Development of Online Exam Questions for Javanese Language Subjects with a Cultural Responsive Assessment Approach

This study aimed to develop web-based Javanese school exam questions using the East Javanese language and emphasizing cultural questions as a form of culturally responsive assessment. This study used the Borg & Gall model development method, which included three steps: the conceptual model, the hypothetical model, and the empirical model. Good scores were obtained from the questionnaire instrument for practitioners. The results of the small group test showed that the mean score of SMKN 3 Malang students in the post-test was 12.11 (19.86%) higher than in the pre-test. The field test of students resulted in a mean of B (good). The form and content of the questions developed in this study can be used as a guideline for other schools in the area, or for other environments that have a similar language and culture. Keywords: online exam, assesment, Javanese language

Effect of galectin-1 administration on pregnancy rate and its economic viability in TAI procedures in beef cattle

The purpose of this work is to demonstrate the reproductive efficacy and the economic impact of a complementary tool to the TAI (timed artificial insemination) protocols - the administration of a single dose of recombinant human galectin-1 (rHGAL1) during the insemination procedure. GAL-1 can be considered as a modulator of the pregnancy development process. Reproductive efficacy was verified through the pregnancy rate in the first service, by ultrasonography (at 28-35 days) in contemporary groups (YG) of cows subdivided into 02 experimental groups (Control Group, composed of cows inseminated in a conventional and Treated group, composed of cows inseminated with rHGAL-1 administration following the deposition of the semen dose). Ninety YG were formed, grouping cows under identical conditions (inseminator, farm/lot, breed, animal category, semen/bull variables). The experiment was conducted in 15 farms, with 3,125 cows (Nellore and crossbred), all multiparous and with calf at foot (from 60 to 100 days old) and who maintained a body score (BSC) between 3.5 and 2.5 in the act of the TAI protocol and in the pregnancy diagnosis. It was demonstrated, by the proposed statistical method, that the “rHGAl-1 dose” effect was significant, increasing the probability of obtaining pregnancy by 8.38 percentage points (p < 0.0001). Based on the construction of a hypothetical model, the economic profitability that can be obtained were compared. Using the average increase obtained by 8.38 percentage points more in the pregnancy rate, it was possible to increase productivity, adding, almost U$ 2 thousand to profitability for each 100 cows worked.

The Impact of Cycling Specialization on Successful Aging and the Mediating Role of Loneliness

Recent studies have provided some evidence supporting that cycling specialization (CS) may be positively related to successful aging (SA) among elderly adults. However, there is a gap regarding the examination of the role of loneliness in the relationship between CS and SA. A hypothetical model was proposed to test the relationship between CS, SA, and loneliness. For this purpose, this study randomly conducted a questionnaire survey among 395 cycling participants over the age of 60 in China. The results showed that behavior, cognition, and affect had negative effects on loneliness. Behavior, cognition, and affect were positively associated with SA. Loneliness was negatively related to SA. Furthermore, behavior, cognition, and affect had positive and indirect effects on SA through loneliness. These results offered some new insights for understanding the relationship between CS and SA, especially considering the indirect effect of loneliness. The limitations and implications of the findings were discussed.

Pretense, Executive Functions, and Counterfactual Reasoning: Evaluating the Case for a ‘Unified Theory of Imaginative Processes’

This study investigated the relation between pretense, counterfactual reasoning (CFR), and executive functions (EFs) based on the ‘Unifying Theory of Imaginative Processes’ proposed by Weisberg &amp; Gopnik (2013). An observational study tested a hypothetical model of the structural relation between pretense and CFR and whether a second-order factor explains their shared associations. 189 typically developing children (Mean age = 58 months, SD = 4 months; males = 101, females = 88) were recruited from Cambridgeshire, UK and completed pretend-play, CFR, EFs, and language tasks. Pretense and CFR constructs were significantly correlated (r = 0.57, p = .001) and the hypothetical model was a good fit of the data. The empirical evidence provides initial support to the unifying theory of imaginative processes.

Influence of Mindfulness on the Processes of Consciousness Measured via Evoked Potentials A Theoretical Review

The study of brain changes in response to mindfulness (MF) practice could serve as a way to expand our understanding of key cognitive processes such as consciousness, attention, or executive functions. The aim of this work is to offer an updated review of the studies that have investigated the effects of MF on cognition; specifically, the processes of consciousness, attention, and executive functioning, measured by evoked potentials (EP). The main studies on this topic from 2006 to the present are reviewed and the principal findings are grouped according to the EP measured, mainly N1, N2, and P3. The convergent evidence derived from the updated research allows us to propose a hypothetical model of the existing correlations between the influences of MF on cognitive processes and the associated EP components. However, the methodological limitations found mean that we should take these results with caution and advise a methodological refinement for future research.

Can Nanoparticles in Homeopathic Remedies Enhance Phototherapy of Cancer? A Hypothetical Model

The continuous rise in cancer incidence places a massive burden on the health sector to increase efforts in the fight against cancer. As a holistic complementary medicine modality, homeopathy has the potential to assist in the supportive and palliative treatment of cancer patients. Recent empirical studies demonstrate the presence of silica and original source nanoparticles in ultra-high dilutions of several homeopathic medicines. Recent studies have also demonstrated the efficacy of phototherapy in inducing the ablation of cancer cells through laser-activated nanoparticle photosensitizers. A new hypothetical research model is presented herein, in an attempt to investigate and compare the phototherapeutic effects of homeopathic source nanoparticles with photosensitizing nanoparticle agents that have previously been tested.

