Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
USING VISUAL AIDS AS AUTHENTIC MATERIAL IN ESL CLASSROOMS

The increasingly growing importance and use of English language has opened up doors of the continents and widened the horizons for ample of opportunities. Learning the language has become obvious for aspiring minds. The advent and advancement of technology has made it possible to transform English language lab into a mini theatre where visual clips or films can be shown. The soothing impact of visual aids is now recognized all over the world. The idea of using visual aids in ESL classroom is a kind of challenge to educate learners as it demands attention and interest. It is a new concept and is highly required keeping in mind the learners. Using visual aids can get unflinching attention and interest of the learners. Professional programs like Engineering, BBA, B.Sc etc. do offer some practical aspects in English language learning where students get a chance of entering into Language labs. This article is an effort that language learning becomes fun and an activity to look forward to if visual aids like clips, episodes, documentaries, films are part of the language learning process. Visual aids demand complete attention. It may also enhance imagination of the students and that may lead to skills like critical thinking, debates and Group Discussions. Language learning requires listening to the language attentively. If one watches a film his speaking, writing and listening skills are cultivated . The potential of visual aids to educate must be recognized in teaching-learning English.
Development and Validation of LC-MS/MS Method for Determination ofTestosterone Level in Human Saliva Using Lovastatin as Internal Standard

A rapid Liquid Chromatographic Tandem Mass Spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) assay for the measurement of testosterone level in human saliva was developed and validated using lovastatin as internal standard (IS). Retention times of testosterone and IS were around 3.2 and 3.8 min, respectively. Relationship between testosterone concentration and peak height ratio of testosterone to IS was linear (R 2 ≥ 0.98) in the range of 20-400 pg/ml, and the intra- and inter-day coefficient of variations (CV) were 4.7% to 9.5% and 6.5% to 11.3%, respectively. Quantification and detection limits were 20 and 10 pg/ml, respectively. Mean extraction recoveries were 80-93% for testosterone (four levels) and 81% for the IS. Stability of testosterone was determined under various conditions generally encountered in the clinical laboratory. The method was also successfully applied to determine testosterone level in saliva obtained from healthy subjects.
Improvement of Diabetic Microangiopathy With Pycnogenol®: A Prospective, Controlled Study

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of oral Pycnogenol® (Horphag Research Ltd, United Kingdom) in patients with diabetic microangiopathy. Patients without a history of diabetic ulcerations were treated with Pycnogenol. Patients received oral Pycnogenol (50 mg capsules, 3 times daily for a total of 150 mg daily for 4 weeks). A group of 30 patients was included (severe microangiopathy); 30 comparable patients were observed as controls (no treatment during the observation period). All patients (age, 59 years; range, 55-68 years; male:female = 18:12) included in the treatment group completed the 4-week study. Also, all controls completed the follow-up period. There were no drop-outs. All included subjects had signs and symptoms of diabetic microangiopathy. The duration of diabetes—from the first signs/symptoms—was on average 7.5 years (SD = 3). After 4 weeks, microcirculatory and clinical evaluations showed a progressive decrease in skin flux at rest in the foot (indicating an improvement in the level of microangiopathy), a significant decrease in capillary filtration, and a significant improvement in the venoarteriolar response in all treated subjects. There were no visible effects in controls except a slight reduction in skin flux at rest in the foot. Treatment was well tolerated in both groups. In conclusion, this study confirms the clinical efficacy of Pycnogenol in patients with diabetic microangiopathy. The study indicates the clinical role of Pycnogenol in the management, treatment, and control of this common clinical problem. The treatment may be also useful to prevent diabetic ulcerations by controlling the level of microangiopathy.
A Gender-Specific Retinoblastoma-Related Protein in Volvox carteri Implies a Role for the Retinoblastoma Protein Family in Sexual Development[W][OA]

Here, we describe the cloning and characterization of RETINOBLASTOMA-RELATED PROTEIN1 (RBR1) from the green alga Volvox carteri. RBR1 expression increases substantially during embryogenesis and in response to the sex-inducer glycoprotein, but it decreases significantly under heat stress. While RBR1 is expressed in gonidia (asexual reproductive cells) and embryos, the largest proportion of RBR1 mRNA is found in parental somatic cells. The presence of 4 splice variants and 15 potential cyclin-dependent kinase phosphorylation sites suggests that RBR1 is subject to control at the posttranscriptional and posttranslational levels. Surprisingly, RBR1 is a gender-specific gene, mapping exclusively to the female mating-type locus. A procedure for stable nuclear transformation of males was established to generate RBR1-expressing males. These transformants exhibit enlarged reproductive cells, altered growth characteristics, and a prolonged embryogenesis. The results suggest that a functionally related analog of RBR1 exists in males. The reason for the divergent evolution of RBRs in females and males appears to be based on sexual development: males and females respond to the same sex-inducer with different cleavage programs and substantial differences in cellular differentiation. Thus, the gender-specific presence of RBR1 provides evidence for an additional, novel role for retinoblastoma family proteins in sexual development.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding dengue infection in Westmoreland, Jamaica.

