Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Investigation of the Critical Factors Affecting Students' Satisfaction in EFL Blended Learning

The present study intended to examine to what extent students are satisfied with EFL (English as a Foreign Language) blended learning and identify factors affecting students’ satisfaction in EFL blended learning. This study used SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) and questionnaire as research instrument. Data was collected from 360 first-year non-English major undergraduates and postgraduates in Dalian University of Technology (DUT). The findings were: 1. In general, students showed positive attitude towards EFL blended learning model. They are greatly satisfied with this model and willing to study in EFL blended learning environment. 2. Postgraduate students showed higher satisfaction than undergraduate students. 3. Learning climate, perceived enjoyment, perceived usefulness, system functionality, social interaction, content feature and performance expectation are significantly related to students’ satisfaction in EFL blended learning. This study provided more evidence for study on students’ satisfaction in EFL blended learning in China. Additionally, constructive suggestions for English Teaching in China were put forward so as to give full play to the advantages of blended learning.
Influence of Juniper (Juniperus communis) oil on growth performance and meat quality as a natural antioxidant in quail diets

Abstract 1. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of juniper oil on growth performance and meat quality in quails to determine its use as a safe and natural method to reduce overdependence on the use of antibiotic. 2. A total of 1000 1-d-old Pharaoh (Coturnix coturnix Pharaoh) quails, including both males and females, were divided into 4 groups containing 250 quails and treated as follows: (1) a control group with 0 mg volatile oil/kg diet; (2) 100 mg/kg juniper oil; (3) 150 mg/kg juniper oil and (4) 200 mg/kg juniper oil. The diets were prepared fresh for each treatment. The experiment was carried out for 42 d. 3. The results of the study showed that supplementation with juniper oil (100 and 150 mg/kg) caused a significant increase in live weight, live weight gain and carcass yields during the growing and finishing periods. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not significantly influenced by treatments. 4. The quails given rations containing juniper oil had reduced thiobarbituric acid levels in raw thigh meat samples at different storage times. Juniper oil was found to have significant antioxidant activity and prevented lipid oxidation in stored meat. 5. In conclusion, natural antioxidants such as a juniper oil can be used instead of synthetic antioxidants to retard lipid oxidation in animal diets to improve meat product quality and animal performance.
Dietary habits and stomach cancer in Shanghai, China

Stomach cancer remains the second leading cancer in incidence in Shanghai, China, despite its decline over the past 2 decades. To clarify risk factors for this common malignancy, we conducted a population‐based case‐control study in Shanghai, China. Included in the study were 1,124 stomach cancer patients (age 20–69) newly diagnosed in 1988–1989 and 1,451 controls randomly selected among Shanghai residents. Usual adult dietary intake was assessed using a comprehensive food frequency questionnaire. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression models. Risks of stomach cancer were inversely associated with high consumption of several food groups, including fresh vegetables and fruits, poultry, eggs, plant oil, and some nutrients, such as protein, fat, fiber and antioxidant vitamins. By contrast, risks increased with increasing consumption of dietary carbohydrates, with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–2.1) and 1.9 (95% CI 1.3–2.9) in the highest quartile of intake among men (p for trend = 0.02) and women (p = 0.0007), respectively. Similar increases in risk were associated with frequent intake of noodles and bread in both men (p = 0.07) and women (p = 0.05) after further adjustment for fiber consumption. In addition, elevated risks were associated with frequent consumption of preserved, salty or fried foods, and hot soup/porridge, and with irregular meals, speed eating and binge eating. No major differences in risk were seen according to subsite (cardia vs. non‐cardia). Our findings add to the evidence that diet plays a major role in stomach cancer risk and suggest the need for further evaluation of risks associated with carbohydrates and starchy foods as well as the mechanisms involved. Int. J. Cancer 76:659–664, 1998. Published 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
The Frequency and Distribution of Intratubular Trophoblast in Association With Germ Cell Tumors of the Testis