Studying the relationship between causes and effects of poor communication in construction projects using PLS-SEM approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a structural relationship model to study the relationship between causes and effects of poor communication and information exchange in construction projects using Smart-PLS. Design/methodology/approach The first method of this research is to identify the causes and effects factors of poor communication in construction projects from the extant of literature. The data used to develop the model was collected using a questionnaire survey, which targeted construction practitioners in the Malaysian construction industry. A five-point Likert type scale was used to rate the significance of the factors. The factors were classified under their relevant construct/group using exploratory factor analysis. A hypothetical model was developed and then transformed into Smart-PLS in which the hypothetical model suggested that each group of the cause factors has a direct impact on the effect groups. The hypothesis was tested using t-values and p-values. The model was assessed for its inner and outer components and achieved the threshold criterion. Further, the model was verified by engaging 14 construction experts to verify its applicability in the construction project setting. Findings The study developed a structural equation model to clarify the relationships between causes and effects of poor communication in construction projects. The model explained the degree of relationships among causes and effects of poor communication in construction projects. Originality/value The published academic and non-academic literature introduced many studies on the issue of communication including the definitions, importance, barriers to effective communication and means of poor communication. However, these studies ended up only on the general issue of communication lacking an in-depth investigation of the causes and effects of poor communication in the construction industry. The study implemented advanced structural modeling to study the causes and effects. The questionnaire, the data and concluding results fill the identified research gap of this study. The addressed issue is also of interest because communication is considered one of the main knowledge areas in construction management.

The Usefulness of a Massive Open Online Course about Postural and Technological Adaptations to Enhance Academic Performance and Empathy in Health Sciences Undergraduates

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) provide accessible and engaging information for Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy students. The objective of this research was to determine the usefulness in improving academic performance and empathy in health sciences undergraduates, and to test a hypothetical model through structural equation analysis. This research was carried out using a descriptive and quasi-experimental design. It was conducted in a sample of 381 participants: 176 used a MOOC and 205 did not. The results of the Student’s t-test showed statistically significant differences in academic performance between the groups in favor of those students who had realized the MOOC. Participants carried out an evaluation rubric after taking MOOC. Statistically significant differences in empathy were also obtained between the pre (X = 62.06; SD = 4.41) and post (X = 73.77; SD = 9.93) tests. The hypothetical model tested via structural equation modeling was supported by the results. Motivation for the MOOC explained 50% of the variance. The MOOC (participation and realization) explained 58% of academic performance, 35% of cognitive empathy and 48% of affective empathy. The results suggest an association between higher realization and participation in a MOOC and higher levels of academic performance, and cognitive and affective empathy.

MODEL PENGEMBANGAN KEPROFESIAN BERKELANJUTAN (PKB) BERBASIS SEKOLAH PADA GURU SEKOLAH DASAR (SCHOOL BASED CONTINOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT MODEL FOR PREMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS)

ABSTRACKThe implementation of the Continuous Professional Development (PKB) program in improving the quality of primary school teachers in Garut Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia, has not been effective. The research objectives are: (1) to find out the existing PKB program planning carried out by elementary school teachers. (2) to find out the results and impact of the implementation of the PKB program on elementary school teachers, (3) to find a hypothetical model of PKB activities that is more effective for elementary school teachers. The method used is a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data were obtained through observation, observation, interviews and review of documents with research participants as many as 3 elementary schools representing 3 teacher working groups (KKG). Furthermore, the data were analyzed through transcription, data organization, recognition, coding and triingualization.The results of the study found that the Continuing Professional Development (PKB) program for elementary school teachers had not been effective in terms of planning, implementing, evaluating, organizing, and planning follow-up aspects. The resulting impact is only in the aspect of teacher self-development which has increased, while the teacher research culture is still low. To overcome this gap, the researcher offers a hypothetical model of School-Based Continuous Professional Development (PKB) as an alternative model to support the implementation of the existing KKG (Teacher Working Group)-based PKB.Keywords: Teacher, CPD (Continous Professional Development), School Based

Exegetical Translation of the Qur'an: An Action Research on Prospective Islamic Teachers in Indonesia

To accomplish the mission of spreading the message of the Quran, prospective Islamic teachers need to be equipped with the ability to translate the Qur'an. However, in reality, they face difficulties in understanding the messages of the Qur'an because of their low Arabic language skills. This research aims to find practical steps to improve the competence of prospective Islamic teachers in translating the Qur'an. This research involved 35 prospective Islamic teachers, consisting of 20 men and 15 women from various districts at a tertiary institution in West Java Indonesia. Data were collected using surveys, observations, and semi-structured interviews. Data were thematically identified, coded, evaluated, categorized, and analyzed using the analytical tool of content analysis. This research produced six learning steps (summarized in an acronym TARJIM as developed from the Tamyiz method). The Tamyiz method was a hypothetical model that was used as the foundation of this action research. These steps were able to improve the ability of prospective Islamic teachers in translating the Qur’an from the beginner level to the skilled level as many as 27 (77.14%) participants, from the basic level to the skilled level as many as five (14.28%) participants, and from the basic level to advanced level as many as three (8.57%) participants. Moreover, the six steps provided skills for the prospective teachers in translating the Qur'an verses that have exegetical nuances. The findings show that the six steps were effective steps to increase the competence of translating the Qur'an for prospective teachers of Islamic Religious Education.