Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Social Mobility and Promotion of Officers to Senior Ranks in the Royal Navy: Meritocracy or Class Ceiling?

This article examines the extent to which socioeconomic background affects the chances of promotion to senior ranks within the Royal Navy and how the upwardly mobile often face a “class ceiling. ” The researchers collected quantitative data within the Royal Navy. The research found a disproportionate overrepresentation of officers from socioeconomically advantaged backgrounds, creating a homogenous upper echelon and self-selecting elite hierarchy. The authors argue for the systematic collection of socioeconomic background data and longitudinal analysis to focus efforts toward engendering the conditions for social mobility and the ability to quantitatively assess the impact of policy changes on future social mobility outcomes. The research contributes to understand contemporary social mobility issues and is the first quantitative analysis of Royal Navy officers’ socioeconomic backgrounds. The research provides perspectives on which other Armed Forces (including the United States) that face diversity issues could reflect. The article repositions military issues in mainstream academic discourse.
Effect of Irradiation by Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation on Lower Limb Extensor Muscle Force in Adults

Background and purpose: This study aims at comparing the effectiveness of PNF technique applied by upper extremity and lower extremity on opposite lower limb muscle strength in adults. Method: 200 subjects including both males and females of age 20-35 years were recruited. All selected subjects were randomly divided into 4 groups according to the PNF pattern applied to them through lottery system. PNF patterns were applied isometrically at final position and isotonically throughout the ROM on contralateral upper and lower limb (dominant). A pre-test post-test same subject design was used in which the maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) of the extension forces of non-dominant lower limb was measured during isometric PNF pattern at final position and after isotonic PNF patterns. Each subject received a two session of PNF. A strain gauge measured the extension force of lower limb. Results: In subjects, the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of extension force of non-dominant lower limb improved significantly while performing extension PNF pattern (extension-abduction-internal rotation) on dominant lower limb. Discussion and conclusion: The extension force of the opposite lower limb increased more with PNF pattern of contralateral lower limb than contralateral upper limb and in lower limb homologous pattern was most effective than non-homologous pattern. The result suggests that possible mechanism can be explained by “cross activation” hypothesis and the excitability of non-decussated descending motor fibers, coticospinal tract fibers.
Novel computational methods using coded patient phenotypes to enhance disease gene identification

With the sequencing of the genomes of individuals with rare Mendelian disease becoming routine, there is an emerging challenge in identifying and quantifying similarity between individual’s phenotypes to assist in the identification of commonalities in the genetic variation contributing to disease. Whilst it is relatively easy to assess genetic similarities between individuals, it is less trivial to assess phenotypic similarity due to the complexity of phenotypic information. One route to systematically estimate similarity between phenotypes utilises computational approaches applied to standardised machine-readable phenotypic descriptors, such as those in the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) or structured patient questionnaires. This thesis describes advances in the representation of clinical phenotypes in machine-readable controlled vocabulary within the context of genetic studies of both the diagnosis of monogenic disease patients, and common variant association analysis of severe acne subtypes. When using genome sequencing for the genetic diagnosis of individuals with rare Mendelian diseases, a virtual gene panel approach is often taken wherein only a curated list of genes suspected to cause a phenotype are considered. With the number of known monogenic disease-gene pairs exceeding 5,000, manual curation of personalised gene panels based on the entire human phenotypic spectrum is challenging. Methods have previously been developed that formalise the approach using the patient phenotype to generate candidate genes, requiring both patients and known disorders to be defined in standardised machine-readable terms. Work in this project has investigated the ways by which established phenotypic descriptions (OMIM free-text) can be further leveraged using simple quantification of disease
Symmetric coplanar waveguide sensor loaded with interdigital capacitor for permittivity characterization

This article presents the developing of interdigital capacitor (IDC) based symmetric coplanar waveguide (CPW) sensor to characterize the complex permittivity of unknown dielectric sheets. The symmetric structure is realized by using two identical 3 dB CPW dividers where each branch is loaded with an IDC unit. The proposed method is designed using three, five, and seven fingers of the IDC unit, and the measurement sensitivity is analyzed accordingly. The permittivity of tested samples is extracted by the genetic algorithm. To validate the robust sensing performance of the proposed method, simulation and experimental tests are performed and analyzed, and the accuracy is compared with published values. The proposed method gives the maximum error of 3.42%. With the feature of high‐sensitivity, the proposed sensor can be used as an excellent candidate for determining the permittivity of materials in microwave frequencies.
Polymorphisms in Human Cytomegalovirus gO Exert Epistatic Influences on Cell-Free and Cell-To-Cell Spread, and Antibody Neutralization on gH Epitopes

