct self-adjustment.展开更多
To characterize the long-term service performance and predict the lifetime of heat-resistant steel applications,more than 300 test pieces can be loaded simultaneously at Baosteel to determine the relationship between ...To characterize the long-term service performance and predict the lifetime of heat-resistant steel applications,more than 300 test pieces can be loaded simultaneously at Baosteel to determine the relationship between stress and rupture duration at specific temperatures. In addition, versatile testing methods have been established that evaluate creep-rupture, stress-relaxation, and creep-fatigue, as well as state-of-the-art tensile testing at hyper-high temperatures exceeding 2 100 ~2. Based on the Larson-Miller method, according to API 530, the accumulation of large volumes of data with respect to stress, temperature, and rupture time of actually tested steels ensures the reliability of predicting the allowable working stress over 100 000 h at any given temperature. For examples ,the stress tendencies against rupture time of T/P91 and T/P92 steel tubes, as obtained by Baosteel, are consistent with those from NIMS and ECCC. As an accredited provider of the Proficiency Testing schemes in ISO/ IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17043, Baosteel has periodically organized national proficiency testing with respect to creep and rupture, thereby providing an efficient way for all parties to assess their technical competence when performing uniaxial creep testing by the methods in ISO 204 and ASTM E139.展开更多
Agricultural contamination with pesticides is a challenging problem for both human and bee health. Consequently, a number of laboratories performing pesticides residues analyse in honey and honey products has graduall...Agricultural contamination with pesticides is a challenging problem for both human and bee health. Consequently, a number of laboratories performing pesticides residues analyse in honey and honey products has gradually increased in recent years. In the framework of their accreditations according to ISO 17025 standard, these laboratories must control their performances through interlaboratory comparison. Interprofessional Bureau of Analytical Studies (BIPEA) organizes regular proficiency testing schemes (PTS) in many analytical domains, including the analysis of pesticides in honey, to compare the performances of the laboratories. As an example, one test was conducted in October 2015 using an organic honey spiked with 21 pesticides, at levels between 15 ^g/kg and 200 ^g/kg, with 27 participating laboratories. This test was intended for the identification and quantification of 21 molecules of pesticides residues. The techniques used by the laboratories were GC-MS-MS, LC-MS-MS, GC-MS and GC-ECD, according to the molecules. Participating laboratories were required to return their results on a dedicated website after a period of one month, and a statistical treatment of the data was performed according to ISO 13528 standard. Assigned (consensus) values were calculated from the participants’ results and the performances of the laboratories could then be evaluated individually and collectively according to ISO 17043 standard. The results of this test were satisfactory for detection and quantification, whatever the analytical technique. The molecules were correctly identified by the laboratories and the recovery rates ranged from 56% up to 88%. The dispersions of the results, studied through the coefficients of variation, were also satisfactory ranging from 7% to 30%. This test showed that the laboratories participating routinely in this kind of tests are very competent in the analysis of pesticides residues in honey. It also allowed the participating laboratories to draw up a general inventory of their analytical skills, and it was a very useful tool to detect bias or non-compliant results. It acted as a warning signal for the implementation of corrective and/or curative actions in the laboratories.展开更多
This study investigates how Chinese logogriphs are comprehended by learners of Chinese as a foreign language(CFL)with different Chinese proficiencies and cultural backgrounds.Eighty-eight CFL learners from four cultur...This study investigates how Chinese logogriphs are comprehended by learners of Chinese as a foreign language(CFL)with different Chinese proficiencies and cultural backgrounds.Eighty-eight CFL learners from four cultures(South Koreans,Southeast Asians,Western Caucasians and Arabs)were divided into two Chinese proficiency groups according to their HSK scores,and 15 L1 Chinese speakers also took part in the experiment as a control group.The participants were asked to write down how they interpreted Chinese logogriphs in questionnaires.An ANOVA analysis was conducted to examine the effects of Chinese proficiency and cultural background on logogriph comprehension.The results indicate that the accuracy of logogriph comprehension and the frequency of adopting logogriph-solving strategies positively correlated with the learners’Chinese proficiency,and that those with higher proficiency used more linguistic and cultural knowledge of the target language.As for cultural influence,Western Caucasians tended to think more visually than the other three cultural groups,and South Koreans and Southeast Asians were better at activating Chinese semantic knowledge.The closer the CFL learners’culture is to Chinese culture,the more similar strategies they adopted to those of L1 Chinese participants.Moreover,the participants’Chinese proficiency and cultural background show an interactive effect on their logogriph comprehension,with the former factor having a greater influence than the latter in this process.展开更多
