Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding the sociolinguistic variation in EFL among Arab siblings

This study investigated the various linguistic, psychological, and sociocultural variables that explain the sociolinguistic variation in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) among Arab siblings. The variables are not predetermined but extracted from the participants’ contributions and data in a grounded theory research. The siblings participated in this study (N=15) are university undergraduates, who are educated in the UAE schools. While all human beings are empowered with the Language Acquisition Device (LAD) proposed by Chomsky, this does not explain the sociolinguistic variation among people and siblings in particular in using the language. The innate ability is not also evidence that siblings will have similar proficiency levels. The discourse analysis showed noticeable sociolinguistic variation among siblings in terms of language accuracy & fluency, L1 interference, spontaneity, and automaticity of speech. Some of these siblings have equal opportunities for improving their English; however, the analysis showed that some affective variables influence the development of their proficiency levels. The thematic analysis signaled three variables namely exposure to quality input and interaction opportunities, provision of quality education, and autonomy and independent activities. Eight of the fifteen participants attributed their deficiency in English to the inefficiency of the education system that did not facilitate sufficient exposure to linguistic input. Autonomy and independence proved to be effectual in creating the variation among siblings as well. This study sheds light on the significance of contextual factors in influencing proficiency levels among EFL learners in the UAE. The implications and recommendations of research findings are discussed. © 2018 JLLS and the Authors Published by JLLS.
Balancing visual weights

Abstract An experiment is described which is based on a peculiar response index, the visual balance, whichinvolves the match of visual weight. The stimulus consists of a pair of grey fields, differing in their spectral reflectance factor, and the experiment is designed to determine how the balance condition depends on their relative sizes. This dependence is found to be linear when the test object is considered globally; non‐linear when considering its fine intra‐pair geometrical characteristics.
The use of Single Frequency GPS to measure the deformations and deflections of structures

The Institute of Engineering Surveying and Space Geodesy (IESSG) at the University of Nottingham has been involved in deformation monitoring of structures for many years. This includes the use of terrestrial surveying equipment as well as GPS. In addition, for about 10 years the IESSG has been researching methods of allowing GPS to aid the deflection monitoring of structures. Structures not only exhibit long term deformation characteristics, but also short term deflections. The characteristics of such deflections are important to enable engineers to calculate and evaluate the health of such structures.
Imaging Change : The Computer City Model as a Laboratory for Urban Design Research

The use of an extensive and detailed computer model of the city of Bath, UK, as a laboratory for urban design research is discussed. Bath is a small predominantly Georgian historic city that has been designated a World Heritage Site. Examples are drawn from four kinds of work: the representation of Bath's historic growth (including unbuilt plans), the prediction of the urban design impact of individual development ,proposals, the study and development of explicit and implicit urban design 'rules for the form of existing and new development, and the impact on city form and appearance of policy proposals for urban sustainability.
Influence of Epidermal Growth Factor with Cysteamine on in -Vitro Buffalo Embryo Development

FOR IMPROVING embryo development in buffalo, two experiments were conducted. The first one was carried out to evaluate the different concentrations (0, 5, 25, 50 ng/ml) of epidermal growth factors (EGF) on developmental competence of buffalo oocytes. The selected oocytes were cultured in the four concentrations of EGF. The embryo cleavage rate was significantly higher in oocytes exposed to 5, 25, 50 ng/ml EGF than control. There were no significant difference in four groups (0, 5, 25, 50 ng/ml EGF) in the rate of morula. But, better cleavage and blastocyst rates were observed at 5 ng/ml EGF. In the second experiment, the additive effect of 5 ng/ml EGF with 50 µM cysteamine on maturation and embryo development was studied. Oocytes were collected, matured and cultured in three groups. In the first group, media supplemented with 5 ng/ml EGF + 50 µM cysteamine combination. In the second group, media supplemented with EGF. The third group was supplemented with cysteamine. There was a significant increase in cleavage rate in combination group than EGF (P< 0.05) and cysteamine (P< 0.01) groups. But there was no significant difference in cleavage rate between EGF and cysteamine. The morula percentage was nearly similar in the three groups. But blastocyst rate was significantly (P<0.05) higher in combination group than cysteamine. Thus better cleavage and blastocyst rate were observed at combination group. It is concluded that, the addition of 5 ng/ml EGF in buffalo oocytes during in vitro culture was the best concentration for embryo developmental competence. Higher cleavage and blastocyst rate were achieved by combination of epidermal growth factor and antioxidant.
Nuclear lamins: building blocks of nuclear architecture.

