Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cultural Factors that Influence M-Learning for Female University Students: A Saudi Arabian Case Study

Mobile learning (m-learning) is one of the most technological environments used in higher education distance learning programmes. M-learning provides students with widespread access to classroom resources via mobile devices’ networks and the possibility to learn regardless of their time and place. Many studies have shown the importance of the relationship between electronic systems and communities’ traditions, because their increasing levels of acceptance depend on many moderators that directly affect the acceptance of M-learning communities. This study aims to verify the influence of demographic moderators in the UTAUT model to increase the level of learning perspectives acceptance via mobile in specific higher education communities and institutions. In the present study, the specific community is Saudi Arabia (KSA). The gender separation found in all stages of the Saudi education system is based on religious policies rooted in an Islamic perspective. Using m-learning smartphone applications could be helpful, yet also affected by traditional factors, in supporting women’s efforts in higher education institutions in conservative countries such as KSA. The experiences that we uncover in KSA could be applied in other communities. The method used in the study is a quantitative approach based on a questionnaire completed by roughly 400 university students who are studying, at least in part, via their colleges’ and universities’ m-learning systems. The main objective of the study is to lead to a gradual increase in the number of remote learning students in many Saudi universities over the next five years according to Saudi vision 2030. With the conservative policies pursued in KSA in mind, women face a significant challenge in completing various education paths; thus, providing m-learning through electronic channels, such as mobile applications, could assist them significantly as they face these challenges.
Impact of Marketing Strategy on Business Performance A Study of Selected Small and Medium Enterprises ( Smes ) In Oluyole Local Government , Ibadan , Nigeria

This research paper investigates the impact of marketing strategy on business performance with special reference to the selected SMEs in Oluyole local government area Ibadan, Nigeria. The survey research design method was used in this study which involves using a self-design questionnaire in collecting data from one hundred and three (103) respondents. The instrument used in this study is a close-ended questionnaire that was designed by the researchers. Correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data with the aid of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20. The results show that the independent variables (i.e Product, Promotion, Place, Price, Packaging and After sales service) were significant joint predictors of business performance in term of profitability, market share, return on investment, and expansion. (F(6, 97) = 14.040; R = 0.465; P< . 05). The independent variables jointly explained 46.5% of variance in business performance. Subsequently, recommendation were made to SMEs operators to produce quality products; charge competitive prices, position appropriately, use attractive package for the product, engage in after sales service and provide other distinctive functional benefits to consumers.
The Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Allograft Biomechanical and Biochemical Properties in the Caprine Model at Time Zero and at 6 Months after Surgery

Background High levels of gamma irradiation are required to eliminate the risk of bacterial and viral transmission during implantation of musculoskeletal allografts. The effects of high levels of gamma irradiation on anterior cruciate ligament allograft biomechanics are still not known. Hypothesis High-dose gamma irradiation (4 Mrad) adversely affects anterior cruciate ligament allograft biomechanics at surgery and at 6 months after surgery and affects biochemistry at 6 months. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Bilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions were performed in 18 adult goats, with one knee receiving an irradiated patellar tendon allograft (4 Mrad) and the other receiving a frozen control allograft (0 Mrad). In 6 recipients (time zero group), graft pairs were tested immediately after sacrifice, and load relaxation of the femur-allograft-tibia preparation was measured during cyclic anterior displacement. Twelve recipients received bilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions, staged 2 months apart, and were sacrificed a mean of 6 months postoperatively. Load relaxation and tensile failure testing were performed, followed by allograft biochemistry assessment. Results At time zero, irradiated grafts showed less load relaxation than did contralateral controls, but by 6 months, the trend had reversed because of decreases in control graft relaxation, with no changes in irradiated graft relaxation. By 6 months, irradiated grafts showed lower stiffness and maximum force compared to controls but no differences in modulus, maximum stress, or biochemistry. Conclusion High levels of gamma irradiation affect anterior cruciate ligament allograft subfailure viscoelastic and structural properties but not material or biochemical properties over time. Clinical Relevance Although high levels of gamma irradiation may inactivate infectious agents, this treatment is not a feasible clinical option because of altered allograft biomechanics.
COLOR NAMES FOR COLOR SPACE.