BACKGROUND Dengue virus infection causes significant morbidity and mortality in most tropical and sub-tropical countries of the world. Dengue fever is endemic in Jamaica and continues to be a public health concern. There is a paucity of information on knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of Jamaicans regarding dengue infection. OBJECTIVE To describe dengue-related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of residents of Westmoreland, Jamaica. METHODS A cross-sectional questionnaire survey of 192 parents attending child health clinics in the Parish of Westmoreland was conducted. RESULTS More than half of the parents (54%) had good knowledge about signs, symptoms and mode of transmission of dengue. Approximately 47% considered dengue to be a serious but preventable disease to which they are vulnerable. Nevertheless, a majority (77%) did not use effective dengue preventive methods such as screening of homes and 51% did not use bed nets. Educational attainment (OR, 2.98; CI, 1.23, 7.23) was positively associated with knowledge of dengue. There was no correlation between knowledge about dengue and preventive practices (p = 0.34). Radio and TV were the predominant sources of information about dengue fever. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that the good knowledge about dengue fever among residents of Westmoreland did not translate to adoption of preventive measures. Health programme planners and practitioners need to identify and facilitate removal of barriers to behaviour change related to control of dengue fever among the population. Future campaigns should focus on educating and encouraging individuals and families to adopt simple, preventive actions, such as, use of insecticide treated bed nets and screening of homes.
A Systematic Review of Interventions for Women Parenting in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization is widespread among women with children and has negative consequences for both women’s and children’s well-being. Despite mixed evidence regarding the effect of IPV on women’s parenting ability and behaviors, there is an increasing focus on mothering in the context of IPV, particularly among the child welfare and child protection systems. To help respond to this increasing focus, several interventions have been developed that specifically target parenting among IPV-affected women. Given the growing numbers of these interventions, a comprehensive review is needed to help elucidate the approaches that are most effective in meeting the needs of IPV-affected women and children. Therefore, we conducted an in-depth systematic review of the literature to examine the approaches and effects of interventions designed to address aspects of parenting among IPV-affected women. We identified 26 articles concerned with 19 distinct interventions for review. We found substantial heterogeneity in intervention delivery, format, length, and focus. We noted several limitations of the existing studies in terms of study sample, measures, design, and implementation. Given the heterogeneity of the existing interventions and the limitations of the current research base, it is not yet clear which interventions or intervention components are most effective in addressing the unique needs of women parenting in the context of IPV. Further research is needed to address these limitations, and professionals working with IPV-affected families should be aware that current services may not meet women’s and children’s needs.
Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma: Report of Seven Cases Including One with Lung Metastasis

Background: Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is a rare cutaneous neoplasm, with a high rate of local recurrences. Objective: A series of MAC was analyzed and compared to previously published cases. Methods: Seven cases of MAC were identified in the register of the institution. Medical and pathological records were reviewed. Results: The primary MAC were located on the face in all patients, and 85% were initially misdiagnosed. The mean follow-up duration was 108 months. The recurrence rate was high: 4 patients developed recurrences. In 3 patients, the course of the disease was severe: one of them developed pathologically proven lung metastasis. Conclusion: The present study and review of the literature confirm the clinically aggressive evolution of MAC and its rare ability to give rise to metastasis. Long-term clinical follow-ups with imaging investigations are mandatory.
A Mobile Device System for Early Warning of ECG Anomalies

With the rapid increase in computational power of mobile devices the amount of ambient intelligence-based smart environment systems has increased greatly in recent years. A proposition of such a solution is described in this paper, namely real time monitoring of an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal during everyday activities for identification of life threatening situations. The paper, being both research and review, describes previous work of the authors, current state of the art in the context of the authors' work and the proposed aforementioned system. Although parts of the solution were described in earlier publications of the authors, the whole concept is presented completely for the first time along with the prototype implementation on mobile device—a Windows 8 tablet with Modern UI. The system has three main purposes. The first goal is the detection of sudden rapid cardiac malfunctions and informing the people in the patient's surroundings, family and friends and the nearest emergency station about the deteriorating health of the monitored person. The second goal is a monitoring of ECG signals under non-clinical conditions to detect anomalies that are typically not found during diagnostic tests. The third goal is to register and analyze repeatable, long-term disturbances in the regular signal and finding their patterns.
Diversity of wood-inhabiting aphyllophoraceous basidiomycetes on the island of Cyprus Μ

