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2 September 23, 2017


Editorial

1. Jacob Owusu Sarfo
2018 Open Call for Special Issues: Editor-in-Chief’s Note


Special Articles: Commentary

2. Jaime A. Teixeira da Silva
Opacity about COPE (Committee on Publications Ethics) Physical Address and Operations

Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education, 2017, 4(2): 45-53.

Abstract:
Annual report and financial statement forms from 2012-2015 for The Committee on Publications Ethics (COPE) are publicly available on the COPE website. On those forms, COPE’s physical address is listed as 22 Nelson Close, Harleston, Norfolk, in the United Kingdom (UK). In fact, COPE is registered both as a charity and as a charitable company. However, only one physical address is registered in the UK. Other than these documents, COPE website pages that should list the physical address, contact people, phone numbers and emails, as any transparent and socially responsible organization would do, in fact did not list such information, at all, or in full, even on the “contact us” page until about June, 2017, when the website was updated, possibly following my concerns. This registered physical address is simply a mail-drop address, but it is unclear if COPE is sharing that address with other registered UK companies and charities. Several of these aspects related to COPE’s stated physical registered address correspond to some of the predatory characteristics that the now-defunct Jeffrey Beall blog used to list, and which WAME, the World Association of Medical Editors, a close COPE ally, still espouses as predatory, albeit related to publishing. In addition, documents tend to be undated and membership has been changing numbers even though the application for COPE membership was suspended in March, 2017. This paper argues that, based on an adaptation of these criteria alone, COPE displays some predatory, dishonest or misleading characteristics. These issues would not only undermine trust in COPE, but could in fact may constitute a serious breach of basic ethical principles that its global membership would expect from an ethics organization that claims to be transparent about its operations, and that cares about the fine-scale nature of this critique.



3. Jaime A. Teixeira da Silva
Issues with the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)

Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education, 2017, 4(2): 54-67.

Abstract:
The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) has established a set of recommendations, the Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals. These recommendations are not just recommendations, they are a widely accepted, or imposed, ethical rule book for the biomedical community, implying that members must be compliant with these rules. Given the importance and power of such a set of recommendations, it is important to establish clearly who, or what, exactly is the ICMJE. Given the fact that the ICMJE is a committee, there must be a leadership corps and physical headquarters. It was recently learned, through a science watchdog blog, Retraction Watch, that Darren B. Taichman, who used to be the editor-in-chief of JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), is the current secretary of the ICMJE. Surprisingly, this information is not indicated on the ICMJE (http://www.icmje.org/) website. Four pillars of ethics are trust, honesty, accountability and transparency. Dr. Taichman was contacted twice to inquire about these issues. After a third request, copied to Christine Laine, a fairly superficial response was received. This commentary examines what the relative lack of transparency by Taichman and Laine indicates, and why it constitutes a risk to ethics integrity of biomedical journals around the world.



Articles and Statements

4. Linda A. O. Amoah, William K. Anyan, Fredrick Aboagye-Antwi, Severin Abonie, Mabel D. Tettey, Kwabena M. Bosompem
Environmental Factors and their Influence on Seasonal Variations of Schistosomiasis Intermediate Snail Hosts Abundance in Weija Lake, Ghana

Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education, 2017, 4(2): 68-80.

Abstract:
Schistosomiasis, which remains a key Neglected Tropical Disease, is facilitated by the population dynamics of the intermediate snail host that is reported to be influenced by environmental factors. In Ghana fewer studies on environmental factors have been carried out with the advent of climate change and it predicted influence on the ecology of vectors of diseases that tend to be focal. This study therefore sought to investigate the influence of environmental factors on seasonal variations on intermediate snail hosts abundance. Snails were sampled monthly at a demarcated zone on the Weija Lake near Tomefa, a schistosomiasis endemic community using the scoop net and hand picking techniques. A total of 2,612 snails including 739 dead/empty shells were collected throughout the sampling period. Of this number, 1, 367 (inclusive of 600 dead) Biomphalaria pfeifferi and 1, 245 (inclusive of 139 dead) Bulinus truncatus were collected. Total dissolved solids, temperature and turbidity significantly influenced snail abundance (p<0.05). Five aquatic plant species were found to support both snail species, with Ceratophyllum spp being the most common. Snail abundance varied seasonally with TDS, turbidity and temperature identified as important limiting environmental factors to intermediate snail hosts abundance. Aquatic plant species influenced snail abundance by providing shelter, food and sites for oviposition.



5. Liliia Ruskulis
Conversation in Theoretical and Methodical Training System for Future Teachers: A Case of the Ukrainian Language

Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education, 2017, 4(2): 81-85.