Although the presence of intratubular trophoblast (ITT) has been reported, its frequency and distribution in association with germ cell tumors (GCT) have not been investigated. Beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a sensitive immunohistochemical marker of syncytiotrophoblast. We therefore wished to investigate whether intratubular trophoblastic elements could be identified adjacent to invasive tumors using immunohistochemistry against hCG. Seventy-five GCTs were examined. Immunochemistry was performed for hCG. Both invasive tumor and seminiferous tubules were examined for positive staining. The seminomas showed ITT in five of 29 cases. All these cases had trophoblastic cells as part of the invasive tumor. Only one of 36 cases of nonseminoma and one of nine of the mixed GCTs (11%) showed ITT. Again, all of the positive cases had hCG-positive trophoblastic cells within the invasive tumor. ITT can be identified adjacent to GCTs in a significant number of cases. We suggest that this is a genuine in situ lesion, associated with seminomas with syncytiotrophoblastic cells. Differentiation toward trophoblastic elements in GCTs may occur at an earlier stage of their pathogenesis than has been previously recognized.
3D sound interactive environments for blind children problem solving skills

Audio-based virtual environments have been increasingly used to foster cognitive and learning skills. A number of studies have also highlighted that the use of technology can help learners to develop effective skills such as motivation and self-esteem. This study presents the design and usability of 3D interactive environments for children with visual disabilities to help them solve problems in Chilean geography and culture. We introduce AudioChile, a virtual environment that can be navigated through 3D sound to enhance spatiality and immersion throughout the environment. 3D sound is used to orientate, avoid obstacles, and identify the positions of various characters and objects within the environment. We have found during the usability evaluation that sound can be fundamental for attention and motivation purposes during interaction. Learners identified and clearly discriminated environmental sounds to solve everyday problems, spatial orientation, and laterality.
The impact of moderate aerobic physical training on left ventricular mass, exercise capacity and blood pressure response during treadmill testing in borderline and mildly hypertensive males.

INTRODUCTION We sought to investigate the effect of moderate physical exercise on left ventricular mass, exercise tolerance and blood pressure response during treadmill testing, in middle-aged pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive men without any evidence of coronary heart disease. METHODS Forty of 52 male borderline and mildly hypertensive subjects (mean age 53 ± 7 years old) with a normal treadmill exercise test and echocardiographic evaluation were randomly assigned to an exercise rehabilitation programme. Patients in the exercise group participated in an aerobic exercise program for 16 weeks, three times per week, at 60 to 80 percent of the maximum heart rate achieved during the preceding exercise test. RESULTS At baseline no statistically significant differences between the two groups were observed in METS, in left ventricular mass index, or in blood pressure measurements at rest and during treadmill testing. Sixteen weeks later the exercise group showed higher values of METS compared to the control group (p<0.001), while changes in METS from baseline to 16 weeks' follow up differed significantly between the two groups (p<0.001 for group-time interaction). Additionally, 16 weeks after randomisation, systolic/diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were significantly lower in the exercise group compared to the control group at all stages of stress testing. Finally, the left ventricular mass index decreased significantly in the exercise group (118.80 ± 3.89 to 96.10 ± 8.95 kg/m) during the 16 weeks of intervention. CONCLUSION This study revealed the beneficial effect of regular exercise training on left ventricular mass index, exercise capacity and systolic/diastolic blood pressure levels in borderline hypertensive patients.
High efficiency, low adjacent channel leakage 2-V operation GaAs power MESFET amplifier for 1.9-GHz digital cordless phone system

