Aligning Retrograde Nuclear Cluster Orbits with an Active Galactic Nucleus Accretion Disc

Stars and stellar remnants orbiting a supermassive black hole (SMBH) can interact with an active galactic nucleus (AGN) disc. Over time, prograde orbiters (inclination $i<90^{\circ}$) decrease inclination, as well as semi-major axis ($a$) and eccentricity ($e$) until orbital alignment with the gas disc ("disc capture"). Captured stellar-origin black holes (sBH) add to the embedded AGN population which drives sBH-sBH mergers detectable in gravitational waves using LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) or sBH-SMBH mergers detectable with LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna). Captured stars can be tidally disrupted by sBH or the SMBH or rapidly grow into massive 'immortal' stars. Here, we investigate the behaviour of polar and retrograde orbiters ($i \geq 90^{\circ}$) interacting with the disc. We show that retrograde stars are captured faster than prograde stars, flip to prograde ($i<90^{\circ}$) during capture and decrease $a$ dramatically towards the SMBH. For sBH, we find a critical angle $i_{\rm ret} \sim 113^{\circ}$, below which retrograde sBH decay towards embedded prograde orbits ($i \rightarrow 0^{\circ}$), while for $i_{\rm o}>i_{\rm ret}$ sBH decay towards embedded retrograde orbits ($i \rightarrow 180^{\circ}$). sBH near polar orbits ($i \sim 90^{\circ}$) and stars on nearly embedded retrograde orbits ($i \sim 180^{\circ}$) show the greatest decreases in $a$. Whether a star is captured by the disc within an AGN lifetime depends primarily on disc density, and secondarily on stellar type and initial $a$. For sBH, disc capture time is longest for polar orbits, low mass sBH and lower density discs. Larger mass sBH should typically spend more time in AGN discs, with implications for the embedded sBH spin distribution.Comment: 10 pages, 7 figures, 1 table; submitted to MNRA

Exploring pedagogical perspectives of EFL instructors : Advantages, disadvantages, and implications of Blackboard as an LMS for language instruction

The Blackboard learning management system (LMS) is one of the online platforms for teaching a range of subjects. This study explores the perceptions of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instructors regarding Blackboard for teaching English language skills. It also identifies the advantages and disadvantages of Blackboard compared to face-to-face (F2F) instruction. To collect data, the study employed a convergent/parallel mixed-methods (QUAN-QUAL approach) design. First, a total of 47 instructors from a Saudi university participated in completing a 7-item closed-ended questionnaire. Then, 14 teachers provided feedback through an open-ended questionnaire on the pros and cons of Blackboard versus face-to-face instruction. Data analysis techniques included descriptive statistics and thematic analysis and comparing the results. The findings demonstrate that EFL instructors have mixed responses. They favor Blackboard as an effective medium for teaching listening, reading, speaking, and pronunciation. However, they suggest that writing and grammar skills are taught face-to-face better. This research contributes to understanding Blackboard as an LMS with its pros and cons in EFL teaching and its implications for language instruction to inform decision-making processes

Meta-analysis Reveals Genome-Wide Significance at 15q13 for Nonsyndromic Clefting of Both the Lip and the Palate, and Functional Analyses Implicate GREM1 As a Plausible Causative Gene

Nonsyndromic orofacial clefts are common birth defects with multifactorial etiology. The most common type is cleft lip, which occurs with or without cleft palate (nsCLP and nsCLO, respectively). Although genetic components play an important role in nsCLP, the genetic factors that predispose to palate involvement are largely unknown. In this study, we carried out a meta-analysis on genetic and clinical data from three large cohorts and identified strong association between a region on chromosome 15q13 and nsCLP (P = 8.13×10−14 for rs1258763; relative risk (RR): 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.32–1.61)) but not nsCLO (P = 0.27; RR: 1.09 (0.94–1.27)). The 5 kb region of strongest association maps downstream of Gremlin-1 (GREM1), which encodes a secreted antagonist of the BMP4 pathway. We show during mouse embryogenesis, Grem1 is expressed in the developing lip and soft palate but not in the hard palate. This is consistent with genotype-phenotype correlations between rs1258763 and a specific nsCLP subphenotype, since a more than two-fold increase in risk was observed in patients displaying clefts of both the lip and soft palate but who had an intact hard palate (RR: 3.76, CI: 1.47–9.61, Pdiff<0.05). While we did not find lip or palate defects in Grem1-deficient mice, wild type embryonic palatal shelves developed divergent shapes when cultured in the presence of ectopic Grem1 protein (P = 0.0014). The present study identified a non-coding region at 15q13 as the second, genome-wide significant locus specific for nsCLP, after 13q31. Moreover, our data suggest that the closely located GREM1 gene contributes to a rare clinical nsCLP entity. This entity specifically involves abnormalities of the lip and soft palate, which develop at different time-points and in separate anatomical regions.Clefts of the lip and palate are common birth defects, and require long-term multidisciplinary management. Their etiology involves genetic factors and environmental influences and/or a combination of both, however, these interactions are poorly defined. Moreover, although clefts of the lip may or may not involve the palate, the determinants predisposing to specific subphenotypes are largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that variations in the non-coding region near the GREM1 gene show a highly significant association with a particular phenotype in which cleft lip and cleft palate co-occ

