Removal of lead from aqueous solutions using three biosorbents of aquatic origin with the emphasis on the affective factors

The biosorptive potentials of three aquatics-based biosorbents, including shells of a bivalve mollusk and scales of two fish species for Pb removal from aqueous solutions were evaluated, for the first time. A Box–Behnken design with the response surface methodology was used to investigate the effects of the seven important variables (contact time, temperature, initial concentration, dosage, size, salinity and pH) on the sorption capacity of the sorbents. Among the seven studied factors, the effects of biosorbent dosage, initial concentration and pH were significant for all the response variables, while biosorbent size was not significant for any of the responses. The initial concentration was the most influential factor. The presence of Pb ions on the surfaces of the biosorbents after the adsorption was clearly confirmed by the SEM–EDX and XRF analyses. The maximum sorption capacities of the biosorbents were comparable to the literature and the descending order was as follows: scales of Rutilus kutum and Oncorhynchus mykiss and the shells of Cerastoderma glaucum. The isotherm studies revealed Langmuir model applicability for the Pb adsorption by R. kutum and O. mykiss scales, while Freundlich model was fitted to the adsorption C. glaucum shells.

Patterns of Social Media Usage among Malaysians During the Covid-19 Pandemic

This paper explores the use of social media among Malaysians during the Covid-19 pandemic. Questionnaires were distributed to 424 people in Malaysia who were directly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The research findings revealed that the main reasons that drove people to use social media were cognitive aspects, escapism, affective factors, and social integration. The data also shows that Malaysians frequently employed social media to search for information, for diversion purposes, and due to habit. Meanwhile, the highest levels of gratifications were derived from factors of convenience, surveillance, and interpersonal discussion. This study concludes that social media plays a crucial role for Malaysians while confronting the Covid-19 pandemic, alongside other media components. It cannot be denied that technology also influenced uses and gratifications among the audiences. The uniqueness of social media, coupled with the smartphone, gives it a distinct advantage over other media forms. The audiences had at their disposal a multitude of information that could bring numerous usages and forms of gratifications.

Taking an (Inter)cultural View of Students with Disabilities to Promote Inclusive Practices Within the TESOL Field

Considering the TESOL field's global presence, much more can be done to prepare TESOL practitioners to teach inclusively, particularly with regard for students with disabilities, and in line with international policy. This chapter begins by conceptualizing disability and inclusive education before providing an overview of concerns related to TESOL teacher training for inclusive practices. Complicating cognitive and affective factors commonly experienced by students with specific learning difficulties (SpLDs) are briefly outlined. The author then advocates for adopting a social justice definition of culture to be adopted within the field and provides three sets of discussion/reflection questions to help TESOL practitioners connect their understanding of existing models of cultural competence and language acquisition with an understanding of how students with disabilities may experience language learning. The chapter concludes by contemplating some impending challenges and potential solutions for securing inclusive education as a human right within and across the field.

Exploring Affective and Cognitive Measurements in Global Online Learning

The chapter tries to identify cognitive and affective factors that affect learners' online learning. Based on a comprehensive review of the theories and frameworks, constructs related to cognitive and affective performance were identified which further serve as the bases for the development of two instruments: cognitive measurement in online learning and affective measurement in online learning. The endeavor is significant at both theoretical and practical levels. Theoretically, the chapter contributes to the understanding of the factors (cognitive and affective) that affect online learning by revealing the underlying constructs in online environment. Practically, it provides educators with the instruments that can be used to measure cognitive and affective aspects in online learning. Finally, the recommendations are made in relation to the use of the instruments.

ROLA CZYNNIKÓW AFEKTYWNYCH NA PRZYKŁADZIE STREFY KOMFORTU NA ZDALNYCH ZAJĘCIACH JĘZYKOWYCH

Affective factors are one of the two types of individual factors that influence success in the process of foreign language learning. They consist of personality traits, as well as positive and negative emotions. This emotional dichotomy is also reflected in the popular concept of comfort zone. The aim of this paper is to define the comfort zone in the context of distance learning language classes and to check if and how it is possible to implement this model in research in the field of glottodidactics. The results of empirical research on the perception and experience of the comfort zone during synchronous distance learning classes by philology students are presented and analyzed in order to draw conclusions on the impact of positive and negative emotions on the process and effects of the language distance learning.