Nuclear lamins were initially identified as the major components of the nuclear lamina, a proteinaceous layer found at the interface between chromatin and the inner nuclear membrane (Fawcett 1966). Due to their position at the periphery of the nucleus, lamins were originally proposed to support the nuclear envelope and provide anchorage sites for chromatin. Recently, the nuclear lamins have also been found in the nucleoplasm (Fig. 1). In addition, experimental and genetic evidence suggest that nuclear lamins are involved in a number of other functions including nuclear envelope assembly, DNA synthesis, transcription, and apoptosis. Interestingly, mutations in nuclear lamins have been linked to human diseases. In this review, we describe what is known of the structure and function of lamins and their associated proteins. Further, we speculate about possible mechanisms through which mutations in nuclear lamins give rise to disease. Immunological and structural data originally suggested that the lamins were related to cytoplasmic intermediate filaments (IF) (Aebi et al. 1986; Goldman et al. 1986). The cloning and sequencing of lamin cDNAs confirmed that lamins have the typical domain structure of IF including an -helical coiled-coil domain flanked by nonhelical domains (Fisher et al. 1986; McKeon et al. 1986). Interestingly, analyses of lamin and cytoplasmic IF genomic sequences indicate that nuclear lamins are the progenitors of all IF, with cytoplasmic IF arising through gene duplication (Riemer et al. 2000).
Prophylactic platelet transfusion in children with thrombocytopenic disorders: A retrospective review

Abstract The safety of low platelet thresholds for prophylactic transfusions was retrospectively evaluated in 673 children with various thrombocytopenic disorders. In patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and X linked thrombocytopenia the threshold for the use of platelet transfusion was based on bleeding events rather than platelet count. In children with hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia and Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome, prophylactic platelet transfusions were used when the platelet count was ≤ 5000/μl in stable patients and > 10,000/μl in cases of bleeding or infections. The restrictive policy of platelet transfusions was shown to be proved safe in many thrombocytopenic disorders.
Extraction and characterization of acid soluble collagen (ASC) from airbladder of striped cat fish (Pangasius hypophthalmus)

The aim of the present study was to extract high pure acid soluble collagen (ASC) from the airbladder of striped cat fish (Pangasius hypophthalmus). ASC was extracted and its physico-chemical characterization was carried out to confirm the purity and structural integrity of extracted collagen. The yield of ASC extract was determined to be 73.4±0.8% of the dry weight of raw material. Amino acid analysis revealed the glycine content as 243.0±1.3 residues/1000 residues, imino acids as 186.1±1.4 residues/1000 residues respectively and was shown to be devoid of non-collagenous amino acids such as tryptophan. Electrophoretic analysis confirmed the subunit pattern of type I collagen and showed that it also contained β and ɤ subunits. UV/Vis absorption and FT-IR analysis demonstrated the primary and secondary structural integrity of collagen and also indicated that no denaturation had occurred during extraction process. H-NMR analysis validated the structural integrity of collagen triple helix. The denaturation temperature (Td) of ASC was assessed as 33.3 °C. The air bladder collagen extracted from striped cat fish is of high purity and belongs to type I with intact triple helical structure.
Chapters ILR Collection 2012 Organizational Strategy and Staffing