truly remarkable. Our ability to see colors contributes immeasurably to our ideas of beauty and to the aesthetic appreciation of objects in our everyday world. Color is used routinely in business, industry, science, and medicine to code and identify objects and to communicate informa tion. And, finally, color seems to be associated with a variety of affective responses, feelings, emotions, and moods? -such as liking, disliking, excitement, and depression. For these reasons, it is not surprising to find that there has been a great deal of scientific work done on color vision and color perception. Richter's two bibliographies (1952 and 1963), for example, contain well over 6000 entries even though they cover only the fifteen-year period from 1940 through 1954. Despite all this work, there are many fundamental things we still do not know about this subject. As one illustration, there is still much uncertainty about precisely how various wave lengths of radiant energy are transformed into nervous energy and differentially coded for transmission to the higher nerve centers of the brain. Color can be studied anywhere along a broad spectrum of problems. At one extreme, some scientists are deeply interested in the microfunc tioning of the retinal elements and in the photochemicals that transform electromagnetic energy into nervous energy. At the other extreme, one can find research workers concerned with responses to color as an aid to understanding the structure and dynamics of personality. The problem I wish to discuss falls somewhere near the middle of this spectrum, for I am primarily concerned with the common color names that we can all use to talk about our color sensations. Strangely enough, in all the vast literature on color and color percep tion, the topic of color names is one that psychologists have largely ignored. To be sure, studies involving color naming have had a long and respectable history in psychology. In fact, one of the very earliest of these was begun by James McKeen Cattell while he was a fellow at The Johns Hopkins University in 1882-1883 (Cattell, 1885). But Cattell and the many psychologists who used color-naming tests after him were interested in these tests almost exclusively as dependent variables. Typically, investigators have used the time taken to name a set of simple colors, or the number of errors made in naming some simple colors, as a measure of other things? -mental ability, the effect of drugs, the effect
Climatic Adaptation and Ecological Descriptors of 42 Mexican Maize Races

To better understand the range of adaptation of maize (Zea mays L.) landraces, climatic adaptation intervals of 42 Mexican maize races were determined. A database of 4161 maize accessions was used to characterize altitudinal and climatic conditions where the 42 maize races grow, yielding ecological descriptors for each race. Using the geographical coordinates of the collection sites of each accession, their climatic conditions were characterized using the geographic information system IDRISI and a national environmental information system. Analyses of variance and cluster analyses of the racial ecological descriptors were performed to determine possible environmental groupings of the races. We found a very high level of variation among and within Mexican maize races for climate adaptation and ecological descriptors. The general overall climatic ranges for maize were 0 to 2900 m of altitude, 11.3 to 26.6°C annual mean temperature, 12.0 to 29.1°C growing season mean temperature, 426 to 4245 mm annual rainfall, 400 to 3555 mm growing season rainfall, and 12.46 to 12.98 h mean growing season daylength. These climatic ranges of maize surpass those from its closest relative, teosinte (Z. mays ssp. parviglumis Iltis and Doebley), indicating that maize has evolved adaptability beyond the environmental range in which ancestral maize was fi rst domesticated.
Acute irritant contact dermatitis: recovery time in man

Our understanding of the details of the recovery time of acute irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is limited. We examined skin reactivity to a model surfactant, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). on previous acute ICD and normal sites over time with visual grading and noninvasive instruments. Acute ICD was induced on the upper arms of 18 volunteers (aged 30 to 51 years) by occluded application of 1% SLS for 24 h. Previous ICD and normal sites were provoked by occluded application of 2% or 7.5% SLS 30 min daily 4 consecutive days. Skin reactivity was assessed daily by visual erythema scoring (VES), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin color reflectance (SCR) and electrical capacitance (EC). Skin function of previous ICD sites assessed, by VES, TEWL. SCR, and EC did not normalize until 2 weeks later: all parameters of previous ICD returned to normal after 3 weeks. While skin reactivity to 2% und 7.5% SLS showed no differences between previous ICD and normal sites at 4 weeks, differences of irritant reactivity especially 7,5% SLS between previous ICD and normal sites were significant at 3 weeks post‐provocation. Our results demonstrate that irritation evaluated with irritant provocation was long‐lasting, even though skin functional parameters assessed by various bioengineering instruments returned to normal. Complete recovery of skin function including irritability after acute ICD induced by 1% SLS was achieved approximately 4 weeks later. The date were generated with a model surfactant: it remains to be determined whether similar responses will be noted with chemicals of different physicochemical properties.
Effects of subtherapeutic concentrations of antimicrobials on gene acquisition events in Yersinia, Proteus, Shigella, and Salmonella recipient organisms in isolated ligated intestinal loops of swine.

