The use of Flashcards in teaching EFL vocabulary in online learning

The outbreak of COVID-19 has altered the way of language instruction. Vocabulary learning is an essential aspect of the language learning and teaching process that needs careful attention and consideration. Teaching vocabulary becomes more critical when learners cannot attend physical classes. The present study explores the impact of flashcards in learning vocabulary in an online context. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design to gather the data. The study was carried on two performed intact groups of intermediate-level learners. A vocabulary test was used to collect the data as pre and posttests. The intervention of the flashcards was continued for seven weeks. All the learners were informed about the process of the research. The result implies that the incorporation of flashcards impacted learners' vocabulary learning during online instruction. The data analysis asserts that flashcards have helped the experimental group to develop their vocabulary. The results indicate that flashcards are beneficial in the virtual learning environment. Keywords: Flashcards, EFL, Online learning, Vocabular

Evaluating the effectiveness of whatsapp to develop efl vocabulary for speaking performance

Vocabulary learning is an imperative part of learning language and it has a key role in speaking skill. The present study attempts to investigate how vocabulary learning through WhatsApp enhances learners’ speaking performance. It scrutinises the efficacy of WhatsApp application in developing EFL learners’ vocabulary and speaking performance of Saudi EFL learners. It also explores the attitudes of EFL learners on using WhatsApp application for vocabulary learning. The research links Mobile Learning (M-Learning) assisted vocabulary learning to speaking proficiency by looking at how to manage input for vocabulary development. The theoretical perspectives include Krashen (1989) Input Hypothesis and Cognitive Theories of Multimedia Learning (Mayer, 2009). The study employed a mixed method approach with a pre-test, post-test quasi-experimental design as the main data gathering method. The Productive Vocabulary Knowledge Test (PVKT) by Laufer and Nation (1999) and a speaking test were used to collect the quantitative data. Learner attitude questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to triangulate the findings of the research. The participants of the study were 60 EFL learners of Preparatory Year Program (PYP) of a public university in Saudi Arabia. Two preformed intact groups from the elementary level were randomly assigned into control and experimental groups. As for the analysis of the data, a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was employed for the quantitative analysis whereas the interview was subjected to thematic analysis. The findings of the research showed that the students in the experimental group performed better in both vocabulary and speaking tests. The outcomes of the questionnaire and the interview investigation also supported the efficacy of WhatsApp application as the analysis of the speaking and vocabulary tests. Differences in the mean scores of the pre-test and post-test of both groups showed that students who used WhatsApp application performed better in both speaking and vocabulary tests than the learners who did not. The results illustrated that the WhatsApp integration is favourable among learners in utilising visual learning materials. The findings of the study are useful for EFL students, teachers, researcher and curriculum designers to develop vocabulary for speaking proficiency by the implementation of M-learning. On the basis of the findings, the study endorsed WhatsApp application as a useful teaching tool in language learning

Investigating Reading Challenges Faced by EFL Learners at Elementary Level

It is hard to ignore the importance of reading skills for desired proficiency in foreign languages. Reading can be beneficial for learners to immerse themselves in the target language and learn it efficiently. In EFL contexts like Saudi Arabia, learners face many challenges in reading skills. The main purpose of this research was to explore reading problems of elementary level students and causes of the readings skills inabilities. Following random and convenience sampling techniques; this mixed-method research obtained quantitative data from 290 elementary level students and qualitative data from nine teachers and supervisors. The analysis of quantitative data from the reading test and checklist and qualitative data retrieved from interviews suggests that students considerably perform relatively low in reading skills, and the main reasons are poor vocabulary, incorrect pronunciation, wrong spellings, slow reading pace, and flawed grammar. These five areas account for more than 90% of the challenges faced by learners in reading skills. Based on evidence from this research, we suggest that policymakers, teachers, and students should focus on these five areas for solving the issues related to reading skills. Although other avenues are essential, these items demand special attention to develop the reading skills of EFL learners in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the world.Keywords: Reading skill, Elementary level, Reading Pace, EFL  

Enhanced Fractional Adaptive Processing Paradigm for Power Signal Estimation

Fractional calculus tools have been exploited to effectively model variety of engineering, physics and applied sciences problems. The concept of fractional derivative has been incorporated in the optimization process of least mean square (LMS) iterative adaptive method. This study exploits the recently introduced enhanced fractional derivative based LMS (EFDLMS) for parameter estimation of power signal formed by the combination of different sinusoids. The EFDLMS addresses the issue of fractional extreme points and provides faster convergence speed. The performance of EFDLMS is evaluated in detail by taking different levels of noise in the composite sinusoidal signal as well as considering various fractional orders in the EFDLMS. Simulation results reveal that the EDFLMS is faster in convergence speed than the conventional LMS (i.e., EFDLMS for unity fractional order)

EFL LEARNERS’ PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS THE ACTIVE READING SOFTWARE AS A LEARNING TOOL TO ENHANCE READING COMPREHENSION

