Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STRESSING VOCABULARY IN THE ALGERIAN EFL CLASS USING THE LEXICAL NOTEBOOK AS A VOCABULARY LEARNING STRATEGY

It is a fact that Algerian EFL pupils face difficulties in learning English as a foreign language. This is clearly mirrored by their poor outcome during the official exams, particularly at the ‘Baccalaureate Exam’ where English is often identified as one of the major teaching subjects causing pupils’ failure. From our modest experience as an EFL teacher at the secondary education, we noticed that our EFL pupils usually face difficulties in the four language skills, i.e., listening, speaking, reading and writing, and we noticed that the main cause behind such difficulties was, in most cases, the limited vocabulary knowledge of the pupils. In this respect, the current paper assumes that there is a causal relationship between vocabulary knowledge and the overall level of Algerian EFL pupils. Accordingly, it tries to demonstrate the importance of vocabulary instruction in our EFL class relying on a quasi-experimental research which involved the use of a pre-test/post-test design. The experiment aimed to reveal the usefulness of the lexical notebook as a vocabulary learning strategy and the positive impact of vocabulary acquisition that may result, on the writing skill. Besides, two sets of questionnaire were used to scrutinize the causes behind the weak level of Algerian EFL pupils from teachers’ as well as pupils’ perspective and to analyze the quality of vocabulary instruction in the Algerian EFL class.
The Transfer of Ubuntu and Indaba Business Models Abroad

This article studies the transfer of South African management business models abroad. It examines the case of four South African multinational companies and the ways that they implement distinctive business models of human resource management strategies on service sector in Tanzania. The article begins by looking at MNCs from emerging economies and at the distinctiveness of their national institutional systems, as well as the ways they attempt to strike a balance between global integration and local differentiation in managing HRM practices abroad. Based on a case study conducted in ABSA, Standard Bank (Stanbic), South Africa-Tanzania Vodacom, and Sanlam African Life Assurance services in Tanzania, this article demonstrates how South African MNCs in this particular sector internationalize their HRM strategies by incorporating the cross cultural interface management practices of Ubuntu and Indaba and those of the host nation's characteristics into their subsidiary operations. The article concludes by illustrating how diverse forms of hybrid HRM strategies have enabled emerging South African organizational service industries to develop high-performance work practices in the midst of global competitiveness. Le transfert des modèles Ubuntu et Indaba à l'étranger : le cas des banques multinationales sud africaines et des services de télécommunication en Tanzanie (Aloysius Newenham-Kahindi) Cet article étudie le transfert de modèles sud-africains de management à l'étranger. Il examine les cas de quatre compagnies sud africaines multinationales et les façons dont elles mettent en œuvre des modèles stratégiques de gestion des ressources humaines dans le secteur des services en Tanzanie. L'article commence par une étude de multinationales d'économies émergeantes et du caractère distinctif de leurs systèmes institutionnels nationaux, puis poursuit avec un examen des moyens qu'elles utilisent pour essayer de parvenir à un équilibre entre une intégration mondiale et une différenciation locale des pratiques de RH à l'étranger. S'appuyant sur une étude de cas menée chez ABSA, Standard Bank (Stanbic), South Africa-Tanzania Vodacom, et Sanlam African Life Assurance Services en Tanzanie, cet article montre comment les multinationales sud-africaines, dans ce secteur particulier, internationalisent leurs stratégies de RH en intégrant les pratiques de gestion d'interface interculturelle Ubuntu et Indaba et les caractéristiques de la nation hôte au sein de leurs filiales. L'article conclut en illustrant comment des formes diverses de stratégies hybrides de RH ont permis aux entreprises de services sud-africaines de mettre au point des pratiques de travail hautement performantes et ce, dans le cadre d'une concurrence mondiale.
Concrete Security Against Adversaries with Quantum Superposition Access to Encryption and Decryption Oracles