A low-voltage GaAs power amplifier for 1.9-GHz digital mobile communication applications such as PHS handsets has been developed, using refractory WNx/W self-aligned gate MESFETs with p-pocket layers. This power amplifier operates with a single low 2-V supply, and an output power of 21.0 dBm, a power gain of 22.3 dB, a low dissipated current of 162.9 mA and a high power-added efficiency of 38.5% were attained with a low 600-kHz adjacent channel leakage power of -58.0 dBc for 1.9-GHz /spl pi//4-shifted QPSK modulated input.
Integration of customer and supplier flexibility in a make-to-order industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to solve an integration of customer and supplier flexibility problem in a make-to-order (MTO) industry. The flexible strategies, where delivery leadtime and unit price (or raw material cost) can be negotiated, are provided by customers and suppliers. Its effectiveness is illustrated by a practical application. Design/methodology/approach – The present study is a rolling decision-making problem and is solved by a proposed combined mixed integer program (MIP) and simulation approach. A simulation model was developed for evaluating solutions of the MIP and will serve as the virtual factory to provide the initial work-in-process status for a new incoming order evaluation. Findings – The experimental results show that when either customers or suppliers provide flexible strategies to the manufacturer, total profits can be increased. Moreover, when both customers and suppliers provide flexibility strategies to the manufacturer simultaneously, total profits can be significan.
Improved High Pass Filtering for Passive Optical Networks

High pass filtering (HPF) is a promising technique to eliminate Rayleigh noise in central light source passive optical networks (CLS-PONs) because it can improve system performance without additional hardware. In this study, the impact of HPF is experimentally investigated. Appropriate filter cutoff frequency is found to be dependent on signal extinction ratio (ER) and pattern length. Proper HPF is found to reduce Rayleigh noise sensitivity in low ER signals by more than 10 dB. This will potentially reduce the cost of future CLS-PONs.
Challenges for the prediction of solder joint life in long term vibration

In the absence of manufacturing defects the ultimate life of a microelectronics assembly in long-term vibration is likely to be limited by solder joint fatigue. So far relatively limited efforts have been dedicated to the quantitative prediction of this life. However, even day to day `engineering tests' may not be very useful if they do not offer at least a ranking of alternative materials, designs or processes in terms of performance in service.The assessment of solder joint life in long term vibration under realistic service conditions is complicated by effects of cyclic loading on the solder and, in accelerated testing, the PCB deformation properties. Cycling induced damage to the PCB often goes unnoticed but may have profound consequences for the solder fatigue. Also, preliminary isothermal cycling results suggest that variations in cycling amplitude may lead to a change in creep properties. This would invalidate attempts at Finite Element Modeling and is believed to be the reason for the dramatic break-down of Miner's Rule of linear damage accumulation. A preliminary test was conducted to show that this applies to vibration to millions of cycles, at least. These issues are of major concern for the ESS testing commonly required in military and aerospace electronics manufacturing, and they may have consequences for the interpretation of random vibration test results.
High Prevalence of Hepatitis Delta Virus among Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection and HIV-1 in an Intermediate Hepatitis B Virus Endemic Region

We conducted a study to investigate HIV and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) coinfection among patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and the triple infection’s (HIV/HBV/HDV) clinical implications in India, an intermediate HBV endemic region, with an estimated HIV-positive population of 2.5 million. A total of 450 patients (men: 270; women: 180) with chronic HBV infections and 135 healthy volunteers were screened for HIV and HDV. The incidence of the triple infection was low (4 [0.8%]) compared with dual infections of HIV-1/HBV (7 [1.5%]) and HBV/HDV (22[4.8%]). Among 21- to 40-year-olds, HBV/HDV coinfection (45.8%) and HBV/HDV/HIV-1 triple infection was predominant (75%). Among 11 patients coinfected with HIV-1/HBV, 4 (36%) were tri-infected and were also associated with chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. The HDV coinfection was higher among patients coinfected with HBV/HIV-1, despite the declining trend in HDV infection among HIV-negative patients, as previously reported. Thus, it is important to assess the impact of HIV, chronic HBV, and HDV tri-infection in India.
The Screening for Occult Renal Disease (SCORED) value is associated with a higher risk for having or developing chronic kidney disease in patients treated for small, unilateral renal masses

Patients with renal masses are at risk for having or developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3 (glomerular filtration rate [GFR] <60 mL per minute/1.73 m2). In this study, the authors investigated whether the Screening for Occult Renal Disease (SCORED) model could identify patients with renal masses who were at risk for having or developing CKD.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation of the Parameters of a System of Simultaneous Regression Equations

