Quantum Hall Physics with Cold Atoms in Cylindrical Optical Lattices

We propose and study various realizations of a Hofstadter-Hubbard model on a cylinder geometry with fermionic cold atoms in optical lattices. The cylindrical optical lattice is created by copropagating Laguerre-Gauss beams, i.e.~light beams carrying orbital angular momentum. By strong focusing of the light beams we create a real space optical lattice in the form of rings, which are offset in energy. A second set of Laguerre-Gauss beams then induces a Raman-hopping between these rings, imprinting phases corresponding to a synthetic magnetic field (artificial gauge field). In addition, by rotating the lattice potential, we achieve a slowly varying flux through the hole of the cylinder, which allows us to probe the Hall response of the system as a realization of Laughlin's thought experiment. We study how in the presence of interactions fractional quantum Hall physics could be observed in this setup.Comment: 10 pages, 9 figure

Predicting success in higher education:: predictive validity, attainment at school level and its relationship to degree class

This study examined the predictive validity of certain variables (Prior Achievement, Home Background, aspirational level) against a criterion variable i.e. Degree Class. The measures came from the ALIS (A-level Information System) in England. The main source of data were 1167 students who agreed to complete questionnaire sent as part of the ALIS project. Simple correlation, multiple and stepwise and regression analysis were performed. The following conclusion were drawn from the findings:1. All the predictor variables except home background were significantly predictive of academic success in terms of scholastic performance, the predictive power was very low for average O level (AVO), socio economic status of Head of Household (HOH), moderate for the likelihood of staying in Education (LSE) and moderately high for A-level. 11. Total A-level was the best predictor of success at the Degree Class. The low predictability of the AVO may be attributed to a weakness to the power of the preparatory programme. The low values for HOH may be because decision about future study had already been made perhaps on the basis of home background. The Total A-level variable correlated 0.37 with degree class but it seems likely that this figure would be higher if it were possible to look at individual courses at particular universities

A study of the factors affecting student retention at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia: Structural Equation Modelling and Qualitative Methods

The purpose of the study was to identify factors affecting student retention at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia. It has been estimated that 35% of university students leave higher education before completing their studies (Al-Saud, 2006). This study was guided by Tinto’s (1975) Student Integration Theory. Berger and Braxton (1998, p. 104) have stated that Tinto’s integration model ‘has been the focus of much empirical research and has near-paradigmatic status in the study of the college student departure.’ This theory is longitudinal and dynamic and views student retention decisions largely as the results of interactions between the student and the academic and social systems of the institution (Tinto, 1975, 1993). This study used a mixed methods approach. Using the terminology of Creswell (2003), the appropriate description of the overall design of this study is a mixed methods concurrent triangulation strategy. This means that ‘qualitative and quantitative data are collected and analyzed at the same time. Priority is usually equal and given to both forms of data. Data analysis is usually separate, and integration usually occurs at the data interpretation stage’ (Hanson et al., 2005, p. 229). This strategy was selected because it allows the findings to be confirmed, cross-validated, and corroborated within a single study (Creswell, 2003). This strategy consisted of two phases. The first phase was the quantitative approach. Quantitative data were collected from 414 freshman students using two questionnaires administered on two occasions and from the university admission office. The quantitative data were analysed using a structural equation modelling (SEM) technique using the AMOS software package. The results of the SEM indicated that Tinto’s model were not useful in predicting the Saudi freshman student retention process. The variables in the model explained only 30 percent of the variance in student retention. The results of the SEM indicated that four of the nine hypotheses proposed in Tinto’s model were supported by statistically significant results. Moreover, only three variables had direct effects on retention. The largest direct effect on retention was accounted for by initial goal and institutional commitment (0.49), followed by later goal and institutional commitment and pre-college schooling as measured by high school scores (0.10). The second phase of this study utilised a qualitative approach. Qualitative data were obtained from three sources: non-persister students, persister students, and staff members. Seventeen non-persister students were interviewed over the phone; 15 persister students were interviewed using a focus group technique; while staff members were asked to complete a survey. Of the 200 surveys distributed, 37 were returned including responses from 16 lecturers, 12 administrators, 5 librarians and 4 academic advisors. A comparison was made between those students who persisted and those who dropped out using constructs from Tinto’s theory. In relation to students’ levels of goal and institutional commitment, it was found that persister students appeared to be more motivated and to have higher levels of goal commitment than non-persister students. Similarly, persister students appeared to have higher levels of institutional commitment than non-persister students, in part it is suggested, due to the fact that the majority of persister students had been able to select their desired majors whereas the majority of non-persister students had not. In relation to the students’ levels of academic integration, there was no significant difference between both groups of students. Persister and non-persister students both exhibited low levels of academic integration into the university system. In addition, there was no significant difference between both groups of students in terms of social integration. Both groups of students indicated low levels of social integration into the university system. In addition, the participants (persister students, non-persister students, and staff members) were all asked to indicate what they perceived to be the major factors affecting student retention at King Saud University. The findings from the qualitative data not only help to explain and confirm the quantitative findings but also identify why Saudi freshman students leave the university before completing their studies. The most important factors were: difficulties of selecting majors, difficulties of transferring between subjects, lack of academic advice and irregularity of monthly reward