In 2013, Boneh and Zhandry introduced the notion of indistinguishability (IND) in chosen plaintext (CPA) and chosen ciphertext (CCA) attacks by a quantum adversary which is given superposition access to an oracle for encryption and decryption queries but is restricted to classical queries in the challenge phase. In this paper we define IND-CPA and IND-CCA notions for symmetric encryption schemes where the adversary has full quantum superposition access to the oracle, and give constructions that achieve these security notions. Our results are formulated in the concrete security framework.
APOMIXIS, POLYPLOIDY, AND SPECIATION IN DICHANTHIUM

The grass genera Bothriochloa O. Kuntze, Capillipedium Stapf, and Dichanthium Willemet are united across the bridging compilospecies B. intermedia (Harlan and de Wet, 1963a; de Wet and Harlan, 1966). They include sexually reproducing diploids and apomictic polyploids, and Bothriochloa is further characterized by sexually reproducing polyploid species (de Wet et al., 1963). The sexual and asexual polyploid species are in a very active stage of evolution (de Wet, 1968a, b; Harlan and de Wet, 1963b). Mechanisms that contribute towards rapid speciation among the agamospecies will be discussed.
Multimedia Quality Assessment Standards in ITU-T SG12

As multimedia services become more widespread, there is a need for standardized methods for assessment of the quality perceived by the end user. ITU-T SG12 has been at the forefront in defining and validating subjective and objective quality assessment methods for many years and has issued many recommendations in this area. Subjective assessment remains the definitive methodology but objective methods are now becoming mature enough to provide very accurate results, especially for voice, and much more convenient to implement. However, currently available objective quality estimation methods can require a lot of computational resources, which makes them difficult, or even impossible, to be deployed operationally in a large network. Attention in SG12 is now heavily focused on lightweight models based on parametric or bit stream input, which enable large-scale real-time QoE assessment in a network. These models have a potential to simultaneously monitor many, or even all, of the audiovisual sessions in a network.
Evidencing learning outcomes: a multi-level, multi-dimensional course alignment model

This conceptual framework proposes a multi-level, multi-dimensional course alignment model to implement a contextualised constructive alignment of rubric design that authentically evidences and assesses learning outcomes. By embedding quality control mechanisms at each level for each dimension, this model facilitates the development of an aligned curriculum. The use of rubrics is a crucial theme for many higher education institutions owing to the binding requirement by universities to provide evidence to quality assurance agencies. The success of evidencing learning outcomes through rubrics, however, is only one piece of the puzzle. The other is the contextualised constructive alignment of intertwined factors. Despite the significance of embedding these factors, there has been little, if any, systematic framework in this area. The two key instrumental forces underpinning the conception of this model are: seeking external accreditation and the implementation of programme enhancement thus realising the strategic agenda for an Australian university.
Design and Analysis of a New HTS Electromagnetic Screw

The high-temperature superconductor (HTS) machines are more attractive due to the advantages of high power density and efficiency. This paper introduces a new HTS electromagnetic screw (HTS-EMS) that is developed for artificial heart. Two helical-shaped slots are introduced to the translator; the key to the HTS-EMS is that the HTS coils carrying dc currents are placed in the helical-shaped slots. The permanent-magnet array is placed in the rotor. Due to the high current density of the HTS coil, the power density of the HTS-EMS can be improved effectively. The electromagnetic performance of the HTS-EMS is analyzed, including the flux, thrust force, as well as torque. The proposed HTS-EMS is evaluated compared with the existing magnetic screw using time-stepping finite-element method, verifying the advantages of the proposed structure.
Crystal Structure and Biophysical Properties of a Complex between the N-terminal SNARE Region of SNAP25 and Syntaxin 1a*