Based on the framework of classroom teaching learning process analysis, this study explores the relationship between language proficiency and the acquisition of teaching knowledge in the sample of three English repeti...Based on the framework of classroom teaching learning process analysis, this study explores the relationship between language proficiency and the acquisition of teaching knowledge in the sample of three English repetitive lessons in senior high school by two English student teachers. After quantitative and qualitative analysis, it was found that the higher the level of language, the greater the improvement of teaching knowledge;the student with high language level has made rapid progress in teaching design, slow progress in teaching management and student learning, while the progress of the student with low language level is slow in all aspects. This study has important reference value for pre-service foreign language teacher education.展开更多
The quality variety wines which are produced in specified regions of Slovakia are mostly watched category of wine in European Union. Quality of the measurement for appropriate parameter in wine sample is given by unce...The quality variety wines which are produced in specified regions of Slovakia are mostly watched category of wine in European Union. Quality of the measurement for appropriate parameter in wine sample is given by uncertainty. Therefore, protocol of analysis has to have an uncertainty of measurement and should be made in accredited laboratory. In Slovakia, there are six wine growing regions （Tokaj, east Slovakia region, south Slovakia region, middle Slovakia region, Nitriansky region and Little-Carpathian region） where the quality wines with protected designation of origin are produced. Central Controlling and Testing Institute in Agriculture in Bratislava is a state organization, which has an accredited laboratory for testing wine products before introduction into the market. This article presents the results of the authors＇ measurements in proficiency testing FAPAS （food analysis performance assessment scheme） which were organized by Central Science Laboratory in York （England） in 2011. The authors add also interlaboratory comparison in 2012 between Slovak accredited laboratories. The results show very good agreement. Quality control in the wine sector presents very important feature in the market, therefore, using certified reference materials and checking the accredited laboratories with interlaboratory comparisons is very helpful. Testing of wine in the authors＇ laboratory is performed by EN ISO/IEC： 17025. The results show that z-score lies not outside the range ±2 and this is a chance that the authors＇ results are actually acceptable.展开更多
This study investigates the relationship between Iranian EFL （English as a Foreign Language） learners＇ sensory preferences： Visual, Audial, and Haptic （VAH） and the learners＇ speaking strategy use across profic...This study investigates the relationship between Iranian EFL （English as a Foreign Language） learners＇ sensory preferences： Visual, Audial, and Haptic （VAH） and the learners＇ speaking strategy use across proficiency. To this end 146 Iranian EFL learners studying English at different levels of language proficiency, participated in this study. O＇Brien＇s （1990） learning channel preference checklist was given to students to determine their sensory preferences In addition, a Speaking Strategy questionnaire （an adaptation of strategy inventory for language learning （SILL）, focusing on strategies used at the time of Speaking） was also given to the students in another session. The data were analyzed using multivariate ANOVA （MANOVA） in order to probe the relationship between Iranian EFL Learners＇ Learning Style Sensory Preferences and their speaking strategy use across proficiency. Based on the results, it can be claimed that there was a weak to moderate interaction between the proficiency levels and preference of speaking strategies on the learning styles of the Iranian EFL learners.展开更多
The present study probed into the effects of text structure, structure awareness and proficiency level on EFL learners＇ reading test performance. There are 112 college-level students participated in the experiment an...The present study probed into the effects of text structure, structure awareness and proficiency level on EFL learners＇ reading test performance. There are 112 college-level students participated in the experiment and their English proficiency belonged to distinct levels. The subjects＇ performance on the recall of two passages written in different types of structure was examined. Results of statistical indicate that text structure, structure awareness and proficiency level all have main effects on the subjects＇ reading performance. More specifically, two major findings emerged from the results of the investigation. One the one hand, text structures significantly affected the quantity but not the quality of the information recalled while proficiency level and structure awareness had significant impact on both the quantity and quality of information recalled. On the other hand, structure awareness was irrelevant to either text structure or proficiency level. The implications of the findings for teaching L2/FL reading were suggested.展开更多
