Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel Wide Area Multiple Azimuth Beam ISAR Imaging System

A novel multiple azimuth beams (MAB) inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) system, as well as, the corresponding processing algorithms are proposed in this paper, which is a promising technology for wide area surveillance (WAS). This system concept is intended to obtain wide area ISAR images of multiple moving targets, which would greatly increase the surveillance velocity range compared with the single beam system. The antenna transmits a sequence of high-gain and narrow radar beams to quickly scan a wide area, and receives the echoes from all the subswaths simultaneously. Two processing methods based on digital beamforming (DBF) are presented to separate the overlapped signals for achieving the wide area ISAR images. The performance of the proposed system is analyzed from the perspectives of the surveillance area, surveillance velocity range, and steering angle error. Finally, an exemplary ISAR system is presented and verified by the simulation experiments.
Education for Bilingualism: Connecting Spanish and English from the Curriculum, into the Classroom, and Beyond

I present here the results of a qualitative research study on the impact of a curriculum that connects learning events in Spanish and English in authentic communicative performances during its first year of use in a private school in a medium-size Colombian city. I did discourse analysis of interviews with participating teachers and class observations including small in-situ interviews with teachers and students. They revealed positive changes in the language learning environments of the school, the teachers’ ideas about language and language learning, and the students’ communicative skills and ways of learning. I use these results to introduce the concept of education for bilingualism to replace that of bilingual education we use in Colombia. I find the practices of the latter ineffective in our mostly monolingual context. Presento aqui los resultados de una investigacion cualitativa sobre el impacto de un curriculo que conecta eventos de aprendizaje en espanol e ingles en desempenos autenticos comunicativos durante su primer ano de uso en un colegio privado de una ciudad intermedia colombiana. Hice un analisis discursivo de entrevistas con los maestros participantes y observaciones de clase que incluyeron pequenas entrevistas in­situ con maestros y alumnos. El analisis revela cambios positivos en los ambientes de aprendizaje de lengua del colegio, las ideas de los maestros sobre la lengua y su aprendizaje, las habilidades comunicativas de los alumnos y sus formas de aprender. Uso estos resultados para introducir el concepto de educacion para el bilinguismo, en contraposicion al de educacion bilingue que usamos en Colombia, cuyas practicas encuentro inapropiadas para nuestro contexto, mayoritariamente monolingue.
Back to Basics: The Role of Teaching in Developing the Entrepreneurial University

The literature on entrepreneurial universities focuses on the close collaboration between academia, industry and government, and on the contribution of tertiary level education to society and the economy. Little attention has been paid to the role of teaching in developing the entrepreneurial university, despite the active research on entrepreneurship education. In addressing this research gap, this paper provides a theoretical discussion of the role of teaching in this context. The authors suggest that the challenges are connected primarily to issues of content and pedagogy, depending on the tasks and the university setting.
Equilibrium sorption study of Al3+, Co2+ and Ag+ in aqueous solutions by fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis HOOK f) waste biomass

An ensemble of equilibrium sorption techniques was combined to study the influence of ionic radius on the sorption characteristics of Al 3 + , Co 2 + and Ag + by fluted pumpkin waste biomass. The experimental results were analyzed in terms of five two-parameter adsorption isotherm equations - the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Flory-Huggins isotherms. According to the evaluation using Langmuir equation, the monolayer sorption capacity obtained was 16.98 mg/g, 10.34 mg/g and 8.03 mg/g for Al 3 + , Co 2 + and Ag + respectively. The data further showed that, the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms described the data appropriable than Temkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Flory-Huggins isotherms. The result showed that fluted pumpkin waste could be used for the removal of Af + , Co 2 + and Ag + from wastewater and ionic radius influences the rate of metal ion migration to the biomass surface and the adsorption intensity of the metal.
Possible nitric oxide modulation in protective effect of FK-506 against 3-nitropropionic acid-induced behavioral, oxidative, neurochemical, and mitochondrial alterations in rat brain

FK-506 is an immunosuppressant being widely used for allograft rejection cases in the present clinical scenario. Recently, the neuroprotective effect of FK-506 has also been reported against a number of neurodegenerative diseases in rodents. This study was designed to explore the possible protective effect of FK-506 and its interaction with nitric-oxide modulators against 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP)-induced behavioural, biochemical, neurochemical, and mitochondrial alterations in striatum, cortex, and hippocampus regions of the brain. Systemic administration of 3-nitropropionic acid produces Huntington-like symptoms in rats. 3-NP (10 mg/kg) treatment for 14 days impaired locomotor activity, grip strength, and body weight. 3-NP treatment significantly raised malondialdehyde, nitrite concentration, depleted antioxidant enzymes (SOD and catalase), and levels of bioamines (dopamine and norepinephrine) in striatum, cortex, and hippocampus areas of rat brain. Significant alterations in mitochondrial enzyme complexes (I, II, and IV) activities and mitochondrial redox activity have also been altered significantly by 3-NP. Pretreatment with FK-506 (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg) significantly reversed these behavioral, biochemical, and cellular alterations. L-arginine treatment with a subeffective dose FK-506 (1 mg/kg) reversed the protective effect of FK-506. However, L-NAME pretreatment with FK-506 (1 mg/kg) potentiated the protective effect of FK-506. The present study shows that FK-506 attenuates 3-NP-induced neurotoxicity and nitric-oxide modulation might be involved in its protective action.
Potential change in forest types and stand heights in central Siberia in a warming climate

