Non-Native Insects in Urban and Forest Areas of Slovenia and the Introduction of Torymus sinensis with Dryocosmus kuriphilus

We survey non-native insects species in whole territory of Slovenia. Data on non-native species were collected in field, and we also used results of projects in which we participated and with overview of literature data in scientific pub-lications. Correspondence Analysis (CA) of data was carried out with the soft-ware Statgraphics Centaurion XVI, U.S.A. Up to 254 non-native insect species are present: around 83% are phytophagous (43% feed on woody plants, 40% on other plants);around 12% are non-phytophagous;and 5% are parasitoids or predators of other insects or mammals. Among the phytophagous species, Hemiptera predominates (with 38.2%), followed by Coleoptera (29.8%) and Lepidoptera (14.5%). Non-native insects that do not feed on plants include Coleoptera (80%), Lepidoptera (6.5%), Hymenoptera (6.5%) and Diptera (6.5%). Most of phytophagous species are associated with introduction of plants on which they are specialists, but some have also shifted from introduced to native plant hosts. 36 non-native phytophagous species (14.17% of all non-native insects) have become harmful plant pests of urban trees and crops. 20 appear on woody plants, but only Dryocosmus kuriphilus, appears in urban forest areas. In the past decades species such as D. kuriphilus, Leptoglossus occidentalis, Xylosandrus germanus, Gnathotrichus materiarius, Dasineura gledichiae, Phyllonorycter issikii, Cinara curvipes, Ophiomyia kwansonis have been recorded in parks and forests. Some non-native species are spreading in Slovenian urban forests and affect economic, ecological and other forest and urban forest functions. The number of harmful insects in forests is extremely small probably due to high diversity of the forest ecosystem, where close-to-nature forest management is practiced, which retains forest’s self-regulatory ability to control pests. Such management enables for example the reduction of D. kuriphilus with expansion of its parasitoid, Torymus sinensis. We attempt to explain this phenomenon: we assume that T. sinensis was introduced in Slovenia as diapaused eggs in its host, D. kuriphilus.

In the Age of ‘World Englishes’,Native Speaker Teachers or Non-native Speaker Teachers?

This paper attempts to argue that in the age of‘World Englishes', it is not necessary to differentiate native speaker teachers from non-native speaker teachers. It is concluded that non-native speaker teachers can be as effective as their native colleagues and they have equal chance to achieve professional success, even though native speaker teachers have great advantages over non-native teachers in some aspects. It is time for employers, as well as ELT professionals to shut their eyes to the glaring differences between native speaker teachers and non-native speaker teachers and optimize such unique resources.

Postpartum psychosis in a non-native language-speaking patient: A perspective on language barriers and cultural competency

SUMMARY Postpartum psychosis is a condition characterised by rapid onset of psychotic symptoms several weeks after childbirth. Outside of its timing and descriptions of psychotic features, minimal research exists due to its relative rarity (1 to 2 per 1000 births in the USA), with greater emphasis on postpartum sadness and depression. With the existi叩 literature, cultural differences and language barriers previously have not been taken into consideration as there are no documented cases of postpartum psychosis in a non-English-speaki叩 patient. Correctly differentiating postpartum psychosis from other postpartum psychiatric disorders requires adeptly evaluating for the presence of psychotic symptoms with in-depth history taking.

Language Teaching and Intercultural Communication:Teaching Korean Grammar to Non-native Speakers

Grounded upon the interactive relationship between intercultural communication(IC)and foreign language education and the recent gradual salience of communicative language teaching(CLT)in foreign language grammar learning sectors,the study reported in this paper deals with the issue of teaching Korean grammar to non-native speakers in terms of teaching Korean as a foreign language(TKFL).This paper attempts to examine and analyze several Korean language textbooks prepared for foreign learners of Korean,which is used overseas,especially in Hong Kong(HK).It is also attempted to evaluate the textbooks in terms of CLT and communicative competence.By doing so,we can further understand the methods of Korean grammar instruction provided to foreigners as a second language or a foreign language.