SNARE proteins are required for intracellular membrane fusion. In the neuron, the plasma membrane SNAREs syntaxin 1a and SNAP25 bind to VAMP2 found on neurotransmitter-containing vesicles. These three proteins contain “SNARE regions” that mediate their association into stable tetrameric coiled-coil structures. Syntaxin 1a contributes one such region, designated H3, and SNAP25 contributes two SNARE regions to the fusogenic complex with VAMP2. Syntaxin 1a H3 (syn1aH3) and SNAP25 can form a stable assembly, which can then be bound by VAMP2 to form the full SNARE complex. Here we show that syn1aH3 can also form a stable but kinetically trapped complex with the N-terminal SNARE region of SNAP25 (S25N). The crystal structure of this complex reveals an extended parallel four-helix bundle similar to that of the core SNARE and the syn1aH3·SNAP25 complexes. The inherent ability of syn1aH3 and S25N to associate stably in vitro implies that the intracellular fusion machinery must prevent formation of, or remove, any non-productive complexes. Comparison with the syn1aH3·SNAP25 complex suggests that the linkage of the N- and C-terminal SNAP25 SNARE regions is kinetically advantageous in preventing formation of the non-productive syn1aH3·S25N complex. We also demonstrate that the syn1aH3·S25N complex can be disassembled by α-SNAP and N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor.
Integrins stimulate E-cadherin-mediated intercellular adhesion by regulating Src-kinase activation and actomyosin contractility

Cadherins and integrins are major adhesion molecules regulating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the existence of crosstalk between integrins and cadherins in cell adhesion and motility. We used a dual pipette assay to measure the force required to separate E-cadherin-producing cell doublets and to investigate the role of integrin in regulating the strength of intercellular adhesion. A greater force was required to separate cell doublets bound to fibronectin or vitronectin-coated beads than for doublets bound to polylysine-coated beads. This effect depended on cell spreading and the duration of stimulation. Cells expressing type II cadherin-7 also responded to fibronectin stimulation to produce a higher intercellular adhesion. Establishment of cadherin-mediated adhesion needed ROCK, MLCK and myosin ATPase II activity. The regulation of intercellular adhesion strength by integrin stimulation required activation of Src family kinases, ROCK and actomyosin contractility. These findings highlight the importance and mechanisms of molecular crosstalk between cadherins and integrins in the control of cell plasticity during histogenesis and morphogenesis.
One Child, Two Languages: A Guide for Preschool Educators of Children Learning English As a Second Language

Written expressly for teachers, the new edition of this accessible, highly readable resource moves beyond the basics of child development to describe the natural progression of second-language acquisition in young children. Teachers will learn how to create a supportive classroom environment for second-language learners with effective ways to measure progress, address individual differences, and work with parents while acknowledging the importance of children's home languages and cultures. This idea-packed handbook combines research findings with firsthand observations of linguistically and culturally diverse children. All chapters have been updated and a few have been expanded. The largest area of supplementation is in the chapter on assessment, an area of great interest among early childhood educators. The book also includes information on cultural diversity and international adoption. A new tool helps educators monitor children's progress as they learn English as a second language.On the DVD, Patton Tabors shares information on teaching young children who are learning English as a second language. She presents a slide show to a live audience outlining key features discussed in her book, "One Child, Two Languages", discusses her research, and also provides practical strategies for working with this growing population, along with a question and answer period with the audience. This DVD will support use of the book in training but can also be used independently by anyone who works with bilingual children.
Understanding Data Use Practice among Teachers: The Contribution of Micro-Process Studies

Despite the growing volume of research on data use systems or data use activities in which teachers engage, micro-process studies—investigations of what teachers and others actually do under the broad banner of “data use” or “evidence-based decision making”—remain substantially underdeveloped. Starting with a review of the extant research on teachers’ data use practice in workplace and professional development contexts, this article argues for a more conceptually robust, methodologically sophisticated, and extensive program of micro-process research on data use that also anticipates the ways in which local practice both instantiates and constructs institutional and organizational structures, processes, and logics.
Can We Better Prioritize Resources for Cost-Utility Research?

