Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Saudi EFL Teachers ' Perceptions of Professional Development Activities

This study explored how often Saudi EFL teachers engage in professional development (PD) activities and how useful these activities were to them for their teaching practices. A random sample of seventy-seven English language teachers in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, was selected. Questionnaires were used as a data collection tool. The results showed that discussing lessons with supervisors and sharing ideas informally with colleagues about teaching were the PD activities these teachers do most often. Traveling to other countries for professional development purposes and attending international conferences were the least frequent PD activities that teachers engage in. The most useful PD activities indicated by the teachers were discussing lessons with supervisors and observing other teachers' lessons (peer observation). The study revealed, also, that two-thirds of the teachers were not satisfied with the PD activities they do at school. The teachers held a range of views about what PD is. The most common view, though, referred to activities which develop teachers' teaching skills. Teachers should view teaching as a professional continuum where professional development is a lifelong learning endeavor
Recent Advances in Airframe-Propulsion Concepts with Distributed Propulsion

This paper discusses design and integration associated with distributed propulsion as a means of providing motive power for future aircraft concepts. The technical work reflects activities performed within a European Commission funded Framework 7 project entitled Distributed Propulsion and Ultra-high By-Pass Rotor Study at Aircraft Level, or, DisPURSAL. In this instance, the approach of distributed propulsion includes one unique solution that integrates the fuselage with a single propulsor (dubbed Propulsive-Fuselage Concept, PFC) as well as a Distributed Multiple-Fans Concept (DMFC) driven by a limited number of engine cores – both targeting entry-in-service year 2035+. The strong coupling between airframe aerodynamics and motive power performance is analysed using high-end, low-fidelity and interlaced-fidelity methods. Although this paper reflects work-in-progress results, initial indications show for a PFC undertaking medium-to-long-range operations around 9% reduction in CO 2 -emissions compared to an evolutionary, year 2035, conventional morphology gas-turbine aircraft appears to be a worthwhile target.
Optimization of fermenting medium by statistical method for production of alkaline protease by Bacillus licheniformis MZK05M9

To optimize the fermentation medium for the production of alkaline protease by Bacillus licheniformis MZK05M9 (BlM9) molasses as a carbon source, soybean meal as a nitrogen source, and the salts NaCl, MgSO4.7H2O, and K2HPO4 were selected by Plackett–Burman approach. The response surface methodology based on central composite design revealed that the optimum values for the tested variables were found as (% w/v) molasses (0.92%), soybean meal (0.79%), NaCl (0.125%), MgSO4 (0.125%), and K2HPO4 (0.59%) with the protease activity 761 U/ml predicted by statistical software Minitab Version 17. The experimental value was found as 765 U/ml. The granular size of soybean meal 4.7 mm supported the enzyme production 5% higher than that of the mixed sizes between 6 and 4 mm. Fermentation in 7 l bioreactor exhibited the enzyme activity 1020 U/ml after 28 h. The statistically optimized medium based on cost-effective agro-industrial C and N sources yielded a high productivity 36,428 U/l h of protease by the mutant strain of B. licheniformis.
Evaluation of Seat Designs Relative to Transmitted Vehicle Vibration on Underground Mine Transport Vehicles

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researchers have investigated seat design issues for the occupants and operators of underground mine transport vehicles relative to whole-body vibration (WBV) and mechanical shock. Considering the ergonomic and engineering improvements made to underground mine shuttle car seats, this study has focused on reducing injury risk by improving seating on transport vehicles such as scoops, mantrips, personnel carriers, and rail-mounted locomotives. Similarly, proposed seat design improvements included layering of various types of viscoelastic foam padding to isolate vehicle occupants and operators from adverse health effects of jarring/jolting exposure. This paper discusses the results obtained from laboratory vibration testing of new seat padding materials in seven configurations at the NIOSH – Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL) showing that careful use of configuration and materials can reduce the operator's exposure to WBV. In addition, results for four mine transport vehicles are presented from field data collection efforts at a Southwestern Pennsylvania mine showing that a NIOSH based design does reduce the operator's exposure to WBV. Finally, the authors discuss efforts to develop and field test seat padding interventions using new padding materials and configurations based on the laboratory test results [The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the author(s) and do not represent the views of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. ]
Acute Coronary Syndromes in the Elderly [version 1; peer review: 3 approved]