The non-native species to the intercontinental regions of Asia (on an example Trans-Baikal territory)

This article is devoted to the study of the composition, diversity and distribution of non-native plant elements to the intercontinental regions of Asia on an example Trans-Baikal territory. The number of non-native plants in the Trans-Baikal areas is determined by the degree of urbanization, favorable climate and the availability of skidding ways proximal to their vicinity.

English Language Needs of Non-native Foreign Students

This paper will investigate the English language needs of non-native foreign students who are studying at the University of Otago, New Zealand. These students comprise of students from Asia （China, Thailand, Korea, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, to name a few） and Europe. For these students, English is their second or third language and they face proficiency problems. To them, mastery of English is most important because all the courses in the university are taught in English and unless the students are proficient to operate in English, they will lose out and face difficulties in securing good grades for their subjects. Findings of this research will provide insights for the curriculum developers and English teachers at public universities especially in Malaysia that have been accepting students from Asia and the Middle East. The present curriculum need to be reviewed or a new curriculum need to be designed to meet the English needs of their non-native foreign students

Native/Non-native English Speakers’Attitudes:Addressing Learners’Goals and Needs Towards Pronunciation Issues

The study attempts to explore native and non-native English speakers’attitudes towards accents and pronunciation-related issues.The sample group surveyed is composed of non-native English speakers,specifically,Italian students studying at the University of Calabria(Italy)and native English speakers from Alberta University(Canada)and Florida Atlantic University(USA).An online link to a questionnaire was sent via email to all participants and was used as a research instrument to collect quantitative data.The research questions will investigate learners’attitudes in relation to the following aspects:accent and identity,beliefs about native/non-native accents,impact of pronunciation on communication,and learners’expectations towards pronunciation teaching.Firstly,mean scores in relation to the aforementioned aspects will be examined.Secondly,differences between native/non-native speakers’responses will be statistically analysed.Thirdly,non-native learners’responses will be correlated with their proficiency level in English to identify the extent to which language competence may affect learners’attitudes.The study aims to gain useful insights that may hopefully raise students and teachers’awareness of what models we expect learners to imitate and attain in the English language classroom,how appropriate and relevant these may be especially in the globalized English world where non-native speakers will increasingly use English in a diversity of forms to achieve their communicative goals.The preliminary results will be presented and pedagogical considerations suggested.

Overview of Students' Attitudes towards Non-native English Speaking-Teachers

It is reported that non-native English Speaking Teachers’knowledge and performance are subordinate to Native English Speaking Teachers’and students hold a negative attitude towards non-native English Speaking Teachers.The paper explores students’attitudes towards both groups of teachers from previous studies,suggests school administrators not rush to employ Native English Speaking Teachers before considering students’attitudes and recommends non-native English Speaking Teachers to enhance English proficiency,capitalize on pedagogical skill,interpersonal skill and personal qualities for effective teaching.

A Critique of Ali Shehadeh's Non-native Speakers'Production of Modified Comprehensible Output and Second Language Learning

This study examined the NNSs' ability of modifying their interlanguage utterances in modified comprehensible output to give response to other-initiation and self-initiation,which was studied in both NS-NNS and NNS-NNS interactions.It was the qualitative study by using two different tasks which were picture-dictation task and opinion-exchange task to collect the data.There were 32 participants whose age ranged of 22 to 37.The author proposed two hypotheses based on his expectation that NNS-NNS interactions would provide more opportunities for NNS participants to give comprehensible output for other-initiated clarification requests and self-initiated clarification attempts than NS-NNS interactions.The author was good at using numbers to illustrate and describe the data in his writing.

The Position of Non-native English Teachers in Globalisation

The traditional prejudice against Non-native English language teachers(NNETs)has been challenged recently.This essay examines features of NNETs and calls for acknowledging their integral position in global English teaching filed thanks to their established bilingual models for learners,mastery of professional knowledge,resourcefulness in teaching practice,and adaptability to local contexts.