Purpose. We examined 512 published cost-utility analyses (CUAs) in the U.S. and other developed countries from 1976 through 2001 to determine: 1) the types of interventions studied; 2) whether they cover diseases and conditions with the highest burden; and, 3) to what extent they have covered leading health concerns defined by the Healthy People 2010 report. Data and Methods. We compared rankings of the most common diseases covered by the CUAs to rankings of U.S. disease burden. We also examined the extent to which CUAs covered key Healthy People 2010 priorites. Results. CUAs have focused mostly on pharmaceuticals (40%) and surgical procedures (16%). When compared to leading causes of DALYs, the data show overrepresentation of CUAs in cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, breast cancer, and HIV/AIDS, and underrepresentation in depression and bipolar disorder, injuries, and substance abuse disorders. Few CUAs have targeted Healthy People 2010 areas, such as physical activity. Conclusions. Published CUAs are associated with burden measures, but have not covered certain important health problems. These discrepancies do not alone indicate that society has been targeting resources for research inefficiently, but they do suggest the need to formalize the question of where each CUA research dollar might do the most good.
Embedding CSR as a learning and knowledge creating process: the case for SMEs in Norway

Purpose – This case study aims to single out two companies in Norway belonging to the NCE Subsea cluster in the Bergen region, which are in the process of developing internationalization strategies. Most of the companies in the Subsea cluster are small to medium‐sized companies. Until recently they have not seen or felt the need to make their own understanding or actions regarding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) explicit, even though knowledge about what CSR entails – now often shortened to CR or even SR (Social Responsibility) – may very well already exist in the mindset of managers and employees. However, to respond to potential international customers' demands – often coming from the larger oil companies – SMEs in the Subsea sector are seeking now a way to resolve this by starting a process within their own organizations, using the new process standard ISO 26000. For this reason, the central element of this study focuses on describing such internal processes, which embed CSR knowledge in the resp.
CDS: Concealed data sorting scheme in wireless sensor networks

Recently, concealed data aggregation schemes have been proposed to reduce the transmission cost under maintaining data privacy. Those schemes enhanced security of conventional aggregation through utilizing privacy homo-morphic encryption. The privacy homomorphic encryption provides algebraic computations on ciphertexts directly, e.g., without decryption ciphertexts. Unfortunately, it does not support extreme value selections, such as median, minimum, or maximum. Hence, we construct a novel sorting scheme on ciphertexts without decryption where ciphertexts are generated by Elliptic Curve ElGamal encryption. Moreover, the proposed scheme could be preserve additive homomorphic property of the Elliptic Curve ElGamal encryption. Deployed aggregator can execute sorting according to different cases. To the end of this paper, the proposed scheme has been evaluated on physical sensor system. Comprehensive analyses and comparisons are shown to prove that the proposed scheme is practical and efficient.
An implantable bioimpedance monitor using 2.45 GHz band for telemetry

This paper describes a multi-frequency single-channel electrical implantable bioimpedance monitor (35 mm × 35 mm × 10 mm, weight 52 g) powered by a NiMH battery. By using the tetrapolar method and injecting 10 µApeak, the monitor is capable of measuring at 14 different frequencies, from 100 Hz to 200 kHz. It contains a ZigBee transceiver to monitor the measurements performed, and has an embedded memory for backing up the data. RC networks and in-situ heart excised tissues were used to test the system. When measuring a full spectrum every 5 min, 35 days of autonomy are possible due to the low power consumption of the monitor. Temperature drift was estimated by short-term and long-term measurements. Temperature cycling was used to measure modulus and phase angle stability. The result was a very low effect on a modulus decrease of 2.34 Ω, with respect to an impedance of 322 Ω, at 100 Hz and a phase angle increase of 1.1°, at 200 kHz. In addition, measurement errors were bigger at low frequencies because of the high impedance of the electrodes used, which was higher than 10 kΩ at frequencies below 1 kHz.
Concerted nicking of donor and chromosomal acceptor DNA promotes homology-directed gene targeting in human cells