The asymptotic iteration method for the angular spheroidal eigenvalues with arbitrary complex size parameter c

The asymptotic iteration method is applied, to calculate the angular spheroidal eigenvalues $\lambda^{m}_{\ell}(c)$ with arbitrary complex size parameter $c$. It is shown that, the obtained numerical results of $\lambda^{m}_{\ell}(c)$ are all in excellent agreement with the available published data over the full range of parameter values $\ell$, $m$, and $c$. Some representative values of $\lambda^{m}_{\ell}(c)$ for large real $c$ are also given.Comment: 15 pages, 1 figur

Leadership in Nursing

The nursing literature, until recently presents the phenomenon of leadership as associated with nurse executives and formal leadership roles. That is leadership is defined in terms of an interactive process where followers are motivated and empowered to accomplish specific goals. The purpose of this chapter is to present the phenomena of nursing clinical leadership and leadership at the bedside, which is a new area of research in nursing. This chapter proposes that leadership is not merely linked to top management levels, but it can be developed and implemented at bedside for nurses. Clinical leadership skills focus on patients and healthcare teams rather than formal leadership position. In addition, clinical leadership relates to nursing professional activities, which provide direct care at bedside, which differs from the traditional nursing leadership notion. Thus, acquiring clinical leadership skills is crucial for nurses who provide direct patient care. This allows nurses to direct and support patients and healthcare teams when providing care. Furthermore, it is crucial that nurses develop an effective leadership role to deliver high-quality care and ensure patient safety while engaging in numerous daily leadership roles. Moreover, it emphasized the importance of the cooperation between nursing education programs and healthcare organizations in preparing nurses to be effective leaders by 2020 for the new era of health care

Fertility department’s response and experience to the global coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic

WHO has asked countries to activate and scale up their emergency response mechanisms, communicate with the people to inform them about the risks and how they can protect themselves. They have encouraged find, isolate, test and treat every case and trace every contact, protect and train their health workers. Therefore, in alliance with the global response to limit the spread of the transmission of COVID-19 and in the pact of KFMC’s mission, which is its dedication to provide highly specialized, evidence-based and safe health care, enhanced by education, training and research, our fertility department had taken all the measures to keep the hospital patients and staff safe from acquiring the COVID-19 by closing down its assisted reproductive services. This article will highlight the strategy taken to comply with WHO’s call and highlight a fertility department’s actions taken to handle patients coming for assisted reproductive treatment. This hopefully will stipulate ideas for future research and policy making

Fungal biodiversity of water and sediments in some aquatic systems in Basrah Province and their capabilities to degrade methyl orange

This study investigates the fungal biodiversity of water and sediment samples from some waterbodies and their ability to degrade Methyl orange (M.O.) on a solid medium. Ten fungal genera were isolated, and the genus Aspergillus represented the highest percentage (70%). Sixteen fungal species were isolated that 88% of which (14 species) belonged to anamorphic fungi. Trichoderma sp. showed the highest percentage (40%). Out of the 16 isolated fungi, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, and A. terreus showed the best result for decolourising M.O. on a solid medium potato dextrose agar. These fungi isolates were selected to test their ability to biodegrade M.O. in a liquid medium supplemented with 50 mg.L-1 M.O. as the sole carbon source. Based on the results, after 7 days of incubation, A. niger degraded 14% of M.O., while A. flavus and A. terreus degraded 12% of the dye

Environmental and Occupational Triggers of Dry Eye Symptoms in the Ahsa Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Saif Khuzaim Al-Dossary Ophthalmology Consultant, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Saif Khuzaim Al-Dossary, Email [email protected]: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the associations between environmental and occupational factors and the prevalence of dry eye symptoms among participants from the Ahsa region of Saudi Arabia.Methods: Participants from urban, rural, and suburban areas seeking medical care at primary health centers were recruited through systematic random sampling. Data on demographics, exposures, and ocular health were captured using a structured questionnaire. Dry eye symptoms were evaluated using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Impact of Dry Eye on Everyday Life (IDEEL), and Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye (SANDE) questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis examined the relationships between environmental/occupational factors and the prevalence of dry eye symptoms.Results: Key exposures included particulate matter (PM) (60%), low humidity (55%), wind/dust (50%), prolonged computer use (65%), and chemical irritants (45%). These factors were significantly associated with an increased prevalence of dry eye symptoms, with the following odds ratios (ORs): PM (1.85, 95% CI: 1.35– 2.52), low humidity (1.45, 95% CI: 1.05– 2.00), wind and dust (1.60, 95% CI: 1.20– 2.14), prolonged computer use (2.10, 95% CI: 1.55– 2.85), and chemical irritants (1.75, 95% CI: 1.30– 2.35). All associations were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The use of protective equipment was associated with reduced odds of dry eye symptoms (OR 0.60, 95% CI: 0.42– 0.85, p = 0.03).Conclusion: This study identifies significant associations between specific environmental and occupational exposures and the prevalence of dry eye symptoms. Reducing modifiable exposures through policy, workplace enhancements, and clinical preventative strategies is essential to mitigate the burden of dry eye symptoms related to modern lifestyles and technology.Keywords: ocular surface disease, air pollution, low humidity, digital eye strain, occupational hazar