The clinical evidence for treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the elderly is less robust than in patients younger than 75 years. The elderly have the highest incidence of cardiovascular disease and frequently present with ACS. This number can be expected to increase over time because society is aging. Older adults often sustain unfavorable outcomes from ACS because of atypical presentation and delay in recognition. In addition, elderly patients commonly do not receive optimal guideline-directed ACS treatment. Owing to their high baseline risk of ischemic complications, the elderly also fare worse even with optimal ACS treatment as they frequently have more complex coronary disease, more comorbidities, less cardiovascular reserve, and a higher risk of treatment complications. They are also subjected to a broader range of pharmacologic treatment. Treatment complications can be mitigated to some extent by meticulous dose adjustment of antithrombotic and adjunctive therapies. While careful transitions of care and appropriate utilization of post-discharge secondary preventive measures are important in ACS patients of all ages, the elderly are more vulnerable to system errors and thus deserve special attention from the clinician.
On the Measurement of Economic Tail Risk

This paper attempts to provide a decision-theoretic foundation for the measurement of economic tail risk, which is not only closely related to utility theory but also relevant to statistical model uncertainty. The main result is that the only risk measures that satisfy a set of economic axioms for the Choquet expected utility and the statistical property of elicitability (i.e. there exists an objective function such that minimizing the expected objective function yields the risk measure) are the mean functional and the median shortfall, which is the median of tail loss distribution. Elicitability is important for backtesting. We also extend the result to address model uncertainty by incorporating multiple scenarios. As an application, we argue that median shortfall is a better alternative than expected shortfall for setting capital requirements in Basel Accords.
Lesbian Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract Researchers have been investigating partner violence for more than 20 years, yet there is a discernible absence of research on interpersonal violence among lesbian couples. Three aspects of lesbian battering are reviewed here. First, the incidence rates and distinct forms that lesbian battering might assume are discussed. Next, the dynamics and correlates of lesbian abuse are highlighted. The concluding section focuses on suggestions for intervention.
Knowledge and Beliefs of Jordanians Toward Colorectal Cancer Screening

Background: Colorectal cancer is a significant health problem; it is the most common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract. Colorectal cancer is closely related to the clinical and pathological stage of the disease at diagnosis, which can be detected early through screening tests. Objective: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the knowledge and beliefs of Jordanians toward colorectal cancer (CRC) screening using the Health Belief Model. Methods: One hundred sixty participants, 50 years and older, were identified in the outpatient clinics at the 2 largest Jordanian hospitals located in the north of the country; the King Abdullah University Hospital and the Princess Basma Hospital. Results: Data analyses revealed that most participants are not well informed about CRC and screening. Less than half perceived themselves as susceptible to developing CRC. Half comprehended the seriousness of CRC, the majority understood the benefits of CRC screening, and one-third realized the barriers of CRC screening. Moreover, most understood the importance of preventative medicine and was highly motivated. Conclusion: Most Jordanians treated at outpatient clinics comprehend the benefits from CRC screening, understand the seriousness of CRC, and perceive barriers, and more than half of the patients perceive the general health motivation beliefs and outcomes. Implication for Practice: The healthcare system and the decision makers must develop strategies to increase the general population's awareness about CRC and the accompanying screening tests.
Measuring successful aging: an exploratory factor analysis of the InCHIANTI Study into different health domains

Advocating continued health into old age, so called successful aging, is a growing public health goal. However, the development of tools to measure aging is limited by the lack of appropriate outcome measures, and operational definitions of successful aging. Using exploratory factor analysis, we attempted to identify distinguishable health domains with representative variables of physical function, cognitive status, social interactions, psychological status, blood biomarkers, disease history, and socioeconomic status from the InCHIANTI study. We then used logistic and mixed effect regression models to determine whether the resulting domains predicted outcomes of successful aging over a nine-year follow-up. A four-domain health model was identified: neuro-sensory function, muscle function, cardio-metabolic function and adiposity. After adjustment for age and gender, all domains contributed to the prediction of walking speed (R2=0.73). Only the muscle function domain predicted dependency (R2=0.50). None of the domains were a strong, significant predictor of self-rated health (R2=0.18) and emotional vitality (R2=0.23). Cross-sectional findings were essentially replicated in the longitudinal analysis extended to nine-year follow-up. Our results suggest a multi-domain health model can predict objective but not subjective measures of successful aging.
Serum- and Glucocorticoid-Regulated Kinase 1 Is Required for Nuclear Export of the Ribonucleoprotein of Influenza A Virus

ABSTRACT We previously performed a small interfering RNA (siRNA) screen and identified serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) as a host factor required for influenza A virus replication. However, the role of SGK1 in the influenza viral life cycle has never been examined. In this study, we demonstrate that SGK1 is required for optimal replication of influenza virus, using the SGK1 inhibitor GSK 650394 and SGK1-specific siRNAs. We also demonstrate that SGK1 is required for viral ribonucleoprotein nuclear export.
The small non-coding RNA profile of mouse oocytes is modified during aging