Procedures for computing the full information maximum likelihood (FIML) estimates of the parameters of a system of simultaneous regression equations have been described by Koopmans, Rubin, and Leipnik, Chernoff and Divinsky, Brown, and Eisenpress. However, all of these methods are rather complicated since they are based on estimating equations that are expressed in an inconvenient form. In this paper, a transformation of the maximum likelihood (ML) equations is developed which not only leads to simpler computations but which also simplifies the study of the properties of the estimates. The equations are obtained in a form which is capable of solution by a modified Newton-Raphson iterative procedure. The form obtained also shows up very clearly the relation between the maximum likelihood estimates and those obtained by the three-stage least squares method of Zellner and Theil.
The Hemagglutinin-Esterase of Mouse Hepatitis Virus Strain S Is a Sialate-4-O-Acetylesterase

ABSTRACT By comparative analysis of the hemagglutinin-esterase (HE) protein of mouse hepatitis virus strain S (MHV-S) and the HE protein of influenza C virus, we found major differences in substrate specificities. In striking contrast to the influenza C virus enzyme, the MHV-S esterase was unable to release acetate from bovine submandibulary gland mucin. Furthermore, MHV-S could not remove influenza C virus receptors from erythrocytes. Analysis with free sialic acid derivatives revealed that the MHV-S HE protein specifically de-O-acetylates 5-N-acetyl-4-O-acetyl sialic acid (Neu4,5Ac2) but not 5-N-acetyl-9-O-acetyl sialic acid (Neu5,9Ac2), which is the major substrate for esterases of influenza C virus and bovine coronaviruses. In addition, the MHV-S esterase converted glycosidically bound Neu4,5Ac2 of guinea pig serum glycoproteins to Neu5Ac. By expression of the MHV esterase with recombinant vaccinia virus and incubation with guinea pig serum, we demonstrated that the viral HE possesses sialate-4-O-acetylesterase activity. In addition to observed enzymatic activity, MHV-S exhibited affinity to guinea pig and horse serum glycoproteins. Binding required sialate-4-O-acetyl groups and was abolished by chemical de-O-acetylation. Since Neu4,5Ac2 has not been identified in mice, the nature of potential substrates and/or secondary receptors for MHV-S in the natural host remains to be determined. The esterase of MHV-S is the first example of a viral enzyme with high specificity and affinity toward 4-O-acetylated sialic acids.
The mismeasure of islands: implications for biogeographical theory and the conservation of nature

The focus on place rather than space provides geography with a powerful raison d’être. As in human geography, the functional role of place is integral to the understanding of evolution, persistence and extinction of biotic taxa. This paper re‐examines concepts and biogeographical evidence from a geographical rather than ecological or evolutionary perspective. Functional areography provides convincing arguments for a postmodern deconstruction of major principles of the dynamic Equilibrium Theory of Island Biogeography (ETIB). Endemic oceanic island taxa are functionally insular as a result of long‐term island stability, confinement, isolation, and protection from continental invasion and disturbance. Most continental taxa persist in different, more complex and open spatial systems; their geographical place is therefore fundamentally distinct from the functional insularity of oceanic island taxa. This creates an insular‐continental polarity in biogeography that is currently not reflected in conservation theory. The focus on the biogeographical place leads to the development of the eigenplace concept defined as the functional spatial complex of existence. The application of still popular ETIB concepts in conservation biology is discouraged. The author calls for the integration of functional areography into modern conservation science.
Structure of Soybean b-Cyanoalanine Synthase and the Molecular Basis for Cyanide Detoxi fi cation in Plants