The present study endeavored to explore EFL students' perceptions regarding the acceptance and intervention of ARS in enhancing reading comprehension ability at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia. The study engaged 30 male undergraduates of English major B.A program. For data collection, the study utilized a qualitative technique using semi-structured interviews and the interview questions were constructed based on the principles of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by Davis (1989). Active Reading Software (ARS) was employed as a technological tool for teaching reading comprehension. The treatment group received intervention from ARS for the duration of four weeks in the computer lab. Qualitative data obtained from the students' interviews were evaluated by means of thematic analysis using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework. The results of the thematic analysis pointed out five major themes considered to be the factors that influenced participants’ perceptions towards ARS as a learning tool for improving reading comprehension at the tertiary level. Findings of the present study offer essential implications for language instructors and educational institutions providing technology-integrated courses. Understanding the factors influencing the learners’ perceptions towards the adoption of technological tools in learning is significant for its success. Article visualizations

Identification of Input Nonlinear Control Autoregressive Systems Using Fractional Signal Processing Approach

A novel algorithm is developed based on fractional signal processing approach for parameter estimation of input nonlinear control autoregressive (INCAR) models. The design scheme consists of parameterization of INCAR systems to obtain linear-in-parameter models and to use fractional least mean square algorithm (FLMS) for adaptation of unknown parameter vectors. The performance analyses of the proposed scheme are carried out with third-order Volterra least mean square (VLMS) and kernel least mean square (KLMS) algorithms based on convergence to the true values of INCAR systems. It is found that the proposed FLMS algorithm provides most accurate and convergent results than those of VLMS and KLMS under different scenarios and by taking the low-to-high signal-to-noise ratio

The outcomes of dapagliflozin use in real-life clinical settings in endocrinology clinics of Islamabad, Pakistan

Introduction: Dapagliflozin is a member of a novel class of drugs (sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors) used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and licensed in Pakistan in 2017. This retrospective observational study evaluated the effects of dapagliflozin on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) concentrations in patients treated at endocrinology clinics in Islamabad, Pakistan. The secondary objectives included assessing the effects of dapagliflozin on weight reduction and blood pressure control and to determining its safety.Methodology: Patients with type 2 diabetes who were treated with dapagliflozin were identified by screening the electronic medical records at tertiary care hospitals in Islamabad. Data were collected at the first visit and at follow-up. Categorical variables were recorded as frequencies and percentages and compared by McNemar’s tests, and continuous variables were recorded as means and standard deviations and compared by paired sample t-tests.Results: Mean HbA1C concentration was significantly lower at follow-up than at the first visit (7.57%±0.98% vs. 9.07%±2.07%, respectively; p\u3c0.001). Bodyweight (85.09±15.92 kg vs. 87.07±16.11 kg, respectively; p\u3c0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (80.34±7.12 mmHg vs. 82.34±9.61 mmHg, respectively; p\u3c0.001) were also significantly lower at follow-up than at the first visit, whereas systolic pressure showed a marginally significant reduction (123.5±16.57 mmHg vs. 126.83±19.97 mmHg, p=0.048).Conclusion: This first observational study of patients in Pakistan treated with dapagliflozin found that HbA1c concentration, weight, and blood pressure were reduced after initiation of dapagliflozin treatment

EFL Instructors’ Perceptions on the Integration and Implementation of MALL in EFL Classes

Mobile assisted language learning (MALL) has opened new opportunities for language instructors to develop and use handheld technology and implement new teaching practices focused on learners. The increased use of technology in language learning means instructors can play a key role in motivating learners by integrating readily available technologies for language learning development into their teaching practices. The focus of this present investigation is to explore the attitudes of Saudi instructors teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) regarding the implementation of mobile-assisted language learning (MALL). The target population for this study was EFL instructors who are currently teaching English in Saudi Arabia. The research methods for the study included a questionnaire, as well as in-depth interviews that were conducted to explore the attitudes of EFL instructors. The results of the questionnaire and interviews revealed moderately positive attitudes among participants regarding the use of mobile phones for language learning and teaching activities. The findings also indicate the existence of some challenges that could prove to be a significant hurdle for mobile phone integration in EFL learning and teaching in Saudi Arabia. Most of the instructors reported that they did not use mobile phones or MALL activities in their EFL classes. The results also showed that EFL teachers do not have the required skills to use/develop MALL activities. This study concludes by offering recommendations and suggestions for how to implement MALL and remove potential barriers to MALL implementation in EFL instruction

Novel FDIs-based data manipulation and its detection in smart meters’ electricity theft scenarios

Non-technical loss is a serious issue around the globe. Consumers manipulate their smart meter (SM) data to under-report their readings for financial benefit. Various manipulation techniques are used. This paper highlights novel false data injection (FDIs) techniques, which are used to manipulate the smart meter data. These techniques are introduced in comparison to six theft cases. Furthermore, various features are engineered to analyze the variance, complexity, and distribution of the manipulated data. The variance and complexity are created in data distribution when FDIs and theft cases are used to poison SM data, which is investigated through skewness and kurtosis analysis. Furthermore, to tackle the data imbalance issue, the proximity weighted synthetic oversampling (ProWsyn) technique is used. Moreover, a hybrid attentionLSTMInception is introduced, which is an integration of attention layers, LSTM, and inception blocks to tackle data dimensionality, misclassification, and high false positive rate issues. The proposed hybrid model outperforms the traditional theft detectors and achieves an accuracy of 0.95%, precision 0.97%, recall 0.94%, F1 score 0.96%, and area under-the-curve (AUC) score 0.98%