文摘The present study investigates the effects of congruency and frequency on adjective-noun collocational processing for Chinese learners of English at two proficiency levels based on the data obtained in an online acceptability judgment task.The subject pool of this research included 60 English majors studying at a university in China;30 were selected as a higher-proficiency group and 30 as a lower-proficiency group according to their Vocabulary Levels Test(Schmitt et al.,2001)scores and their self-reported proficiency in English.The experimental materials were programmed to E-prime 2.0 and included six types of collocations:(1)15 high-frequency congruent collocations,(2)15 low-frequency congruent collocations,(3)15 high-frequency incongruent collocations,(4)15 low-frequency incongruent collocations,(5)15 Chinese-only items,and(6)75 unrelated items for baseline data.The collected response times(RTs)and accuracy rates data were statistically analyzed by the use of an ANOVA test and pairwise comparisons through SPSS 16.0 software.The results revealed that:(1)the adjective-noun collocational processing of Chinese English learners is influenced by collocational frequency,congruency and L2 proficiency;(2)the processing time is affected by the interaction of congruency and frequency;and(3)the interactive effect of L2 proficiency in conjunction with congruency and frequency also influences the processing quality.
文摘This paper explores the integration of the bridge-in,objectives,pre-assessment,participatory activities,post-assessment and summary(BOPPPS)teaching model within the context of the post-graduates Academic English course.It discusses how this structured approach can effectively enhance students’language proficiency,foster critical thinking skills,and align with the multifaceted objectives of advanced English language education.The study provides a detailed examination of each BOPPPS component as applied to the post-graduates Academic English curriculum,supported by theoretical underpinnings and practical implications.
文摘This study investigates the efficacy of the Mathematics Independent Learning Activity Practice and Play Unite Scheme(MILAPlus)as an instructional strategy to improve the proficiency levels of Grade 9 students in quadratic equations and functions through a study carried out at Quezon National High School.The research involved 116 Grade 9 students and utilized a quantitative approach,incorporating both pre-assessment and post-assessment measures.The research utilizes a quasi-experimental design,examining the academic performance of students before and after the introduction of MILAPlus.The pre-assessment establishes a baseline,and the subsequent post-assessment measures the impact of the instructional strategy.Statistical analyses,including t-tests,assess the significance of differences in mean scores and mean percentage scores,providing quantitative insights into the effectiveness of MILAPlus.Findings from the study revealed a statistically significant improvement in both mean scores and mean percentage scores after the utilization of MILAPlus,indicating enhanced proficiency in quadratic equations and functions.The Mean Proficiency Scores(MPS)also showed a substantial increase,demonstrating a marked improvement in overall proficiency levels among Grade 9 students.In light of the results,recommendations were given including the continued utilization of MILAPlus as an instructional strategy and aligning its development with prescribed learning competencies.Emphasizing the consistent adherence to policies and guidelines for MILAPlus implementation is suggested for sustaining positive effects on students’long-term performance in mathematics.This research contributes valuable insights into the practical application and effectiveness of MILAPlus within the context of Grade 9 mathematics education at Quezon National High School.
基金Supported by Special Scientific Research Fund of Public Welfare Profession of Ministry of Water Resources(201101007)~~
文摘The monitoring data is undoubtedly important to the water quality monitor- ing department. The proficiency testing is an important way to improve the monitor- ing capacity and enhance the quality management of laboratories. It plays an impor- tant role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity and comparability of monitoring data. In this paper, the positive role of proficiency testing in the water quality monitoring was analyzed. In addition, how to improve the water quality monitoring capacity and the quality management level of laboratories through the proficiency testing was also discussed.