Plants produce cyanide (CN2) during ethylene biosynthesis in the mitochondria and require b-cyanoalanine synthase (CAS) for CN2 detoxification. Recent studies show that CAS is a member of the b-substituted alanine synthase (BSAS) family, which also includes the Cys biosynthesis enzyme O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase (OASS), but how the BSAS evolved distinct metabolic functions is not understood. Here we show that soybean (Glycine max) CAS and OASS form a-aminoacrylate reaction intermediates from Cys and O-acetylserine, respectively. To understand the molecular evolution of CAS and OASS in the BSAS enzyme family, the crystal structures of Gm-CAS and the Gm-CAS K95A mutant with a linked pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)-Cys molecule in the active site were determined. These structures establish a common fold for the plant BSAS family and reveal a substrate-induced conformational change that encloses the active site for catalysis. Comparison of CAS and OASS identified residues that covary in the PLP binding site. The Gm-OASS T81M, S181M, and T185S mutants altered the ratio of OASS:CAS activity but did not convert substrate preference to that of a CAS. Generation of a triple mutant Gm-OASS successfully switched reaction chemistry to that of a CAS. This study provides new molecular insight into the evolution of diverse enzyme functions across the BSAS family in plants.
Informal Occupational Safety Information Exchange Among Latino Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers

ABSTRACT Latino farmworkers in North Carolina are a hard-to-reach population that faces diverse occupational health risks, including pesticide exposure. Health and safety education efforts often employ lay health advisor or promotor(a) de salud models in which farmworker community members are trained to provide health education. As a frequently tight-knit and isolated group, farmworkers may be well suited to serve as resident lay health advisors. This paper presents data collected from a nonrandom sample of Latino farmworkers living in North Carolina regarding the natural level of occupational safety information exchange among Latino farmworkers, specifically pesticide safety information. The data affirm that farmworkers informally exchange occupational safety information with one another, with the level of exchange increasing during the agricultural season. Consequently, if trained, the data suggest that farmworkers might be situated to provide in situ occupational health and safety education to their peers. This remains to be systematically tested and evaluated.
Treating Comorbid Insomnia in Older Adults via Cognitive-Behavioural Treatment, Bright Light and Exercise

Background: Insomnia occurs frequently in older adults. The underlying factors for the disorder are physiological changes of the sleep-wake cycle, comorbid diseases and drug treatment. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT I) combined with light therapy and physical activity can be effective in the treatment of comorbid insomnia in older adults. Methods: Sixty-three (63) insomnia patients (47 female, 16 male) with an average age of 66.6 years participated in the program. Before and after the treatment, the participants completed questionnaires to assess their sleep quality (PSQI), day-time sleepiness (ESS), mood (BDI) and well-being (WHO-5-Index). In addition, they kept sleep diaries for six weeks. Results: Pre-post comparisons revealed a significant improvement in sleep latency and sleep quality, as well as a significant reduction of day-time sleepiness. In patients with both insomnia and depression, all depression scores improved slightly but significantly. Conclusions: Non-pharmacological combination treatment using CBT I, light therapy and physical activity seemed to be effective in older adults with comorbid insomnia and improve additionaly depressive symptoms.
The rapid diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukaemia using PML (5E10) monoclonal antibody

Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) is characterized cytogenetically by t(15;17)(q22;q21) which results in the production of a PML/RARα fusion protein. Detection of the translocation or the fusion gene product is required for objective diagnosis of APL. This can be accomplished by conventional cytogenetic methods, fluorescence in situ hybridization or RT‐PCR. Such techniques are time consuming and not universally available. The intracellular distribution of the PML protein in promyelocytes is characteristically altered in APL and this can be detected by immunocytochemistry. We have assessed two immunocytochemical methods, immunofluorescence and alkaline phosphatase–anti‐alkaline phosphatase staining (APAAP), with regard to sensitivity, specificity and rapidity of diagnosis. 85 patients with AML including 15 cases of APL were studied. Immunofluorescence PML detection was concordant with RT‐PCR for t(15;17) in 14/15 (93.3%) cases with no false positives. The negative APL case in our series was a patient with a 5′ PML breakpoint who did not express the reciprocal t(17;15) fusion product. APAAP was concordant in only 6/13 (46%) APL cases with one false positive. In conclusion, immunofluorescent localization of PML using 5E10 monoclonal antibody is a rapid, sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for APL.