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) glycoproteins H and L (gH/gL) can be bound by either gO, or the UL128-131 proteins to form complexes that facilitate entry and spread and the complexes formed are important targets of neutralizing antibodies. Strains of HCMV vary considerably in the levels of gH/gL/gO and gH/gL/UL128-131 and this can impact infectivity and cell tropism. In this report, we investigated how natural interstrain variation in the amino acid sequence of gO influences the biology of HCMV. Heterologous gO recombinants were constructed in which 6 of the 8 alleles or genotypes (GT) of gO were analyzed in the backgrounds of strain TR and Merlin (ME). The levels of gH/gL complexes were not affected, but there were impacts on entry, spread and neutralization by anti-gH antibodies. AD169 (AD) gO (GT1a) drastically reduced cell-free infectivity of both strains on fibroblasts and epithelial cells. PHgO(GT2a) increased cell-free infectivity of TR in both cell types, but spread in fibroblasts was impaired. In contrast, spread of ME in both cell types was enhanced by Towne (TN) gO (GT4), despite similar cell-free infectivity. TR expressing TNgO(GT4) was resistant to neutralization by anti-gH antibodies AP86 and 14-4b, whereas ADgO(GT1a) conferred resistance to 14-4b, but enhanced neutralization by AP86. Conversely, ME expressing ADgO(GT1a) was more resistant to 14-4b. These results suggest; 1) mechanistically distinct roles for gH/gL/gO in cell-free and cell-to-cell spread, 2) gO isoforms can differentially shield the virus from neutralizing antibodies, and 3) effects of gO polymorphisms are epistatically dependent on other variable loci. IMPORTANCE Advances in HCMV population genetics have greatly outpaced understanding of the links between genetic diversity and phenotypic variation. Moreover, recombination between genotypes may shuffle variable loci into various combinations with unknown outcomes. UL74(gO) is an important determinant of HCMV infectivity, and one of the most diverse loci in the viral genome. By analyzing interstrain heterologous UL74(gO) recombinants, we show that gO diversity can have dramatic impacts on cell-free and cell-to-cell spread as well as on antibody neutralization and that the manifestation of these impacts can be subject to epistatic influences of the global genetic background. These results highlight the potential limitations of laboratory studies of HCMV biology that use single, isolated genotypes or strains.
Clinical features and laboratory inspection of novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) in Xiangyang, Hubei

Background: Since December 2019, a novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) rapidly spread in China, reached multiple continents currently.We aimed to reveal the infectious characteristics of COVID-19 that provide more information for the research of novel coronavirus. Methods: We performed a retrospective study on the clinical characteristics of 128 COVID-19 cases with laboratory-confirmed from Xiangyang No 1 Hospitalad during January 2020 to 16 February 2020. Results: Female patients account for 53.1%. The aged below 20 years that accounts for 1.6% of overall patients. The aged in 21~50, 51~65, over 66 years were accounts for 44.5%, 35.1%,18.8%, respectively. In the difference age spectrum, all severe groups compared with non-severe groups were difference significantly ( P < 0.01 ). Fever ( 89.8% ) and Cough ( 67.2% ) were common clinical symptoms. The rate of patients with sore throats (14.1%) was rare. The rate of chest computed tomography scan showing ground glass opacity in overall, non-severe, severe groups were 63.3%, 60.7%, 76.2%, respectively. White blood cell counts in the normal range of overall patients, but severe group patients were increased significantly ( P < 0.01). Lymphocytes of overall patients were decreased. Alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in the normal range of overall patients, but its were elevated in the severe group. Creatinine (CR) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of overall patients in the normal range. C-reactive protein (CRP) level of all patients were increased markedly, but it in the severe group was significantly higher than that in the non-severe group ( P < 0.01 ). Conclusions: Our data provide more information that advanced age, lower lymphocytes levels at the diagnosed COVID-19 patients may be a risk factor for unfavourable prognosis. The white blood cells and C-reactive protein level elevated in severe COVID-19 patients may be accompanying bacterial infection. 2019-nCov may be carries a risk factor of impaired liver and kidney function.
A Suggested Approach to Overcoming Obstacles of Learning Chemistry for Ninth Grader Students in The Syrian Arab Republic-Idlib Suburb Refugee Camps as Perceived by Teachers and Students