A Qualitative Study Examining Macao’s Parents’Attitude towards Native and Non-native English-speaking Teachers for Private Online Synchronous One-on-one English Lessons

In terms of English learning,whether native English-speaking teachers(NESTs)surpass non-native English-speaking teachers(NNESTs)or vice versa has been a heated topic.These two types of teachers have their own respective benefits and drawbacks with respect to English teaching.Most of the current related studies are on the traditional educational classroom setting in both secondary school and higher education.However,the study of the virtual learning platform as a method of teaching English is rare.This research displays valuable significance in identifying whether parents in Macao have a preference towards NESTs and NNESTs before they purchase the online synchronous one-on-one English lessons for their children.This qualitative study,after two participants were interviewed,concludes that they both prefer NESTs due to their authentic accent and pronunciation and believe it is more suitable in such a speaking-andlistening oriented online lesson.Price is not the prioritized factor to consider.They are generally satisfied with the teaching style of the online NESTs but it is also important to take note of the teaching approach conducted in the online lessons towards children,to ensure that it holds their interest appropriately.

A SURVEY:CHINESE COLLEGE STUDENTS’PERCEPTIONS OF NON-NATIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS

本文是一份调查报告。通过对在校大学生的问卷调查和个别访谈,了解他们对中外英语教师的看法。调查的内容包括中外教师的语言能力、课堂教学能力及教师的人格魅力。结果表明,中外英语教师各有优势。外籍英语教师的语言能力,尤其在口语交际能力和目的语文化方面有较高的认同度。但是,中国英语教师也有他们不可替代的地位。他们更加了解学生的学习策略和风格,能够较准确地预测学生的学习难点,因而能更好地帮助他们解决问题。值得指出的是,高年级的学生更加关注教师的专业水平和人格魅力。

Why do Non-native Teachers of English Find it Difficult to Accept the Communicative Approach

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The Role and Value of Sociolinguistics in English Language Teaching

This paper aims to explore how the study of sociolinguistics can benefit teachers,particularly in the context of teaching English as a Foreign Language(EFL)in China.The article will first examine how sociolinguistic knowledge can reshape teachers’perceptions of“English,”focusing on aspects such as English varieties,World Englishes,and Chinese English.Following that,the article discusses the necessity of rethinking current practices in English language teaching,including the nativeness paradigm and the concept of communicative competence based on a reconceptualized view of“English.”Additionally,the discussion will focus on how teachers,informed by sociolinguistic awareness of non-native teachers’identities and teacher agency,can address and resolve existing challenges in EFL teaching.Finally,the article will conclude by summarizing the key issues discussed and highlighting the significance of studying sociolinguistics for language practitioners in China.

The analysis of the Distinction of NSs and NNSs and its Significance in ELT

The distinction of'native speakers'(NSs) and'non-native speakers'(NNSs),and their roles in English teaching has led to great discussion in the field of EFL and ESL recently.Despite the limitations of this distinction,it is meaningful in the field of language teaching when both groups of speakers'potential advantages and disadvantages in language teaching are equally recognized.The distinction of NSs and NNSs English teachers tells about the background information of the two groups,and therefore enables the teachers and professions to assess the pros and cons of them in real teaching practice,so as to initiate possible cooperation or to design reasonable syllabi for teacher training programs.

Impact of the red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta Buren on biodiversity in South China: A review

The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is a problematic invasive species in China since at least 2003. Over the past 15 years, a numerous studies were published on the impacts of this species on flora, fauna, and ecosystem function in natural and agricultural systems. We reviewed the literature on S. invicta invasion biology and impacts on biodiversity in South China. Both monogyne and polygyne colonies of S. invicta were introduced to China and polygyne colony is the dominant type. The range expansion rate of S. invicta may reach 26.5–48.1 km yr–1 in China. S. invicta forage activities occur year-round, peaking in the summer and fall in South China and show a preference for insects and plant seeds. We describe the ecological impacts of S. invicta on various habitats in South China, including arthropod community structure disruption and decreases in diversity and abundance of native ant species. S. invicta can replace the role of native ants in mutualisms between ants and honeydew-producing Hemiptera, which results in loss of important food resources for native ants and natural enemies of hemipterans. Further research is required to assess the complex ecosystem-level impacts of S. invicta in introduced areas.