In this chapter, we draw linkages between theory and research from strategic human resource management (and its focus on predicting unit/firm performance) with the key issues and empirical findings from the staffing and selection literature (and its focus on predicting individual performance). We organize the chapter around the fit and flexibility framework (Wright & Snell, 1998) to discuss the dual concerns of fitting staffing and selection systems to strategic needs while simultaneously enabling flexibility to respond to future demands. Implications for research and practice explain how such an approach may alter and enhance conventional views regarding staffing system characteristics such as the types of criteria, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (KSAOs), and selection methods that are considered.
Unreal Reality : An Empirical Investigation of Augmented Reality Effects on Spatial Cognition in Landscape Architecture

Augmented Reality (AR) has experienced over the last years considerable technical improvements and an important increment on its use by a diverse range of users, as a result of its application through handheld devices like mobile phones and tablets. This situation has made AR a relevant and accessible instrument for the visualization of virtual spaces merged with the real world. Within the field of Landscape Architecture, AR has several potential uses in the areas of design, education and public participation. The premise of this research is that AR, through the spatial visualization, the exploration and the provision of meaning of augmented spaces, works as a tool to assist and enhance the spatial cognition of users, setting a new step in the traditional ways of reading the landscape. To support this premise, a practical exercise using handheld AR to experience a Landscape Architecture design located in an outdoor environment was applied, considering and comparing three scenarios of exploration. In these scenarios, viewers experienced different combinations of degrees of freedom (DOFs) to observe the intervention. The results showed that users perceived exploration as a positive aspect, that they successfully provided meaning to space, and that they were able to describe the spatial relations within the AR intervention with distinct levels of accuracy, depending on their scenario of exploration.
Repair of Chronic Rupture of the Achilles Tendon using 2 Intratendinous Flaps from the Proximal Gastrocnemius-Soleus Complex

Background Chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon is a surgical challenge, owing to the presence of a gap between the retracted ends, which renders direct repair almost impossible. Purpose In this study, 2 intratendinous distally based flaps fashioned from the proximal gastrocnemius-soleus complex are used to bridge the gap between the retracted edges of the ruptured Achilles tendon. The flaps are placed in the same line of pull of the ruptured tendon, in an effort to make the graft mimic the original biomechanics as much as possible. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Eleven patients (9 male and 2 female) with neglected ruptures of the Achilles tendon with retracted ends were included in this study. Two flaps fashioned from the proximal gastrocnemius-soleus complex were rotated over themselves, passed through the proximal stump, and then securely inserted into a previously prepared bed in the distal stump. Results The patients were followed up for a period of 6 to 9 years. At the final follow-up, all patients were able to return to their preinjury level of activity within a period of 6 to 9 months. The mean preoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 42.27, whereas it was 98.91 at the final follow-up, with a range of 88 (in 1 patient) to 100 points (in 10 patients). All 11 patients showed statistically significant improvement according to the Holz rating system. Conclusion This technique allows for a bridging of the defect present in chronic ruptures of Achilles tendons, with a minimum of complications and a good final outcome.
Access and latency to first antipsychotic treatment in Italian patients with schizophrenia and other schizophrenic spectrum disorders across different epochs

The duration of untreated illness (DUI) is a measure to express the latency to first psychopharmacological treatment: it differs among psychiatric disorders, being influenced by several illness‐intrinsic and environmental factors. The present study aimed to assess differences in DUI and related variables in patients with schizophrenia (SKZ) versus other schizophrenic spectrum disorders (SSDs) across different epochs.
Comparison of immune responses following the administration of Enterotoxaemia vaccine in sheep and goats.