文摘Based on the interactive theory of reading, this study mainly explored the etlects ot topic familiarity and second language proficiency on IVA （Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition） of second language through reading. By using two different measures （translation production and selection）, this study found： （1） Vocabulary can be acquired incidentally in reading passages; （2） There are no significant interactive effects of topic familiarity and second language proficiency on vocabulary acquisition, but the two independent variables of topic familiarity and second language proficiency exerted their positively significant effect on incidental vocabulary acquisition, and （3） As for the two vocabulary measures, learners can acquire more words in translation selection than in translation production.
文摘In the light of need to use learning styles to enhance verbal proficiency,this paper will explore the interconnectedness of learning styles and proficiency in verbal communication.It will first introduce the background of the study.This will be followed by an overview of the research on related literature and studies in the field.Lastly the paper concludes that foreign language teachers should give attention to the styles for languages learning and verbal proficiency since they are closely correlated.
文摘By investigating the types of 371 non-English major freshmen's use of mother-tongue-reliance strategies in English languagelearning,the study showed that students' use of mother-tongue-reliance strategies would vary significantly with their different L2 profi-ciency.And it was negatively correlated with L2 proficiency.And the study discussed the implications to guide English language teach-ing and learning.
文摘The goal of teaching English speaking is to improve students' communicative efficiency, or make students speak the target language clearly, coherently, accurately and fluently (Xu, 2005). However, in China, a number of students in an English speaking class tend to be passive and reluctant to speak out or be singled out publicly mainly due to their high anxiety, which, of course, becomes a significant constraint on improving their English proficiency. Therefore, how to create a relaxed atmosphere with a sense of security in the English speaking class to alleviate Chinese learners' anxiety and to provide them with as many opportunities as possible to practice speaking English and improve their English proficiency is one of the central tasks for language teachers.his paper will firstly outline my teaching context in China in physical, pedagogical, institutional and personal aspects. This will be followed by the definition and classification of language learning anxiety, and the analysis of various factors contributing to foreign language learners' anxiety as well as some suggestions of how to reduce the learners' anxiety in the oral class according to the current literature. Finally, some applications will be presented in my teaching context in the hope of decreasing Chinese students' anxiety to enhance their English speaking proficiency.
文摘With a growing number of foreign language studies on proficiency outcomes,it is imperative to address the challenge of measuring students’proficiency development in a language program where standardized proficiency testing is not readily available.This article reports administering a Chinese elicited imitation test(EIT)by an instructor to track students’global oral proficiency development in a small language program in a mid-size U.S.public university.The test results from the EIT of second language(L2)Chinese suggest that this tool can provide the instructor with valuable insights into students’oral proficiency.This study also discusses the potential practical value of using this EIT in a language program with limited resources for standardized proficiency assessment.The hope is that this study will encourage language educators who are not already doing so to start using empirical evidence from a valid and reliable proficiency measurement tool to reflect on,improve,and guide their instructional practices.
文摘AIM:To investigate the proficiency level reached in laparoscopic splenectomy using the learning curve method.METHODS:All patients in need of splenectomy for benign causes in whom laparoscopic splenectomy was attempted by a single surgeon during a time period of 6 years were included in the study (n=33). Besides demographics, operation-related variables and the response to surgery were recorded. The patients were allocated to groups of five, ranked according to the date of the operation. Operation duration, complications, postoperative length of stay, conversion to laparotomy and splenic weight were then compared between these groups.RESULTS: There was a significant difference regarding operation times between the groups (P = 0.001). An improvement was observed after the first 5 cases. The learning curve was flat up to the 25th case. Following the 25th case the operation times decreased still further. There was no difference between the groups regarding the other parameters.CONCLUSION: Unlike the widely accepted "L" shape, the learning curve for laparoscopic splenectomy is a horizontal lazy "S" with two distinct slopes. Privileges may be granted after the first 5 cases. However proficiency seems to require 25 cases.