Previous regional studies in Siberia have demonstrated climate warming and associated changes in distribution of vegetation and forest types, starting at the end of the 20th century. In this study we used two regional bioclimatic envelope models to simulate potential changes in forest types distribution and developed new regression models to simulate changes in stand height in tablelands and southern mountains of central Siberia under warming 21st century climate. Stand height models were based on forest inventory data (2850 plots). The forest type and stand height maps were superimposed to identify how heights would change in different forest types in future climates. Climate projections from the general circulation model Hadley HadCM3 for emission scenarios B1 and A2 for 2080s were paired with the regional bioclimatic models. Under the harsh A2 scenario, simulated changes included: a 80%–90% decrease in forest-tundra and tundra, a 30% decrease in forest area, a ∼400% increase in forest-steppe, and a 2200% increase in steppe, forest-steppe and steppe would cover 55% of central Siberia. Under sufficiently moist conditions, the southern and middle taiga were simulated to benefit from 21st century climate warming. Habitats suitable for highly-productive forests (≥30–40 m stand height) were simulated to increase at the expense of less productive forests (10–20 m). In response to the more extreme A2 climate the area of these highly-productive forests would increase 10%–25%. Stand height increases of 10 m were simulated over 35%–50% of the current forest area in central Siberia. In the extremely warm A2 climate scenario, the tall trees (25–30 m) would occur over 8%–12% of area in all forest types except forest-tundra by the end of the century. In forest-steppe, trees of 30–40 m may cover some 15% of the area under sufficient moisture.
Genetic diversity of two lake minnow, Eupallasella percnurus (Pall.), populations based on microsatellite DNA polymorphism

Genetic diversity of two lake minnow, Eupallasella percnurus (Pall.), populations based on microsatellite DNA polymorphism Two populations of lake minnow, Eupallasella percnurus (Pall.), from Bledzewo and Kowalicha were investigated. The Bledzewo population has existed for many decades, while Kowalicha was established between 2004 and 2006 by translocations of cultured juveniles. The genetic variation and genetic distance between these populations was evaluated. The size of the genetic bottleneck/founder effect that affected genetic variation was also investigated. In most of the examined microsatellite loci, only 2-3 alleles/population were detected. Heterozygosity across the investigated loci was low with ranges of Ho: 0.24-0.45 and He: 0.24-0.50. Both populations remained at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The M value was low, and suggested a reduction in the genetic variation because of the founder/bottleneck effect. The genetic distance between populations was high (FST 0.23, δμ2 2.96). High genetic differences existing between the investigated E. percnurus populations and possibly other ones suggest that the inter-population translocations of this species should be preceded by an evaluation of the genetic differences existing between source and destination populations. Ocena polimorfizmu genetycznego dwóch populacji strzebli błotnej Eupallasella percnurus (Pall.) na podstawie sekwencji mikrosatelitarnego DNA Przebadano populacje strzebli błotnej zamieszkujące zbiorniki Bledzewo i Kowalicha. Populacja z Bledzewa istnieje od wielu dziesięcioleci, zaś populacja z Kowalichy została utworzona pomiędzy 2004 i 2006 rokiem przez translokację młodocianych osobników z warunków hodowlanych. Oszacowano zmienność genetyczną w obrębie badanych populacji oraz dystans genetyczny istniejący pomiędzy nimi. Przeprowadzono szacowanie skali efektu genetycznego wąskiego gardła, jak i efektu założyciela, jako czynnika oddziaływującego na poziom zróżnicowania genetycznego badanych populacji. W obrębie większości przebadanych loci mikrosatelitarnych wykryto zaledwie 2-3 allele w każdej populacji. Średnia heterozygotyczność, określona dla przebadanych loci, była niska i zawierała się w przedziale (Ho 0,24-0,45 i He 0,24-0,50). W obu populacjach nie wykryto odstępstw od równowagi Hardy'ego-Weingerga. Wartości wskaźnika M były niskie i wskazywały na redukcję zmienności genetycznej obu populacji jako konsekwencje efektu genetycznego wąskiego gardła lub założyciela. Dystans genetyczny pomiędzy badanymi populacjami był znaczny (FST 0,23, δμ2 2,96). Znaczne różnice genetyczne istniejące pomiędzy badanymi i prawdopodobnie innymi populacjami strzebli błotnej sugerują, że międzypopulacyjne translokacje tego gatunku powinny być poprzedzane określeniem różnic genetycznych pomiędzy populacją źródłową i populacją docelową.
A Model of Responses to Race-Based and Gender-Based Stereotype Threat in Computer Science