OBJECTIVE To assess antimicrobial resistance and transfer of virulence genes facilitated by subtherapeutic concentrations of antimicrobials in swine intestines. ANIMALS 20 anesthetized pigs experimentally inoculated with donor and recipient bacteria. PROCEDURES 4 recipient pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium, Yersinia enterocolitica, Shigella flexneri, or Proteus mirabilis) were incubated with donor bacteria in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of 1 of 16 antimicrobials in isolated ligated intestinal loops in swine. Donor Escherichia coli contained transferrable antimicrobial resistance or virulence genes. After coincubations, intestinal contents were removed and assessed for pathogens that acquired new antimicrobial resistance or virulence genes following exposure to the subtherapeutic concentrations of antimicrobials. RESULTS 3 antimicrobials (apramycin, lincomycin, and neomycin) enhanced transfer of an antimicrobial resistance plasmid from commensal E coli organisms to Yersinia and Proteus organisms, whereas 7 antimicrobials (florfenicol, hygromycin, penicillin G, roxarsone, sulfamethazine, tetracycline, and tylosin) exacerbated transfer of an integron (Salmonella genomic island 1) from Salmonella organisms to Yersinia organisms. Sulfamethazine induced the transfer of Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 from pathogenic to nonpathogenic Salmonella organisms. Six antimicrobials (bacitracin, carbadox, erythromycin, sulfathiazole, tiamulin, and virginiamycin) did not mediate any transfer events. Sulfamethazine was the only antimicrobial implicated in 2 types of transfer events. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE 10 of 16 antimicrobials at subinhibitory or subtherapeutic concentrations augmented specific antimicrobial resistance or transfer of virulence genes into pathogenic bacteria in isolated intestinal loops in swine. Use of subtherapeutic antimicrobials in animal feed may be associated with unwanted collateral effects.
Predictors of Children’s Healthcare Use: The Value of Child versus Parental Perspectives on Healthcare Needs

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the relationship between healthcare use and children’s healthcare needs as assessed from the perspectives of children themselves, parents, and healthcare practitioners. Research DesignWe conducted a prospective cohort study in which service use was monitored for the 12 months before and after administration of a health survey. SubjectsWe studied 384 parents and children aged 6 to 11 years enrolled for 2 years in a northern California health maintenance organization or a Medicaid managed care program in Rhode Island. MeasuresChild and parent perspectives on needs were determined using the Child Health and Illness Profile, Child Edition (CHIP-CE). Plan administrative data were used to develop a treated morbidity index, which was based on diagnosis codes recorded by practitioners during the year before the survey and to obtain prospective measures of service use. ResultsFor both child- and parent-respondents, low satisfaction and comfort scale scores from the CHIP-CE were significant predictors of number of visits. CHIP-CE domain scales unrelated to future use were risk avoidance, resilience, and achievement. Multivariable regression using CHIP-CE information collected from children explained more variation in total physician visits than models that used parent-respondent data. The treated morbidity index was a weaker predictor of physician visits than the CHIP-CE scale scores. None of the domain scales were significant predictors of any emergency department use or any specialist use; however, the treated morbidity index was associated with any specialist use. ConclusionsA child’s sense of well-being and burden of symptoms predict future use. Perceived healthcare needs, as assessed by the CHIP-CE, is a better predictor of children’s service use than evaluated needs as assessed by physician-diagnosed disorders. Our results support the validity of using the responses of children aged 6 to 11 years as a measure of need for future health care.
Current Status of the Auditory Steady-State Responses for Estimating an Infant's Audiogram

The auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) to stimuli presented using repetition (or modulation) rates in the 70–110 Hz range (the “80-Hz ASSR”) have recently gained considerable attention and some excitement by audiologists, especially those involved in the assessment and subsequent hearing-aid fitting of very young infants with hearing loss. Equipment manufacturers are marketing their new ASSR systems for such testing. In this paper, we shall review the 80-Hz ASSR technique, the evidence for its use, and finally, summarize what we believe is the current status of the 80-Hz ASSRs for infant hearing threshold assessment. Brief “take-home points” are provided in the boxes throughout this paper. For a detailed and comprehensive review of the methodology, normative aspects, and threshold results of all ASSRs, the recent review paper by Picton and colleagues (Picton, John, Dimitrijevic and Purcell 2003) is recommended.
Electron stimulated desorption of anions containing Oxygen and Nitrogen from self-assembled monolayers of DNA

The electron stimulated desorption of anions from self-assembled monolayers of double stranded DNA is reported. Desorption of the oxygen and nitrogen containing anions O−, OH−, CN−, OCN−, and OCNH− is induced by the impact of 0.1−20 eV electrons. The anion desorption yields, measured as a function of incident electron energy exhibit pronounced maxima that can be attributed to dissociative electron attachment (DEA) to basic DNA units. Above 15 eV, desorption is attributed to dipolar dissociation (DD). This study further indicates that electrons with energy as low as 2.5 ± 0.3 eV can not only cause damage to DNA but also produce fragments with considerable kinetic energy.
Recent advances in dietary anion-cation balance: applications in poultry

The fundamental approach to this problem has already been presented elsewhere (Mongin, 1980~). In brief, the main conclusions can be summarized as follows. In order to keep its acid-base homoeostasis as close as possible to normal, the animal has to regulate the input or output of acidity or both; in other words to control the balance of acid. The net acidity intake is measured by the difference between fixed anions and cations (An-Cat)k Likewise the net acidity output will be measured by the balance of ions excreted in the urine (An-Cat),,. But a third term must also be considered because some acidity is produced within the body mainly by the metabolism of dietary proteins; this is called the endogenous acid production (H+endo). When the sum of the net acidity intake plus the endogenous acid production is equal to the net acidity excreted in the urine, the animal is in steady state and the following relationship has to be verified.
Prevalence of obesity and overweight among adults in Iran