Oocytes are reliant on messenger RNA (mRNA) stores to support their survival and integrity during a protracted period of transcriptional dormancy as they await ovulation. Oocytes are, however, known to experience an age-associated alteration in mRNA transcript abundance, a phenomenon that contributes to reduced developmental potential. Here we have investigated whether the expression profile of small non-protein-coding RNAs (sRNAs) is similarly altered in aged mouse oocytes. The application of high throughput sequencing revealed substantial changes to the global sRNA profile of germinal vesicle stage oocytes from young (4-6 weeks) and aged mice (14-16 months). Among these, 160 endogenous small-interfering RNAs (endo-siRNAs) and 10 microRNAs (miRNAs) were determined to differentially accumulate within young and aged oocytes. Further, we revealed decreased expression of two members of the kinesin protein family, Kifc1 and Kifc5b, in aged oocytes; family members selectively targeted for expression regulation by endo-siRNAs of elevated abundance. The implications of reduced Kifc1 and Kifc5b expression were explored using complementary siRNA-mediated knockdown and pharmacological inhibition strategies, both of which led to increased rates of aneuploidy in otherwise healthy young oocytes. Collectively, our data raise the prospect that altered sRNA abundance, specifically endo-siRNA abundance, could influence the quality of the aged oocyte.
Monitoring of Motor Tracts With Spinal Cord Stimulation

Study Design Sensory- and motor-evoked potentials were recorded after high thoracic (T2) epidural electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. Under general anesthesia, 22 cats underwent single or repetitive spinal cord stimulation. Objectives Sensory-evoked potentials were recorded after antidromic activation of the posterior column sensory fibers at lower electrical intensities (<5 V). Motor tract activation was accomplished by recording the ventral root and muscle action potential using single pulse stimulation (>50 V). Methods Sensory-evoked potentials were recorded from the lumbar spinal cord (n = 20), dorsal root (n = 80), and peroneal nerve (n = 40). Motor-evoked potentials were recorded from the ventral root (n = 40) and the hindlimb musculature (n = 10). Results The lumbar spinal-evoked response resisted lesioning and showed a minimal change after a spinal cord hemisection. Dorsal rhizotomy abolished the ipsilateral peroneal nerve action potential, indicating antidromic activation of afferent fibers. Motor responses did not change after the dorsal rhizotomy, suggesting involvement of nonsensory pathways. Conclusions These findings indicate that spinal cord stimulation activates sensory and motor tracts that can be recorded at various sites along the central or the peripheral nervous system.
Continuous Intrathecal Morphine Infusion in Patients With Vertebral Fractures Due to Osteoporosis

ObjectivesVertebral fractures are the most common consequences of severe osteoporosis. The chronic pain from collapse of osteoporotic vertebrae affects quality of life (QOL) and autonomy of patients. The management of pain with oral or transdermal opiates can cause severe side effects. Continuous intrathecal administration of morphine via an implantable pump might represent an alternative therapy to conventional oral or transdermal administration of opioids and has some advantages and disadvantages for pain relief and improvement in QOL when compared with conventional opioid delivery. It is our objective to report our experience using intrathecal delivery of analgesics in a population of patients with refractory pain due to vertebral fractures. Materials and MethodsIn 24 patients, refractory to conventional delivery of opioids, we used intrathecal analgesic therapy. To test for efficacy and improvement in QOL, we administered the visual analog scale for pain and the Questionnaire of the European Foundation of Osteoporosis (QUALEFFO). Before patients were selected for pump implantation, an intraspinal drug delivery trial was performed to monitor side effects and responses to intrathecal therapy. ResultsSignificant pain relief was obtained in all implanted patients. Using the QUALEFFO, we observed significant improvement of all variables such as quality of daily life, domestic work, ambulation, and perception of health status, before and after 1 year after pump implantation. With intrathecal morphine infusion, none of the 24 patients required additional systemic analgesic medication. The mean morphine dose during the spinal trial was 11.28 mg/d, 7.92 mg/d at pump implantation, and 16.32 mg/d at 1-year follow-up. ConclusionsOur results show that intrathecal administration of morphine efficiently relieves the symptoms of pain and improves QOL. Continuous intrathecal administration of morphine appears to be an alternative therapy to conventional analgesic drug delivery and has advantages in those patients who have severe side effects with systemic administration of analgesics.
Cholecystectomy for Biliary Dyskinesia in Gastroparesis: Mimic or Misfortune?