A MODEL OF RESPONSES TO RACE-BASED AND GENDER-BASED STEREOTYPE THREAT IN COMPUTER SCIENCE Lara Tedrow Old Dominion University, 2009 Director: Dr. Donald D. Davis The perception of stereotype threat among computer science students was examined at two universities. A model of stereotype threat was developed and tested among students enrolled in three undergraduate computer science courses at two universities. The goal of this model was to provide an understanding of the underlying mechanisms through which stereotype threat works. The study tested relationships among the following variables: race-based stereotype threat, gender-based stereotype threat, goal orientation, CS self-efficacy, active coping, behavioral disengagement, effort, and performance. Structural equation modeling was used to test the measurement model and a series of nested structural models. Findings supported the proposed model of stereotype threat and most of the hypothesized relationships. Future directions and contributions of this research are discussed.
Firm performance and aspiration levels as determinants of a firm’s strategic repositioning within strategic group structures

Previous studies on strategic group dynamics have generated valuable insights into the industry-level determinants of changes in strategic group membership and group strategy. Complementary to this line of research, the present study focuses on the firm-level determinants underlying shifts in firm positioning within strategic group structures. Drawing on the behavioral theory of the firm, the study examines the influence of firm performance and performance aspirations on the extent to which firms strategically diverge from or converge towards their strategic groups. Empirical results from a longitudinal analysis of the strategic repositioning by 1191 US insurance firms over a 10-year time period (1999–2008) suggest that firms performing below aspirations show a greater inclination to diverge from their current strategic group than firms performing above aspirations. Industry conditions are found to moderate the relationship between performance aspirations and strategic divergence–convergence. The study’s findings highlight the influence of performance feedback on strategic group dynamics, and the importance of considering the interplay between firm-level and industry-level characteristics in explaining strategic group dynamics.
Association of serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D with lung function and fractional exhaled nitric oxide.

Vitamin D plays a major role in various physiological functions and body homeostasis. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status with lung functions and Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO). 113 (55 males and 58 females) apparently healthy participants were recruited. Participants were divided into two main groups based on their gender and vitamin D levels. Group 1 included male participants categorized according to deficient vitamin D level <30 ng/ml (n=35) and sufficient vitamin D level 30-80 ng/ml (n=20). The second group included 58 female participants with deficient vitamin D level <30 ng/ml (n=19) and sufficient vitamin D level 30-80 ng/ml (n=39). Vitamin D was measured by chemiluminescence immunoassays technique, lung Function parameters were recorded by using an electronic spirometer and Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) was measured by using Niox Mino. No association of vitamin D levels was found with reduced lung functions and FeNO levels.
Cognitive Behavioral Intervention to Improve Sleep Quality in Older Adults

Background: Poor sleep is reported in 50% of older adults, calling for an important need for identifying safe and effective alternatives to improve their sleep quality. Aim of the study: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of cognitive behavioral (CB) intervention on improving sleep quality in older adults. Design: A quasi-experimental pretest-and-posttest design was utilized to conduct this study. Setting: The study was conducted in the geriatric social club in Zagazig City. Sample: A purposive sample of 75 elderly subjects who fulfilled the study inclusion criteria. Tools: Three tools were used in the present study; the first tool was a structured interview questionnaire consisted of two parts, the second tool was The Sleep Hygiene Awareness and Practice Scale, and the third tool was The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: The results revealed post-intervention statistically significant improvements in PSQI components scores, PSQI global score, sleep hygiene knowledge, caffeine knowledge, sleep hygiene practice, and other sleep parameters as sleep latency and sleep efficiency. Conclusion: CB intervention is effective in improving elderly's sleep quality, and can be considered a safe and effective non-pharmacological approach to improve elderly's sleep quality. Recommendations: The developed CB intervention should be implemented in the study setting on a long term basis to test its sustainability, and in similar settings to confirm its effectiveness and for further improvements.
Association of ABO Blood Group and Body Mass Index: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Ghanaian Population