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in most developed and developing countries have been increasing markedly over the past two decades. This increase includes all ages, genders, racial and ethnic groups, income, and educational levels. This study examined the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults aged 25–55 years in Shiraz (Southern Iran). The data are based on a random multistage sample survey of 2282 married adults (1141 pairs) living is Shiraz, whose heights and weights were measured in the 2002–2003 academic year. The prevalence of overweight or obesity (body mass index ≥ 25) was 49.7% in men and 63.9% in women. The prevalence of obesity (body mass index ≥ 30) was 10.5% and 22.5% in men and women, respectively, which shows an increased secular change of 5.8% in men and 17.4% in women during a 14‐year period. Overweight and obesity are common in Iran. Obesity and overweight were significantly more common among women than among men (P‐valve = 0.000). There is a need to establish programmes for prevention and treatment of obesity especially Iranian's women.
Clinical implications of new-onset left bundle branch block after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: analysis of the PARTNER experience.

AIMS Cardiac conduction disturbances, including a left bundle branch block (LBBB), occur frequently following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and may be associated with adverse clinical events. This analysis examines the incidence and implications of new onset, persistent LBBB in patients undergoing TAVR with a balloon-expandable valve. METHODS AND RESULTS Patients undergoing TAVR in the Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves (PARTNER) trial and continued access registries with baseline and discharge/7-day electrocardiograms were included. Prior permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) and baseline intraventricular conduction abnormalities were exclusion criteria. Predictors of new LBBB were identified and outcomes compared between patients with and without new LBBB. New LBBB occurred in 121 of 1151 (10.5%) patients and persisted in more than half at 6 months to 1 year. The only predictor of new LBBB was prior coronary artery bypass grafting. New LBBB was not associated with significant differences in 1-year mortality, cardiovascular mortality, repeat hospitalization, stroke, or myocardial infarction. However, it was associated with increased PPI during hospitalization (8.3 vs 2.8%, P = 0.005) and from discharge to 1 year (4.7 vs. 1.5%, P = 0.01). The ejection fraction failed to improve after TAVR in patients with new LBBB and remained lower at 6 months to 1 year (52.8 vs. 58.1%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Persistent, new-onset LBBB occurred in 10.5% of patients without intraventricular baseline conduction who underwent TAVR in the PARTNER experience. New LBBB was not associated with death, repeat hospitalization, stroke, or myocardial infarction at 1 year, but was associated with a higher rate of PPI and failure of left ventricular ejection fraction to improve.
Inhibition of human insulin gene transcription by peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ and thiazolidinedione oral antidiabetic drugs

Background and purpose: The transcription factor peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is essential for glucose homeostasis. PPARγ ligands reducing insulin levels in vivo are used as drugs to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Genes regulated by PPARγ have been found in several tissues including insulin‐producing pancreatic islet β‐cells. However, the role of PPARγ at the insulin gene was unknown. Therefore, the effect of PPARγ and PPARγ ligands like rosiglitazone on insulin gene transcription was investigated.
Type IV pili and cell motility

Type IV pili (Tfp) mediate the movement of bacteria over surfaces without the use of flagella. These movements are known as social gliding in Myxococcus xanthus and twitching in organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Tfp are localized polarly. Type IV pilins have a signature N‐terminal domain, which forms a coiled‐coil with other monomer units to polymerize a pilus fibre. At least 10 more proteins at the base of the fibre are conserved; they are related to the type II secretion system. Movements produced by Tfp range from short, jerky displacements to lengthy, smooth ones. Tfp also participate in cell–cell interactions, pathogenesis, biofilm formation, natural DNA uptake, auto‐aggregation of cells and development. What is the means by which Tfp bring about the movement of cells?
Retrograde amnesia following hippocampal lesions in the shock‐probe conditioning test

The present experiment examined the role of the hippocampal formation (HPC) in long‐term memory of an association between an object and a fear‐eliciting event. Rats either received sham or neurotoxic lesions of the HPC 1 or 14 days after learning that contacting a wire‐wrapped probe (i.e., object) elicits a shock. After recovery from the surgery, rats were re‐exposed to the wire‐wrapped probe and burying and avoidance of the probe were assessed and used as memory and fear indices. Regardless of the learning‐to‐surgery interval, the rats with hippocampal lesions buried and avoided the probe significantly less than sham rats and no more than rats that never experienced shock from the probe. These findings suggest that the lesions caused severe retrograde amnesia and that the HPC has a long‐lasting role in memory of a discrete stimulus associated with a fear‐eliciting event. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.