Antibody responses in sixty clinically healthy pregnant sheep and goats were compared following the administration of enterotoxaemia vaccine. The thirty animals of each species were randomly divided into three groups. Antibody titers against C. perfringens type D epsilon toxin were detected in blood samples on day 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 post vaccination. In unvaccinated control groups, S-I (sheep) and G-I (goat), no antibodies against C. perfringens epsilon toxin were observed. In the animals of groups S-II and G-II administered once with enterotoxaemia-cum-lamb dysentery vaccine, geometric means titers (GMT) were 6.5 and 2.64, respectively on day 15 post vaccination. In groups S - III and G-III administered with the same enterotoxaemia vaccine twice, GMTs were 59.7 and 12.12, respectively on day 30 post booster dose of vaccine. In conclusion, immune response of goats against enterotoxaemia vaccine was of short duration compared with the sheep indicating frequent use of v accine for better immunity.
Works Title The Nodule Microbiome : N 2-Fixing Rhizobia Do Not Live Alone Permalink

For decades, rhizobia were thought to be the only nitrogen-fixing inhabitants of legume nodules, and biases in culture techniques prolonged this belief. However, other bacteria, which are not typical rhizobia, are often detected within nodules obtained from soil, thus revealing the existence of a phytomicrobiome where the interaction among the individuals is not only complex, but also likely to affect the behavior and fitness of the host plant. Many of these nonrhizobial bacteria are nitrogen fixers, and some also induce nitrogen-fixing nodules on legume roots. Evenmore striking is the incredibly diverse population of bacteria residing within nodules that elicit neither nodulation nor nitrogen fixation. Yet, this community exists within the nodule, albeit clearly out-numbered by nitrogen-fixing rhizobia. Few studies of the function of these nodule-associated bacteria in nodules have been performed, and to date, it is not known whether their presence in nodules is biologically important or not. Do they confer any benefits to the Rhizobium-legume nitrogen-fixing symbiosis, or are they parasites/saprophytes, contaminants, or commensals? In this review, we highlight the lesser-known bacteria that dwell within nitrogen-fixing nodules and discuss their possible role in this enclosed community as well as any likely benefits to the host plant or to the rhizobial inhabitants of the nodule. Although many of these nodule inhabitants are not capable of nitrogen fixation, they have the potential to enhance legume survival especially under conditions of environmental stress. This knowledge will be useful in defining strategies to employ these bacteria as bioinoculants by themselves or combined with rhizobia. Such an approach will enhance rhizobial performance or persistence as well as decrease the usage of chemical fertilizers and
Frequency Domain Identification of Linear, Deterministically Time-Varying Systems

Abstract This paper proposes an extension of the framework of linear time invariant system identification to linear slowly time-varying system identification. The class of systems considered is described by ordinary differential equations with coefficients varying piecewise polynomially with time. The estimation is performed in the frequency domain using multisine excitation signals within an errors-in-variables framework. It is also discussed how multisine excitations provide estimates of, on the one hand, the speed of variation of the system and, on the other hand, an estimation of a non-parametric noise model.
Single-Step EUS-Guided Transmural Drainage of Pancreatic Pseudocysts: Analysis of Technical Feasibility, Efficacy, and Safety.

BACKGROUND/AIMS With the progress of product development, single-step endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transmural drainage can overcome some disadvantages of the blind or two-step procedures used in the treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts. We therefore evaluated the technical feasibility, efficacy, and safety of single-step EUS-guided transmural drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts. METHODS Endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts was performed in 47 patients (median age, 46 years; range, 38 years to 59 years; 40 men) by using interventional echoendoscopes with a single-step device suitable for ballooning, bougination, and plastic-stent insertion. RESULTS Endoscopic stent placement was successful in 42 patients (89%; transgastric approach, 34/38; transduodenal approach, 8/9) and failed in 5 patients because of acute angulation (n=4) or small cyst (n=1). The volume of the pseudocyst was reduced by more than 90% or it disappeared completely in all of 41 patients (100%), based on a mean follow-up period of 17 months (range, 11 months to 20 months). The overall recurrence rate was 12% (5/41) after improvement by the procedure. Minor complications (one case of bleeding, three cases of pneumoperitoneum, and one case of peritonitis) occurred after the procedure in five patients (11%), but there were no major complications. CONCLUSIONS Single-step EUS-guided transmural drainage can be used to treat pancreatic pseudocysts with acceptable feasibility, efficacy, and safety.
Tips and Tricks for Training GANs with Physics Constraints