Predicting Ailanthus altissima presence across a managed forest landscape in southeast Ohio

Background: The negative impacts of the exotic tree, Ailanthus altissima(tree-of-heaven, stink tree), is spreading throughout much of the Eastern United States. When forests are disturbed, it can invade and expand quickly if seed sources are nearby.Methods: We conducted studies at the highly dissected Tar Hollow State Forest(THSF) in southeastern Ohio USA,where Ailanthus is widely distributed within the forest, harvests have been ongoing for decades, and prescribed fire had been applied to about a quarter of the study area. Our intention was to develop models to evaluate the relationship of Ailanthus presence to prescribed fire, harvesting activity, and other landscape characteristics, using this Ohio location as a case study. Field assessments of the demography of Ailanthus and other stand attributes(e.g., fire, harvesting, stand structure) were conducted on 267 sample plots on a 400-m grid throughout THSF,supplemented by identification of Ailanthus seed-sources via digital aerial sketch mapping during the dormant season. Statistical modeling tools Random Forest(RF), Classification and Regression Trees(CART), and Maxent were used to assess relationships among attributes, then model habitats suitable for Ailanthus presence.Results: In all, 41 variables were considered in the models, including variables related to management activities, soil characteristics, topography, and vegetation structure(derived from LiDAR). The most important predictor of Ailanthus presence was some measure of recent timber harvest, either mapped harvest history(CART) or LiDARderived canopy height(Maxent). Importantly, neither prescribed fire or soil variables appeared as important predictors of Ailanthus presence or absence in any of the models of the THSF.Conclusions: These modeling techniques provide tools and methodologies for assessing landscapes for Ailanthus invasion, as well as those areas with higher potentials for invasion should seed sources become available. Though a case study on an Ohio forest, these tools can be modified for use anywhere Ailanthus is invading.

Teaching Maritime English： A Linguistic Approach

The purpose of the paper is to outline the parameters of a LCC （linguistically centered concept） of developing ME （maritime English） teaching materials for non-native learners who are beginning their maritime academic career. The paper introduces initial notions on applying linguistic criteria as the basic ones in the process of creating ME textbooks. Through the historical development and under the influence of extra linguistic factors （globalization of the shipping industry, in particular）, ME has accumulated and stored various resources being in current use： vocabulary, grammar and phonology, operational and semiotic systems, specific means of communication, functional models, patterns of narration and description, etc.. The proper linguistic analysis makes a secure foundation for methodology which can guarantee a better quality of ME course books for the 1st and 2nd year maritime students all over the world.

Impact of Colonization of an Invasive Species on Genetic Differentiation in New Environments: A Study on American Artemia franciscana (Crustacea: Anostraca) in the United Arab Emirates

Artemia franciscana,native to America,has recently colonized as non-indigenous population in Asia,Europe,North Africa,and Australia.We evaluated the effects of the colonization of A.franciscana on genetic differentiation in new environments in the United Arab Emirates(UAE).We used the COI marker to determine the genetic structure and origins of exotic populations in the UAE.Results confirmed the colonization of A.franciscana in two localities.Invasive populations of A.franciscana had significantly lower genetic variation than native populations in the Great Salt Lake and San Francisco Bay.Results showed that the studied populations could not have colonized directly from natural American habitats,and they possibly were from secondary introduction events of other non-indigenous populations.Genetic analysis yielded different demographic patterns for the studied invasive populations.The population in Al Wathba Wetland Reserve(AWWR)demonstrated demographic expansion,whereas in Godolphin Lakes(GL),it reached a demographic equilibrium.Neutrality tests showed an excess of recent and historical mutations in the COI gene pool of invasive AWWR Artemia in the new environment.The results suggest that different ecological conditions in new environments can exert selective pressures during the introduction of an exotic population,which can affect genetic variation.