This study aims to identify the obstacles of learning chemistry for ninth grade students in Syrian Arab Republic-Idlib Suburb Refugee camps and suggest solutions to overcome these obstacles. The study followed an analytical descriptive approach using two questionnaires of (58) items of questions for teachers and (18) for students.The population of the study included (27) teachers of chemistry and (91) ninth grade in schools in students in Idlib Refugee camps between 2016 and 2018. The SPSS program adopted for the analysis of data and the statistical study showed the following results: the obstacles identified by teachers included tools, materials, and structures of laboratories as the most significant, as well as the situation of schools and the education environment in the camps. Students also identified obstacles related to tools, materials, and the structure of laboratories, then difficulties with teachers, availability and content of chemistry textbooks, and finally personal or interpersonal difficulties. The results showed there are no statistically significant differences at the level (0.05) between the estimates of chemistry teachers or students regarding obstacles related to gender. Similarly there were no statistically significant differences at the level (0.05) between the estimates of chemistry teachers regarding the variable number of years of experience or degree of university qualification or variable number of schools in which teachers teach, and statistically significant difference at the level (0.01) due to variable number of schools in which teachers teach.
The Effects of Posture on Neck Flexion Angle While Using a Smartphone according to Duration

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine changes in the neck flexion angle according to posture while using a smartphone and the duration of smartphone usage. METHODS: The subjects in this study were 16 healthy young students in their 20s. The subjects wore a cervical range of motion instrument. They were instructed to use a smartphone while standing, sitting on a chair, and sitting on the floor. In all postures, they could use the smartphone and use their arms freely while keeping their back connected to the wall or the back of the chair. When sitting on the floor, they assumed a cross-legged position. The neck flexion angle was measured at zero, three, six, and nine minutes for each posture. RESULTS: Neck flexion is affected by the posture while using a smartphone (p<.05). Neck flexion in the standing position is larger than that in the sitting on the floor position. Neck flexion was affected by smartphone usage duration (p<.05). In general, as usage time increases, the neck flexion angle increases as well. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that using smartphone in the standing position and for a short period of time is a method to reduce the neck flexion angle.
Latest developments on the shielding effectiveness measurements of materials and gaskets in reverberation chambers

In this study, the authors present the latest developments on the measurements for the shielding effectiveness (SE) of gaskets and materials in reverberation chambers (RCs). A variant method, where the insertion loss of the fixture is achieved from the SE of the fixture with no sample in the aperture is found; it is appropriate for gaskets and for any flat material having a sufficiently high reflectivity at least on one side. A simple and usable condition under which the simplest method for the SE measurements of gaskets and materials in RCs can be used is also given, as well as particular cases where it can be directly applied are shown. This method, whose applicability is enhanced in this study, can be used for gaskets and any flat sample. Such developments simplify measurement setup and associated procedures. Comparisons of results support the methods for the SE measurements of gaskets and material in RCs shown in this study.
A study to assess delays in reporting time and completion of treatment at anti rabies clinic, JA group of hospitals, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

Background: Rabies in humans is 100% preventable through prompt appropriate medical care. 20,000 people are estimated to die every year from rabies in India primarily because of stray dogs. Rabies continues to be a public health problem in India as there is no organised system of surveillance of rabies cases and there is hence a lack of reliable data. The present study was undertaken to assess reporting time to medical facility, timely completion of vaccination and use of indigenous treatment. Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted for the duration of six months in anti-rabies clinic of Madhav dispensary at J.A. group of hospitals Gwalior. All newly registered patients who consented to participate were included in the study. The sample size calculated was 1200 and the tool for collecting information was a semi structured questionnaire. Results: 46.09% cases reported within >24-72 hours, 21.40% within >72 hours to 07 days while 18.17% cases reported to medical facility after seven days. Financial problem was the cause of delay in maximum (35.83%) number of cases. 62.95% (712) cases delayed the completion of treatment. 51.50% took one or more type of indigenous/home treatment. Conclusion: Health education about consequences of animal bite and their appropriate vaccination including wound management should be promoted through media and other channels. Indigenous methods of treatment should be discouraged .
Effect of GA3, NAA and biofertilizers on seedling growth of custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) cv. local

The research experiment was carried out on “Effect of GA3, NAA and biofertilizers on seedling growth of custard apple ( Annona squamosa L.) cv. Local” at Horticultural B. Anand during Kharif-Rabi season of the year 2018-19. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) having ten treatment combinations, comprising of three levels of growth regulators viz., GA3 @ 50, 75 and 100 mg/l, NAA @ 50, 75 and 100 mg/l, and biofertilizers viz., Azatobactor, Azospirillum and Bio NPK consortia each of 5 ml/l of water as a seed soaking for 24 hours before sowing. The treatments were repeated thrice. Among all the treatments, GA3 @ 100 mg/l treatment recorded significantly maximum height of seedling, diameter of seedling, number of leaves per seedling, leaf area, chlorophyll content, seedling length, fresh weight of seedling and dry weight of seedling.
The Effects of Quizlet on Secondary School Students’ Vocabulary Learning and Attitudes Towards English