ABO blood group and body mass index (BMI) have individually been appraised as risk factors for certain diseases. From statistical perspective, it may be important to examine the relationship between the ABO blood antigen and BMI. This cross-sectional study involved 412 participants aged 18 to 46 at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi. Weight and height of participants were measured for BMI calculation; blood group determination was done using antisera. Blood group O was the most prevalent (51.2%), while Rhesus-positive individuals constituted 90.3%. 6.3% of the participants were obese, while 18.7% were overweight. There was significant (p=0.006) higher prevalence of obesity in females (10.3%) than in males (3.4%). The study did not observe any significant difference by association of ABO blood group with gender (p=0.973), BMI (p=0.307), or Rhesus status (p=0.723). Regarding gender (p=0.400) and BMI (p=0.197), no statistically significant difference was observed between Rhesus blood groups. The prevalence of overweight, obesity, blood type O, and rhesus positive observed among students in this study is largely similar to what has been reported in published studies in Ghana and from other countries. Overweight and obesity were not associated with ABO blood groups or Rhesus in this study.
Optimal treatment of chronic angina in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) trebles the risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD); once CAD has developed, the risk of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and clinical risk associated with a coronary event, both double in diabetic patients. Patients with T2DM have more extensive CAD and present at a younger age; therefore, identification and management of chronic angina in these patients presents an opportunity to limit both cardio- vascular symptoms and adverse outcomes. This article reviews the role of screening and treat- ment for chronic angina in patients with T2DM. There is a strong evidence base for modifying lifestyle as a way of reducing adverse cardiovascular outcomes in the diabetic population and this article reviews evidence of lifestyle modification as an important and necessary adjunct to pharmacologic intervention. Management of chronic stable angina is addressed by looking at treatments that reduce ischemic symptoms and those that reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Trials specific to the diabetic population are limited, with information largely obtained from the diabetic subgroup analysis of large intervention trials. The growing diabetic population with increased propensity to cardiovascular disease mandates trials specifically in this patient population. Revascularization in patients with diabetes is associated with more complications than in the non-diabetic population. Recent trials specific to this population suggest surgical revascularization to be associated with better long-term outcomes and therefore, this article reviews the evidence for the optimal mode of revascularization in this population.
Bullying effect on students ’ performance

This article seeks to measure the effect of bullying in math scores of students in the 6th grade of public elementary school in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil from a survey by Joaquim Nabuco Foundation in 2013. The methodology applied is Propensity Score Matching (PSM) in order to compare students who report having suffered bullying with a control group, consisting of students who did not suffer bullying. Specifically, we aim to understand the role of social emotional skills and their potential influence on bullying. The results suggest that bullying has a negative impact on performance in mathematics and that social emotional skills can help students deal with bullying. Several econometric techniques were used to circumvent endogeneity problems. To identify personality traits, we use a factor model that also serves to correct for prediction error bias. The sensitivity analysis indicated potential problems of omitted variables. The results indicate that anti-bullying programs should take into account social emotional skills. JEL classification: I21; I28; J24
Threat Analysis of Readers’ Unit in Ibrahim Babangida Library of Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola , Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) Approach

This paper identified four human threats affecting Readers’ unit of Ibrahim Babangida Library (IBL) of Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Yola. Data on threats were obtained using questionnaire and personal interview; the data obtained were analyzed using Analytic hierarchy Process (AHP). The results obtained revealed that reshuffle reshuffles is the severest threat with the weight (WSB = 0.289), stealing with the weight (WSA =0.282), mutilation (WSC = 0.263), and damage with the weight (WSD =0.143) is last. The result also shows that the most frequent threat is damage of material with the weight (WFD =0.358), next to it is reshuffle with weight (WFB = 0.337), mutilation with weight (WFC = 0.220) and lastly stealing with weight (WFA =0.085). We recommended that management should implore more strict security measures and also orientlibrary users on threats to library materials
Needs Analysis in ESP Context: Saudi Engineering Students as a Case Study.

Needs analysis can be a vital asset for teachers of English for specific purposes (ESP) to identify their learners’ key requirements or needs and determine the areas in which they are lacking skills. Against this background, this study was undertaken during the academic year 2015-16 to define the English language needs of engineering students (N= 200) majoring in civil engineering and industrial engineering. The data of this study was collected from different sources, including a classroom observation protocol, a questionnaire, and a semi-structured interview with both ESP and subject-matter teachers (SM) at Umm Al-Qura University. Results of the data analysis offered significant insights as to the teaching of ESP course. The study revealed that receptive skills (i.e., reading and listening) were mostly focused on in ESP classes. It has been also reported that writing and reading along with speaking skills were needed more than others. The data analysis helped to determine the most important language tasks in the context of engineering studies. Finally, a call was being made by both ESP and SM teachers to enhance the quality of the ESP course taught to engineering students by offering relevant suggestions. Based on these findings, the present study concluded with implications for course designers and recommendations for future studies.