Objectives Biliary dyskinesia and gastroparesis are associated with upper abdominal discomfort and dyspeptic symptoms in the absence of structural abnormalities. We hypothesized that the similarity in symptoms would trigger testing and surgical treatment for biliary abnormalities in a significant number of patients, with refractory symptoms ultimately demonstrating impairment of gastric function. Methods The study was designed as a retrospective review of patients seen between April 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009. Patients were identified using diagnosis code for gastroparesis (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code 536.3). Demographic information, duration, etiology and severity of disease, coexisting psychiatric illness, pain and functional gastrointestinal disorders, medication use, and abdominal surgery with a focus on cholecystectomy were abstracted from the medical records. Results A total of 131 patients were identified. Women predominated (77.86%), and the idiopathic form of gastroparesis was the most common etiology. A total of 59 (45%) patients had undergone cholecystectomies. Although symptomatic cholelithiasis was the primary indication, more than one-third of these patients underwent surgery for biliary dyskinesia (n = 19) or chronic acalculous cholecystitis (n = 2). In this subgroup, improvement was either absent (n = 13) or transient only (n = 8), lasting for 1.0 ± 0.6 months. Patients who underwent cholecystectomy were younger compared with the rest of the group; all other variables did not show significant differences. Conclusions Considering the overlap and correlation between gastric and gallbladder function, we should raise the threshold for biliary dyskinesia and reassess the appropriateness of surgical therapy, especially in patients with coexisting dyspeptic symptoms.
Characterizing the Hyperchaotic Dynamics of a Semiconductor Laser Subject to Optical Feedback Via Permutation Entropy

The time evolution of the output of a semiconductor laser subject to delayed optical feedback can exhibit high-dimensional chaotic fluctuations. In this contribution, our aim is to quantify the degree of unpredictability of this hyperchaotic time evolution. To that end, we estimate permutation entropy, a novel information-theory-derived quantifier particularly robust in a noisy environment. The permutation entropy is defined as a functional of a symbolic probability distribution, evaluated using the Bandt-Pompe recipe to assign a probability distribution function to the time series generated by the chaotic system. This measure quantifies the diversity of orderings present in the associated time series. In order to evaluate the performance of this novel quantifier, we compare with the results obtained by using a more standard chaos quantifier, namely the Kolmogorov-Sinai entropy. Here, we present numerical results showing that the permutation entropy, evaluated at specific time-scales involved in the chaotic regime of the semiconductor laser subject to optical feedback, give valuable information about the degree of unpredictability of the chaotic laser dynamics. The influence of additive observational noise on the proposed tool is also investigated.
The effects of dynamical substructure on Milky Way mass estimates from the high-velocity tail of the local stellar halo

We investigate the impact of dynamical streams and substructure on estimates of the local escape speed and total mass of Milky-Way-mass galaxies from modelling the high-velocity tail of local halo stars. We use a suite of high-resolution magnetohydrodynamical cosmological zoom-in simulations that resolve phase space substructure in local volumes around solar-like positions. We show that phase space structure varies significantly between positions in individual galaxies and across the suite. Substructure populates the high-velocity tail unevenly and leads to discrepancies in the mass estimates. We show that a combination of streams, sample noise, and truncation of the high-velocity tail below the escape speed leads to a distribution of mass estimates with a median that falls below the true value by ∼20 per cent ∼20 per cent ⁠, and a spread of a factor of 2 across the suite. Correcting for these biases, we derive a revised value for the Milky Way mass presented in Deason et al. of 1.29 +0.37 −0.47 × 10 12 M ⊙ 1.29−0.47+0.37×1012M⊙ ⁠.
An Explicitly Relational Neural Network Architecture

With a view to bridging the gap between deep learning and symbolic AI, we present a novel end-to-end neural network architecture that learns to form propositional representations with an explicitly relational structure from raw pixel data. In order to evaluate and analyse the architecture, we introduce a family of simple visual relational reasoning tasks of varying complexity. We show that the proposed architecture, when pre-trained on a curriculum of such tasks, learns to generate reusable representations that better facilitate subsequent learning on previously unseen tasks when compared to a number of baseline architectures. The workings of a successfully trained model are visualised to shed some light on how the architecture functions.
A massive cluster at z = 0.288 caught in the process of formation: The case of Abell 959

The largest galaxy clusters are observed still to be forming through major cluster-cluster mergers, often showing observational signatures such as radio relics and giant radio haloes. Using LOFAR Two-meter Sky Survey data, we present new detections of both a radio halo (with a spectral index of $\alpha_{143}^{1400}=1.48^{+0.06}_{-0.23}$) and a likely radio relic in Abell 959, a massive cluster at a redshift of z=0.288. Using a sample of clusters with giant radio haloes from the literature (80 in total), we show that the radio halo in A959 lies reasonably well on the scaling relations between the thermal and non-thermal power of the system. Additionally, we find evidence that steep-spectrum haloes tend to reside in clusters with high X-ray luminosities relative to those expected from cluster LM scaling relations, indicating that such systems may preferentially lie at an earlier stage of the merger, consistent with the theory that some steep-spectrum haloes result from low-turbulence mergers. Lastly, we find that halo systems containing radio relics tend to lie at lower X-ray luminosities, relative to those expected from cluster LM scaling relations, for a given halo radio power than those without relics, suggesting that the presence of relics indicates a later stage of the merger, in line with simulations.