The exchange of genetic information between donor and acceptor DNA molecules by homologous recombination (HR) depends on the cleavage of phosphodiester bonds. Although double-stranded and single-stranded DNA breaks (SSBs) have both been invoked as triggers of HR, until very recently the focus has been primarily on the former type of DNA lesions mainly due to the paucity of SSB-based recombination models. Here, to investigate the role of nicked DNA molecules as HR-initiating substrates in human somatic cells, we devised a homology-directed gene targeting system based on exogenous donor and chromosomal target DNA containing recognition sequences for the adeno-associated virus sequence- and strand-specific endonucleases Rep78 and Rep68. We found that HR is greatly fostered if a SSB is not only introduced in the chromosomal acceptor but also in the donor DNA template. Our data are consistent with HR models postulating the occurrence of SSBs or single-stranded gaps in both donor and acceptor molecules during the genetic exchange process. These findings can guide the development of improved HR-based genome editing strategies in which sequence- and strand-specific endonucleolytic cleavage of the chromosomal target site is combined with that of the targeting vector.
Electronic Communications of the EASST Volume 23 ( 2009 ) Proceedings of the Ninth International Workshop on Automated Verification of Critical Systems ( AVOCS 2009 ) An Extension of the Inverse Method to Probabilistic Timed Automata

Probabilistic timed automata can be used to model systems in which probabilistic and timing behavior coexist. Verification of probabilistic timed automata models is generally performed with regard to a single reference valuation of the timing parameters. Given such a parameter valuation, we present a method for obtaining automatically a constraint on timing parameters for which the reachability probabilities (1) remain invariant and (2) are equal to the reachability probabilities for the reference valuation. The method relies on parametric analysis of a nonprobabilistic version of the probabilistic timed automata model using the “inverse method”. Our approach is useful for avoiding repeated executions of probabilistic model checking analyses for the same model with different parameter valuations. We provide examples of the application of our technique to models of randomized protocols.
Stack and Queue Layouts of Directed Acyclic Graphs: Part I

Stack layouts and queue layouts of undirected graphs have been used to model problems in fault-tolerant computing and in parallel process scheduling. However, problems in parallel process scheduling are more accurately modeled by stack and queue layouts of directed acyclic graphs (dags). A stack layout of a dag is similar to a stack layout of an undirected graph, with the additional requirement that the nodes of the dag be in some topological order. A queue layout is defined in an analogous manner. The stacknumber ( queuenumber) of a dag is the smallest number of stacks (queues) required for its stack layout (queue layout). In this paper, bounds are established on the stacknumber and queuenumber of two classes of dags: tree dags and unicyclic dags. In particular, any tree dag can be laid out in 1 stack and in at most 2 queues; and any unicyclic dag can be laid out in at most 2 stacks and in at most 2 queues. Forbidden subgraph characterizations of 1-queue tree dags and 1-queue cycle dags are also presented. Part II of this paper presents algorithmic results---in particular, linear time algorithms for recognizing 1-stack dags and 1-queue dags and proof of NP-completeness for the problem of recognizing a 4-queue dag and the problem of recognizing a 9-stack dag.
Using Digital Reconstructions, Morphometry, and Computational Models to Generate Novel Maps of Human Brain Vascular Architecture

Characterization of the complex branching architecture of cerebral arteries across a representative sample of the human population is important for diagnosing, analyzing, and predicting pathological states. Brain arterial vasculature can be visualized by Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA). However, most MRA studies are limited to qualitative assessments, partial morphometric analyses, individual (or small numbers of) subjects, proprietary data sets, or combinations of the above limitations. State-of-the-art neuroinformatics tools, developed for neuronal arbor analysis, were used to quantify vascular morphology from 3T time-of-flight MRA high-resolution (620 μm isotropic) images collected in 61 healthy volunteers (36/25 F/M, average age=31.2±10.7, range=1964 years). We present in-depth morphometric analyses of the global and local anatomical features of these arbors. The overall structure and size of the vasculature did not significantly differ across genders, ages, or hemispheres. The size of the three major arterial trees stemming from the Circle of Willis (from largest to smallest: the Middle, Anterior, and Posterior Cerebral Arteries; or MCAs, ACAs, and PCAs, respectively) covaried across individuals: subjects with one artery larger than average tended to have all other arteries also larger than average. There was no net right-left preference across the population in any of the individual arteries, but ACAs were more lateralized than MCAs