Abstract:
This article analyzes the different scientists’ perspective on the classification of teaching methods in pedagogy and linguodidactic. Conversation is one of the active methods of teaching that forms a coherent system in combination with other methods. It also has a wide range of usage (in the process of acquiring new knowledge, repetition and generalization of the studied material and etc.). Types of conversations as examined in this paper include: heuristic, reproductive, generalized, control and corrective, analytic and synthetic. This paper also presents the purpose, structure and methods of implementation. It is worth mentioning that the methods of discussion and debate are also similar to the methods of conversation. The effectiveness of these methods, in the process of theoretical and methodical training of future teachers of the Ukrainian language has been proven in the system of integrative study in normative disciplines of linguistic and psycho-pedagogical cycles.



6. Michael K. Okyere Asante
An Outline of Labour in Plato’s Thought

Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education, 2017, 4(2): 86-95.

Abstract:
The labour system of every society is crucial to its effective running. This is implied in Plato’s theory of social justice, even though he does not engage in a formal discussion of labour in any of his works. Yet, attempts by scholars to explore the characteristics of labour in Plato have been limited to his economic ideas, with a concentration on the division of labour and specialization. In this paper, I argue that Plato’s thoughts on labour go beyond just the principle of division of labour and specialization to employ philosophical, ethical, and psychological ideas in putting forward a labour system that keeps the polis functioning effectively, and that the socio-economic and political roles and implications of labour in Plato’s thought can only be understood by considering his holistic ideas. I conclude that the absence of a formal discussion of labour is because the principles and ideas Plato expounds in his works are sufficient to put the ills and evils that could result from labour in check. Nevertheless, the Republic and Laws present the best outlines of what may constitute labour in Plato’s thought, and so I concentrate, but do not limit myself, to both works.



7. Jelisavka Bulatović, Goran Rajović
Some Aspects of Eco Tourism with View to Montenegro: Overview

Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education, 2017, 4(2): 96-111.

Abstract:
The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people (Honey, 1999). Thus, Ecotourism has been promoted as a non-consumptive use of nature and as a possible win – win development strategy, especially for underdeveloped areas. It should generate money in an ecologically and socially friendly way than other forms of land exploitation (Edwards et al., 1998). This article points to some aspects of eco-tourism, with emphasis on the Montenegro. The country has especially much to offer to nature enthusiasts.



8. Daniel Bruce, Elizabeth Larweh
Self-Esteem, Needs Satisfaction and Psychological Well-Being of Inmates at James Camp Prison in Ghana

Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education, 2017, 4(2): 112-117.

Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to find out the relationship between the self-esteem, needs satisfaction and the psychological well-being of prisoners in Ghana. This study used the correlational survey design method to solicit information from prisoners in the James Camp Prison in Accra. The random sampling technique was used to select 155 male prisoners from an estimated population of 347. The findings revealed the following; a significant positive correlation exists between self-esteem, needs satisfaction and psychological well-being among inmates. Results showed that the there was a positive correlation between psychological wellbeing and self-esteem of inmates. Also, there was a significant positive relationship between needs satisfaction and psychological wellbeing. This study recommends that more psychosocial interventions should be provided to promote the mental health of inmates.



9. S.V. Tcherkashyn
The Crash of Humanism and Humboldt’s Epoch in German Universities: Implications for Reforming Ukrainian Higher Education System

Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education, 2017, 4(2): 118-124.

Abstract:
This article explores the process of higher education system reformation in Germany during the period from the mid-1960s to mid-1970s. Necessity of the given reforms ripened for several reasons. The first reason was founded on the need for unification for all activities of higher education institutes in Germany, especially the universities. The second reason was based on the preparation for "educational expansion" while the third reason was due to unsatisfactory financing of both universities and university scientists. The German government developed and accepted a number of necessary measures, which appeared vague and inconsistent. These also caused a period of stagnation in the system of German higher education.



10. Violetta Panchenko
Organization of Students’ Educational Control Activities in Ukrainian High School

Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education, 2017, 4(2): 125-129.

Abstract:
This article deals with the organization of control procedures in Ukrainian high school to assess students’ learning outcomes. This paper carefully looks at the tasks, requirements, functions, types, forms and methods of control. Important types of control for educational purposes include preliminary, current, thematic and final control activities. These can be carried out in different forms; individual, group and frontal. Oral, written and standardized tests as control methods enjoy the widest popularity among Ukrainian high school teachers. This research proves that, control activities are only efficient if they cover all the educational material and are differentiated according to the level of students’ knowledge.



Short Communication

11. Olha Osova
Foreign Languages Training in Ukraine: Is teacher training having enough?

Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education, 2017, 4(2): 130-133.


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