The diversity of wood-inhabiting aphyllophoraceous basidiomycetes on the island of Cyprus is explored in this paper, following a ten-year inventory between 2007 and 2016. A total of onehundred-and-eight taxa are reported, fifty-eight of which constitute new records for the country. Twenty-two species occurring on the narrow-endemic golden oak of Cyprus (Quercus alnifolia) are documented for the first time on this host. Collections of Laetiporus sulphureus sensu lato from Ceratonia and Eucalyptus are phylogenetically analysed and revealed to belong to a distinct clade likely representing an undescribed species. Among the newly reported taxa, of particular interest are Amaurodon viridis, Asterostroma ochroleucum, Byssomerulius hirtellus, Crustoderma dryinum, Dendrocorticium polygonioides, Postia inocybe, P. simani, Steccherinum ciliolatum, and S. oreophilum, all of which are considered rare and are seldom reported in literature. The aggressive conifer pathogens Heterobasidion annosum and Porodaedalea pini are also rare and do not appear to have a significant impact on the island’s pine-dominated forests. Fuscoporia torulosa, on the other hand, is commonly encountered on sclerophyllous vegetation and should be closely monitored. Previous aphyllophoraceous records from the island are critically discussed and re-evaluated, with old and new data compiled in the form of an annotated checklist, to include notes on the substrate, fruiting season, altitude, and estimated abundance. KEY WORDS— Aphyllophorales, Corticiaceae, checklist, lignicolous fungi, Laetiporus, Mediterranean, Quercus alnifolia, wood-decaying fungi
General Equilibrium Modelling Applied to Romania (GEMAR): Focusing on the Agricultural and Food Sectors

Applied general equilibrium modelling represents a powerful tool for assessing future likely economic changes due to upcoming or hypothesised policy shocks such as those brought about by EU enlargement. It entails the main advantage of considering the complex simultaneous linkages, interactions and feedback effects between various sectors, institutions and factor resources within an economy, as well as the inter- and intra-industry trade links with other economies across the globe. This technical paper develops a general equilibrium model applied to Romania (GEMAR) with an emphasis on the agricultural and food processing activities. A simple simulation example is then given for illustrative purposes. More extensive use of GEMAR will be made in other forthcoming papers where the model will be employed to identify those economic impacts stemming from incorporating Romania's agricultural and food sectors into EU/CAP structures. The model is static with constant returns to scale and perfect competition in production. Other studies have deployed modelling techniques to deal with EU accession issues. However, the literature assessing separately the economic effects of CAP enlargement for Romania is extremely sparse. In addition, as far as the authors are aware of, there are no studies that solely focused on the likely economic effects of CAP enlargement on Romanian agricultural and food processing sectors at a disaggregated level and within a single-country general equilibrium framework. Hence, the paper should not only fill in a gap in the modelling literature dealing with EU's next phase of eastward expansion but also tackle an issue of current interest for both researchers and policy-makers involved in agriculture and economic development.
} Specialization Processes in On{line Unsupervised Learning Specialization Processes in On{line Unsupervised Learning

From the recent analysis of supervised learning by on{line gradient descent in multilayered neural networks it is known that the necessary process of student specialization can be delayed signiicantly. We demonstrate that this phenomenon also occurs in various models of unsupervised learning. A solvable model of competitive learning is presented, which identiies prototype vectors suitable for the representation of high{dimensional data. The speciic case of two overlapping clusters of data and a matching number of prototype vectors exhibits non{trivial behavior like almost stationary plateau conngurations. As a second example scenario we investigate the application of Sanger's algorithm for principal component analysis in the presence of two relevant directions in input space. Here, the fast learning of the rst principal component may lead to an almost complete loss of initial knowledge about the second one.
Large investors and liquidity : a review of the literature

A growing share of financial assets are held by large institutional investors whose desired trades are large enough to move prices in markets. Because large investors’ trades have “price impact”, asset markets are not perfectly liquid from their perspective. This illiquidity is likely to influence their decisions of which assets to hold and which assets to trade, and may influence how assets are priced. These insights on illiquidity and large investors motivated Pritsker’s (2002) modelling of liquidity in a market with large investors. This article is a companion piece to Pritsker (2002) which reviews the literature on asset liquidity and on large investors and suggests ways in which these research areas can be combined.
Interactive comment on “ In-cloud processes of methacrolein under simulated conditions – Part 2 : Formation of Secondary Organic Aerosol ” by I