THE CORRELATION OF MOTHER’S KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE WITH BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES IN TULANG BAWANG BARAT DISTRICT AT 2021

Introduction:Breast milk is a liquid formed from a mixture of two substances, namely fat and water contained in a solution of protein, lactose and inorganic salts produced by the mother's breast glands, and is useful as baby food. Mother's knowledge and attitude in exclusive breastfeeding plays an important role in increasing the growth and development of children. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the level of knowledge (cognitive factors) and attitudes (affective factors) of mothers in the practice of exclusive breastfeeding in Tulang Bawang Barat District in 2021. Method: This research is a quantitative research, with a cross sectional approach. The population in this study were all mothers who had babies > 6 months-12 months as many as 2285 with samples taken as many as 93 respondents. The object of this research is exclusive breastfeeding, knowledge and attitude. The research was conducted in June 2021 in the District of Tulang Bawang Barat. Collecting data using a questionnaire, data analysis is univariate, bivariate and multivariate. Results: The results showed that there was a relationship between knowledge (p value = 0.016, OR = 3.264), and attitudes (p value = 0.001, OR = 7.848) towards exclusive breastfeeding in Tulang Bawang Barat District in 2021. Dominant factors related to exclusive breastfeeding in Tulang Bawang Barat District in 2021, namely the attitude with a p-value of 0.000 OR 10.197. Conclusion: The dominant factor related to the practice of exclusive breastfeeding in Tulang Bawang Barat is the attitude of the mother. To improve the attitude of mothers in the Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding, the Health Office needs to carry out health promotions with a more frequent frequency by using more attractive health promotion media in collaboration with the health promoter team at the puskesmas.

Factorial Validity and Invariance of an Adolescent Depression Symptom Screening Tool

Context: Depression is among the most common mental health disorder in youth, results in significant impairment, and is associated with a higher risk of suicide. Screening is essential but assessment tools may not be appropriate across races or do not account for the complex interrelatedness of various demographics including gender, socio-economic status and race. Objectives: (1) To determine the factor structure of the Patient Health Questionnaire-Adolescent (PHQ-A) for measuring depression in a group of adolescent athletes; and (2) to determine measurement invariance between Blacks and Whites on the PHQ-A. Design: Retrospective cohort design. Setting: Data obtained from a secure database collected at a free, comprehensive, mass pre-participation physical exam (PPE) event hosted by a large health care system. Participants: Participants included 683 high school athletes (Black n=416; White n=267). Independent variables included somatic and affective factors contributing to the construct of depression measured by the PHQ-A and participant race (Black and White). Main Outcome Measures : (1) Factors upon which the construct of depression is measured and (2) measurement invariance between Blacks and Whites. Results: A two-factor model, including affective and somatic components, was specified and exhibited an adequate fit to the data (CFI> .90). All items exhibited moderate to high squared multiple correlation values (R2 = .10–.65), suggesting that these items resonated relatively well with participants. The two-factor model demonstrated noninvariance Black and White participants (RMSEA = .06-.08). Conclusions: Overall, the structure of the PHQ-A is supported by a two-factor model in adolescent athletes, measuring both affective and somatic symptoms of depression. A two factor PHQ-A structure is not fully invariant for the adolescents sampled across participant groups, implying that the model functions differently between Blacks and Whites sampled.

The affective benefits of speech recognition systems on pronunciation monitoring

This research aimed to investigate the effects of pronunciation monitoring on learners’ affective factors through self-monitoring activities using speech recognition systems. The effect of a specifically designed pronunciation activity for Japanese university students was analyzed. The worksheet form of the activity was based on the use of speech recognition systems such as Siri and Google apps. A special focus was placed on the development of students’ affective phase toward English and pronunciation learning. The research concluded that the activity had a positive impact for increasing awareness of, interest in, and motivation toward pronunciation improvement and it highlighted the important role of teaching pronunciation in English oral communication skills in the limited English exposure of the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context.