Activation of human endogenous retrovirus K and cellular modifications in human melanoma cell lines: gene expression analysis

Presso i laboratori dell’Università di Tor Vergata è stato sviluppato un sistema in vitro dotato di caratteristiche idonee allo studio dei meccanismi che sono alla base dello sviluppo e della progressione del melanoma. Tale sistema è costituito da una linea cellulare di melanoma umano, isolata da una lesione metastatica di una paziente e caratterizzata dalla capacità di crescere in adesione (linea TVM-A12), da cui sono state ottenute due distinte linee cellulari, dotate invece della caratteristica di crescita in sospensione, derivate l’una mediante tecnica della diluizione limite (Clonesp), e l’altra riducendo la concentrazione di siero dal 10% al 1% nel terreno di coltura (linea TVM-A12sp). Il passaggio dalla fase di crescita in adesione a quella in sospensione, osservato quando le cellule TVM-A12 erano poste in condizione di ridotta concentrazione di siero (1%) era accompagnato da riduzione di espressione dell’antigene melanocitico Melan-A/MART-1 e delle molecole HLA di classe I oltre che dall’aumentata capacità di formare colonie in terreno semisolido. Il cambiamento nella modalità di crescita delle cellule risultava inoltre associata all’aumento dell’espressione di HERV-K, sia a livello di mRNA che di proteine e poteva essere inibito dal blocco dell’espressione di HERV-K, ottenuto mediante RNA interference. Scopo del presente lavoro è stato quello di caratterizzare le linee cellulari TVM-A12, parentale e di derivazione, dotate rispettivamente di capacità di crescita in aderenza ed in sospensione, al fine di chiarire i meccanismi che sono alla base dell’acquisizione del fenotipo dotato di maggiore aggressività ed individuare il ruolo dell’attivazione di HERV-K nella progressione del melanoma. A tale scopo, è stato condotto uno studio dell’espressione genica, mediante microarray, seguito da analisi in Real-Time PCR, che ha mostrato come la transizione fenotipica delle cellule, dalla fase di crescita in adesione a quella di crescita in sospensione, risultava accompagnata dalla modulazione di numerosi geni, che è noto essere coinvolti nell’acquisizione di caratteristiche di malignità. Inoltre il profilo di espressione delle cellule a crescita in sospensione, siano esse originate per diluizione limite o per riduzione della concentrazione di siero nel mezzo di coltura, risultava essere del tutto simile. Lo studio in Real-Time, utilizzato per confermare quanto osservato mediante microarray, ha mostrato che quando le cellule di melanoma iniziavano a distaccarsi dal monostrato, in presenza di FBS all’1%, i geni BHLHB2 e MYC risultavano transitoriamente attivati. Nelle cellule in presenza di bassa concentrazione di siero e durante il passaggio verso la fase definitiva di crescita in sospensione, i geni PTEN, VEFGA, CSK, PITCH1, FOXG1A e TP53 risultavano progressivamente up-regolati. Nelle cellule di melanoma che avevano acquisito la capacità di crescere stabilmente in sospensione, si osservava infine aumento di espressione dei geni WNT3, MYCN, MYCL1, BTK, CCND2, WNT2, TIMP3, IRF3, GTF2I, CTNNB1, E2F1, ARHGAP5, ARHGEF5, GPR39 e ITGB4. Riduzione di espressione dei geni ANXA7, CTNNA1, NME1, RRM1, CDKN1A, XRCC6, HDAC, TRAM1, CD59 e TOB1 veniva riscontrata invece nelle cellule ancora adese, in presenza di 1 % di siero ed in quelle già in sospensione, rispetto alla linea di origine mantenuta in condizioni di coltura standard (10%FBS). In questo studio è stato per la prima volta descritto un sistema cellulare in cui è stata dimostrata la correlazione tra aumento di espressione di HERV-K e acquisizione di un fenotipo più aggressivo, nonché la modulazione dei geni che in tali processi risultano coinvolti. Tale modello può fornire pertanto un utile strumento per la comprensione dei meccanismi che regolano lo sviluppo e la progressione del melanoma, nonché per la valutazione di agenti farmacologici e modulatori di geni attivi nei confronti dell’espressione di HERV-K e nella progressione del melanoma