General comments: Increasing attention has been paid to the in-cloud processes, which are gradually considered to have an important contribution to the SOA formation. But the related experiment evidence on the SOA formation via the cloud processes is insufficient. Haddad et al. report an experimental study of the aqueous-phase OHoxidation of methacrolein and the fate of reaction products upon water droplets evaporation. The authors present one main conclusion in this work: a significant production of SOA was produced, with a mass yield of 2-12% upon water droplets evaporation. As far as can be assessed from the information provided in this study, the experiments were well done. The results reported by the authors are interesting and may have important consequences on SOA formation. In my view, this paper is worthy of publi-
Pathway and Mechanism of pH Dependent Human Hemoglobin Tetramer-Dimer-Monomer Dissociations

Hemoglobin dissociation is of great interest in protein process and clinical medicine as well as in artificial blood research. However, the pathway and mechanisms of pH-dependent human Hb dissociation are not clear, whether Hb would really dissociate into monomers is still a question. Therefore, we have conducted a multi-technique investigation on the structure and function of human Hb versus pH. Here we demonstrate that tetramer hemoglobin can easily dissociate into dimer in abnormal pH and the tetramer → dimer dissociation is reversible if pH returns to normal physiological value. When the environmental pH becomes more acidic (<6.5) or alkaline (>8.0), Hb can further dissociate from dimer to monomer. The proportion of monomers increases while the fraction of dimers decreases as pH declines from 6.2 to 5.4. The dimer → monomer dissociation is accompanied with series changes of protein structure thus it is an irreversible process. The structural changes in the dissociated Hbs result in some loss of their functions. Both the Hb dimer and monomer cannot adequately carry and release oxygen to the tissues in circulation. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding on the pH-dependent protein transitions of human Hb, give guideline to explain complex protein processes and the means to control protein dissociation or re-association reaction. They are also of practical value in clinical medicine, blood preservation and blood substitute development.
Affine-invariant scene categorization

This paper presents a scene categorization method that is invariant to affine transformations. We propose a new moment-based normalization algorithm to generate an output image that is independent of the position, rotation, shear, and scale of the input image. In the proposed approach, an affine transform matrix is determined subject to the normalized image satisfying a set of moment constraints. After image normalization, a dense set of local features is extracted using scattering transform, and the global features are then formed via a sparse coding method. We evaluate the proposed method and other state-of-the-art algorithms on a benchmark dataset. The experimental results show that for images distorted with affine transformations, the proposed normalization increases the classification rate by about 28%, compared with the scene categorization approach that uses no normalization.
Lgarnins to Read: process and Problems in Acouisition

An overview of current theories of reading and the acquisition of literacy skills by children is presented. A research framework in which reading can be described in terms of the processes employed in other language uses is introduced and used to explain the failure of some children to learn to read. An ongoing research program is described that examines the way in which underlying skill components, analysis of linguistic knowledge, and control of linguistic processing are involved in reading. Future research directions are indicated. It is suggested that what is needed is a linguistic theory that will set the framework for the types of processes that the researchers have obsertred and empirically demonstrated with children learning to read. Contains 22 reZerences. (Authoz/LB) *************************t**A**. *********************************A***** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can De made from the original document. *********************************R*************************************
Polymer Optical Fibre Sensor for Measuring Breathing Rate of Lying Person

Abstract A physiological sensor enabling measurement of one of the vital signs (breathing rate) of a person without direct contact with the person is presented. Compared to current vital signs measuring devices we present a much simpler and less time consuming method of measuring vital signs with the potential for applications in hospitals and homes. A practical prototype sensor, based on polymer optical fibre (POF) sensor instrumentation was fabricated using Toray specific grade fibre exhibiting an increase in 30 % bending losses from the standard (FX 1000) commercial fibre. A 640 nm light-emitting diode was used to illuminate the fibre, with its sensitivity to bending increased by cutting transversal grooves along the fibre and then by applying plastic rods along the fibre to increase bending loss. Although both methods increased the bending loss of the fibre, grooving reduced POF durability and integrity, whereas use of the plastic rods enhanced bending losses without damaging the fibre. Signals from respiration as well as postural movements of a person lying on the POF sensor allow measurements to be taken in an unobtrusive manner. Bending losses attenuating light transmission through the fibre were related to displacement of POF during respiration (expansion and contraction of the chest cavity displace the surface in contact with the upper torso – in this case the meandering arrangement of the fibre sensor located on a TREDAIRE substrate). Bending losses were converted to voltage signals and captured by National Instruments hardware together with LabVIEW software. The sensor was found to be competent in evaluating respiration with a resolution of 100 μV and a sensitivity of 2.3 % change in light transmission for each breathing cycle of the person under study.