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Quizlet online vocabulary application on vocabulary learning skills and attitudes towards English course. The pretest-posttest control group quasi-experimental design was used in the study. The study group consisted of 71 ninth grade students who were studying in Eskisehir in the 2018-2019 academic year. English Language Attitude Scale and Vocabulary Test were used to collect data. In the experimental and control groups, a total of eight lessons were conducted in four weeks. The data were collected before and after the implementation phase and analyzed by quantitative and descriptive analysis. The vocabulary post-test and retention test scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than the control group (p<0.05). The retention test in the experimental group showed a significant increase compared to the post-test, whereas a significant decrease was found in the control group (p<0.05). On the other hand, the positive attitude towards the English course showed a significant increase in the experimental group (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the control group. In addition, the Quizlet application has made the lesson more fun, and it has increased the interest and motivation of the students, and facilitated vocabulary learning. Quizlet online vocabulary practice makes an important contribution to students’ vocabulary learning, the persistence of the vocabulary learned, and to developing positive attitudes towards English.
Feedbacks Between Surface Deformation and Permafrost Degradation in Ice Wedge Polygons, Arctic Coastal Plain, Alaska

In the past three decades, an abrupt, pan‐Arctic acceleration of ice wedge melting has transformed tundra landscapes, spurring the formation of hummock‐like features known as high‐centered polygons (HCPs). This rapid geomorphic transition profoundly alters regional hydrology and influences surface emissions of CO2 and CH4. In Arctic Alaska, most recent instances of ice wedge degradation have arrested within 15–20 years of inception, stabilizing HCP microtopography. However, feedbacks between ground surface deformation and permafrost stability are incompletely understood, limiting our capacity to predict trajectories of landscape evolution in a still warmer future. Here, we use field data from a site near Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to develop a modeling‐based framework for assessing the strength of positive (i.e., exacerbating) feedbacks on ice wedge degradation, focusing on the importance of heterogeneity in surface drainage and microtopographic conditions. Our simulations suggest that, when troughs are narrow, positive feedbacks on ice wedge melting (associated with thermokarst pool formation) are relatively weak. Positive feedbacks are markedly stronger beneath wide troughs, such as those that form above older, larger ice wedges. Seasonal thaw abruptly accelerates once a talik begins to form beneath wide and deep thermokarst pools. Once a talik initiates, winter severity and snowpack thickness increase in importance as predictors of thaw intensity in summer. Our results indicate that meter‐scale heterogeneity in polygonal microtopography potentially exerts strong, nonlinear controls on thermokarst trajectories. These findings are useful for predicting future thermokarst dynamics and for interpreting the results from coarser‐resolution land surface models operating at greater spatial and temporal scales.
Are workflow interruptions a hindrance stressor? The moderating effect of time-management skill.

Workflow interruptions are a pervasive job stressor detrimental to employee job performance and wellbeing. Previous studies noted that the detrimental effect was intervened by increased job demands (i.e., demand accumulation mechanism). Yet, little attention has been paid to employees’ stressor appraisal, a critical mechanism of stress process from transactional perspective. Moreover, we lack of knowledge about what malleable, action-based coping strategies can reduce the negative effect of workflow interruptions. To address these limitations, we collected data from a sample of IT professionals using a 5-day daily diary design. With 330 daily observations from 75 employees, the findings revealed that by controlling for the mediating effect of time pressure (i.e., demand accumulation mechanism), hindrance appraisal mediated the negative relationship between workflow interruptions and task performance as well as the positive relationship between workflow interruptions and psychological distress. More importantly, time-management skill was found to buffer the relationship between workflow interruptions and hindrance appraisal through which it further weakens the relationship of workflow interruptions with task performance and with psychological distress. Theoretical contributions and practical implications are discussed.
Assessing the effectiveness of interactional feedback for L2 acquisition: Issues and challenges

Abstract How to correct learner errors has long been of interest to both language teachers and second language acquisition (SLA) researchers. One way of doing so is through interactional feedback, which refers to feedback provided on learners' erroneous utterances during conversational interaction. Various theoretical claims have been made regarding the beneficial effects of interactional feedback, and over the years a considerable body of research has examined its effectiveness. In this context, a central and challenging question has always been how to determine whether such feedback is effective for language learning. Studies investigating the role of feedback have used various measures to assess its usefulness. In this paper, I will begin with a brief overview of the recent studies examining interactional feedback, with a focus on how its effectiveness has been assessed. I will then examine the various measures used in both descriptive and experimental research and discuss the issues associated with such measures. I will conclude with what continues to pose us a challenge in assessing the role of feedback and offer some recommendations to inform future research in this area.