文摘Code-switching is a linguistic behavior that arises as a result of languages coming into contact. The idea of codeswitching was proposed since the 1970 s and has been heatedly discussed. This study will particularly focus on the motivations for code-switching on campus, especially for the reason of college students and teachers as frequent users. The study aims to find out if there is any relevance between one's English proficiency and motivation for code-switching.
文摘Problems in generating and organizing ideas, in coherence and language competence are common in non-English majors＇ writings. To improve their writing proficiency, the writing course should have real-life purposes, balance between real and display writing, between product and process approaches, vary writing activities, train strategies in improving coherence, balance the content of feedback and use various forms of feedback.
文摘There are many factors that drag the feet of reading proficiency.After discussing how these factors work,this paper puts the factors into two categories of language and non-language,which,to some extent,helps readers to realize their deficiency and conduct self-adjustment.
文摘To characterize the long-term service performance and predict the lifetime of heat-resistant steel applications,more than 300 test pieces can be loaded simultaneously at Baosteel to determine the relationship between stress and rupture duration at specific temperatures. In addition, versatile testing methods have been established that evaluate creep-rupture, stress-relaxation, and creep-fatigue, as well as state-of-the-art tensile testing at hyper-high temperatures exceeding 2 100 ~2. Based on the Larson-Miller method, according to API 530, the accumulation of large volumes of data with respect to stress, temperature, and rupture time of actually tested steels ensures the reliability of predicting the allowable working stress over 100 000 h at any given temperature. For examples ,the stress tendencies against rupture time of T/P91 and T/P92 steel tubes, as obtained by Baosteel, are consistent with those from NIMS and ECCC. As an accredited provider of the Proficiency Testing schemes in ISO/ IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17043, Baosteel has periodically organized national proficiency testing with respect to creep and rupture, thereby providing an efficient way for all parties to assess their technical competence when performing uniaxial creep testing by the methods in ISO 204 and ASTM E139.
文摘Agricultural contamination with pesticides is a challenging problem for both human and bee health. Consequently, a number of laboratories performing pesticides residues analyse in honey and honey products has gradually increased in recent years. In the framework of their accreditations according to ISO 17025 standard, these laboratories must control their performances through interlaboratory comparison. Interprofessional Bureau of Analytical Studies (BIPEA) organizes regular proficiency testing schemes (PTS) in many analytical domains, including the analysis of pesticides in honey, to compare the performances of the laboratories. As an example, one test was conducted in October 2015 using an organic honey spiked with 21 pesticides, at levels between 15 ^g/kg and 200 ^g/kg, with 27 participating laboratories. This test was intended for the identification and quantification of 21 molecules of pesticides residues. The techniques used by the laboratories were GC-MS-MS, LC-MS-MS, GC-MS and GC-ECD, according to the molecules. Participating laboratories were required to return their results on a dedicated website after a period of one month, and a statistical treatment of the data was performed according to ISO 13528 standard. Assigned (consensus) values were calculated from the participants’ results and the performances of the laboratories could then be evaluated individually and collectively according to ISO 17043 standard. The results of this test were satisfactory for detection and quantification, whatever the analytical technique. The molecules were correctly identified by the laboratories and the recovery rates ranged from 56% up to 88%. The dispersions of the results, studied through the coefficients of variation, were also satisfactory ranging from 7% to 30%. This test showed that the laboratories participating routinely in this kind of tests are very competent in the analysis of pesticides residues in honey. It also allowed the participating laboratories to draw up a general inventory of their analytical skills, and it was a very useful tool to detect bias or non-compliant results. It acted as a warning signal for the implementation of corrective and/or curative actions in the laboratories.