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) have seen immense interest and success in recent years. However, most tasks and successes have existed solely within the domain of natural images. In contrast, we provide an overview of modifications and tricks necessary to make GANs work on data from high energy particle physics. We provide select examples of domain-specific thought processes with respect to improving GAN training procedures, aiming to be a resource for researchers in any physical or applied science wishing to apply Generative Adversarial Networks to a choice problem.
Prostaglandin E 2 enhances hematopoietic stem cell homing , survival , and proliferation

Adult hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are routinely used to reconstitute hematopoiesis after myeloablation; however, transplantation efficacy and multilineage reconstitution can be limited by inadequate HSC number, or poor homing, engraftment, or self-renewal. Here we report that mouse and human HSCs express prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptors, and that short-term ex vivo exposure of HSCs to PGE2 enhances their homing, survival, and proliferation, resulting in increased long-term repopulating cell (LTRC) and competitive repopulating unit (CRU) frequency. HSCs pulsed with PGE2 are more competitive, as determined by head-to-head comparison in a competitive transplantation model. Enhanced HSC frequency and competitive advantage is stable and maintained upon serial transplantation, with full multilineage reconstitution. PGE2 increases HSC CXCR4 mRNA and surface expression, enhances their migration to SDF-1 in vitro and homing to bone marrow in vivo, and stimulates HSC entry into and progression through cell cycle. In addition, PGE2 enhances HSC survival, associated with an increase in Survivin mRNA and protein expression and reduction in intracellular active caspase-3. Our results define novel mechanisms of action whereby PGE2 enhances HSC function and supports a strategy to use PGE2 to facilitate hematopoietic transplantation. (Blood. 2009;113: 5444-5455)
Hypomanic symptoms predict an increase in narcissistic and histrionic personality disorder features in suicidal young adults

Consistent with the “scar hypothesis”, according to which mood depression might impact personality, we examined the effect of unipolar and hypomanic mood disturbances on cluster B (i.e., narcissistic, histrionic, and borderline) personality disorder features. Data from 113 suicidal young adults were utilized, and cross‐lagged associations between unipolar and hypomanic mood disturbances and cluster B personality disorder features were examined using manifest‐variable structural equation modeling (SEM). Hypomanic symptoms predicted an increase in narcissistic and histrionic personality disorder features over the Time 1–Time 2 period, as well as an increase in narcissistic personality disorder features over the Time 1–Time 3 period. Unipolar depressive symptoms and borderline features were reciprocally and longitudinally associated, albeit at different time periods. The sample distinct features restrict generalization of the findings. An exclusive use of self‐report measures might have contributed to shared method variance. Results are consistent with the notion that hypomanic symptoms increase narcissistic personality disorder tendencies. Depression and Anxiety, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of the Attractiveness of the Oriental Wasp Vespa orientalis L . ( Hymenoptera : Vespidae ) to Different Bait Traps

Field experiments of bait attractiveness were conducted in four apiaries in different locations in Jordan. Preparation started in March, 2015. The bottle trap was proved to be efficient in controlling the oriental wasp. This type of trap was able to catch high numbers of the oriental wasp in the four studied locations in Jordan. The highest mean number of the oriental wasps collected by the bait using the bottle traps in the four locations was in sardine bait. The lowest mean numbers was in the chicken bait from the four locations with significant differences between the baits. The most attractive bait was in sardine. It gave large numbers in the traps in the four locations. However, sardine in the bottle trap within the duration of the experiment (24 hours) became rancid. It might be hydrolyzed or oxidized the fat content to short chain of aldehydes or ketones was occurred which was responsible for odor production or free fatty acids released. This resulted in attraction of large numbers of the oriental wasps to the bottle trap during the 24 hours period. Sardine bait could be considered the most attractant for the oriental wasp in the four studied locations during the carrying out of the experiments of attractiveness, but only in the first 24 hours. In Wadi Shu’ayb location, there were high numbers of the oriental wasp, compared with the other three locations in the attractiveness experiments.