文摘This study investigates how Chinese logogriphs are comprehended by learners of Chinese as a foreign language(CFL)with different Chinese proficiencies and cultural backgrounds.Eighty-eight CFL learners from four cultures(South Koreans,Southeast Asians,Western Caucasians and Arabs)were divided into two Chinese proficiency groups according to their HSK scores,and 15 L1 Chinese speakers also took part in the experiment as a control group.The participants were asked to write down how they interpreted Chinese logogriphs in questionnaires.An ANOVA analysis was conducted to examine the effects of Chinese proficiency and cultural background on logogriph comprehension.The results indicate that the accuracy of logogriph comprehension and the frequency of adopting logogriph-solving strategies positively correlated with the learners’Chinese proficiency,and that those with higher proficiency used more linguistic and cultural knowledge of the target language.As for cultural influence,Western Caucasians tended to think more visually than the other three cultural groups,and South Koreans and Southeast Asians were better at activating Chinese semantic knowledge.The closer the CFL learners’culture is to Chinese culture,the more similar strategies they adopted to those of L1 Chinese participants.Moreover,the participants’Chinese proficiency and cultural background show an interactive effect on their logogriph comprehension,with the former factor having a greater influence than the latter in this process.
文摘Based on the framework of classroom teaching learning process analysis, this study explores the relationship between language proficiency and the acquisition of teaching knowledge in the sample of three English repetitive lessons in senior high school by two English student teachers. After quantitative and qualitative analysis, it was found that the higher the level of language, the greater the improvement of teaching knowledge;the student with high language level has made rapid progress in teaching design, slow progress in teaching management and student learning, while the progress of the student with low language level is slow in all aspects. This study has important reference value for pre-service foreign language teacher education.
文摘The quality variety wines which are produced in specified regions of Slovakia are mostly watched category of wine in European Union. Quality of the measurement for appropriate parameter in wine sample is given by uncertainty. Therefore, protocol of analysis has to have an uncertainty of measurement and should be made in accredited laboratory. In Slovakia, there are six wine growing regions （Tokaj, east Slovakia region, south Slovakia region, middle Slovakia region, Nitriansky region and Little-Carpathian region） where the quality wines with protected designation of origin are produced. Central Controlling and Testing Institute in Agriculture in Bratislava is a state organization, which has an accredited laboratory for testing wine products before introduction into the market. This article presents the results of the authors＇ measurements in proficiency testing FAPAS （food analysis performance assessment scheme） which were organized by Central Science Laboratory in York （England） in 2011. The authors add also interlaboratory comparison in 2012 between Slovak accredited laboratories. The results show very good agreement. Quality control in the wine sector presents very important feature in the market, therefore, using certified reference materials and checking the accredited laboratories with interlaboratory comparisons is very helpful. Testing of wine in the authors＇ laboratory is performed by EN ISO/IEC： 17025. The results show that z-score lies not outside the range ±2 and this is a chance that the authors＇ results are actually acceptable.
文摘This study investigates the relationship between Iranian EFL （English as a Foreign Language） learners＇ sensory preferences： Visual, Audial, and Haptic （VAH） and the learners＇ speaking strategy use across proficiency. To this end 146 Iranian EFL learners studying English at different levels of language proficiency, participated in this study. O＇Brien＇s （1990） learning channel preference checklist was given to students to determine their sensory preferences In addition, a Speaking Strategy questionnaire （an adaptation of strategy inventory for language learning （SILL）, focusing on strategies used at the time of Speaking） was also given to the students in another session. The data were analyzed using multivariate ANOVA （MANOVA） in order to probe the relationship between Iranian EFL Learners＇ Learning Style Sensory Preferences and their speaking strategy use across proficiency. Based on the results, it can be claimed that there was a weak to moderate interaction between the proficiency levels and preference of speaking strategies on the learning styles of the Iranian EFL learners.
文摘The present study probed into the effects of text structure, structure awareness and proficiency level on EFL learners＇ reading test performance. There are 112 college-level students participated in the experiment and their English proficiency belonged to distinct levels. The subjects＇ performance on the recall of two passages written in different types of structure was examined. Results of statistical indicate that text structure, structure awareness and proficiency level all have main effects on the subjects＇ reading performance. More specifically, two major findings emerged from the results of the investigation. One the one hand, text structures significantly affected the quantity but not the quality of the information recalled while proficiency level and structure awareness had significant impact on both the quantity and quality of information recalled. On the other hand, structure awareness was irrelevant to either text structure or proficiency level. The implications of the findings for teaching L2/FL reading were suggested.