Meta-analysis Reveals Genome-Wide Significance at 15q13 for Nonsyndromic Clefting of Both the Lip and the Palate, and Functional Analyses Implicate GREM1 As a Plausible Causative Gene

Nonsyndromic orofacial clefts are common birth defects with multifactorial etiology. The most common type is cleft lip, which occurs with or without cleft palate (nsCLP and nsCLO, respectively). Although genetic components play an important role in nsCLP, the genetic factors that predispose to palate involvement are largely unknown. In this study, we carried out a meta-analysis on genetic and clinical data from three large cohorts and identified strong association between a region on chromosome 15q13 and nsCLP (P = 8.13×10−14 for rs1258763; relative risk (RR): 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.32–1.61)) but not nsCLO (P = 0.27; RR: 1.09 (0.94–1.27)). The 5 kb region of strongest association maps downstream of Gremlin-1 (GREM1), which encodes a secreted antagonist of the BMP4 pathway. We show during mouse embryogenesis, Grem1 is expressed in the developing lip and soft palate but not in the hard palate. This is consistent with genotype-phenotype correlations between rs1258763 and a specific nsCLP subphenotype, since a more than two-fold increase in risk was observed in patients displaying clefts of both the lip and soft palate but who had an intact hard palate (RR: 3.76, CI: 1.47–9.61, Pdiff<0.05). While we did not find lip or palate defects in Grem1-deficient mice, wild type embryonic palatal shelves developed divergent shapes when cultured in the presence of ectopic Grem1 protein (P = 0.0014). The present study identified a non-coding region at 15q13 as the second, genome-wide significant locus specific for nsCLP, after 13q31. Moreover, our data suggest that the closely located GREM1 gene contributes to a rare clinical nsCLP entity. This entity specifically involves abnormalities of the lip and soft palate, which develop at different time-points and in separate anatomical regions

Astrophysics with the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna

Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) will be a transformative experiment for gravitational wave astronomy as it will offer unique opportunities to address many key astrophysical questions in a completely novel way. The synergy with ground-based and other space-based instruments in the electromagnetic domain, by enabling multi-messenger observations, will add further to the discovery potential of LISA. The next decade is crucial to prepare the astrophysical community for LISA's first observations. This review outlines the extensive landscape of astrophysical theory, numerical simulations, and astronomical observations that are instrumental for modeling and interpreting the upcoming LISA datastream. To this aim, the current knowledge in three main source classes for LISA is reviewed: ultra-compact stellar-mass binaries, massive black hole binaries, and extreme or intermediate mass ratio inspirals. The relevant astrophysical processes and the established modeling techniques are summarized. Likewise, open issues and gaps in our understanding of these sources are highlighted, along with an indication of how LISA could help make progress in the different areas. New research avenues that LISA itself, or its joint exploitation with studies in the electromagnetic domain, will enable, are also illustrated. Improvements in modeling and analysis approaches, such as the combination of numerical simulations and modern data science techniques, are discussed. This review is intended to be a starting point for using LISA as a new discovery tool for understanding our Universe

7in 1 Sensor Dataset for Cotton fields in Pakistan 2023

The crop type, unique device IDs, sowing dates, cultivated area in acres, specific geographical coordinates, location names, relevant document links, monitoring dates, and sensor data are all included in this file. The collection contains several instances of cotton farming, each with its own set of features. Cotton Crop ID: A unique identifier for the monitoring gadget. Sowing Date: The date the cotton crop was planted. Acreage: The total land area dedicated to cotton farming, measured in acres. Coordinates: The cotton field's specific geographical coordinates, provided in latitude and longitude, which aid in accurate location identification. Location: The name of the area or region in which the cotton crop is grown (for example, Rahimyar Khan, Shah Alam Shah, Matiari, Sindh). Document connection: A connection to related cotton crop documents or records, which may contain further data, reports, or documentation. The date on which the cotton crop was monitored or evaluated for various parameters. Sensor Data: Information gathered from sensors during monitoring, which may include information on environmental conditions, growth metrics, or other agricultural parameters. This dataset contains numerous cotton cultivation instances, each of which is individually recognized by a combination of crop kind, device ID, and monitoring data. It offers vital information into the cultivation process, allowing researchers and stakeholders to assess cotton crop development, conditions, and performance over time, ultimately contributing to informed agricultural decision-making

Discursive Practices and Narrative Building in Post 9/11 Among Young American Adults

The changing undercurrents of the political situation of the world, in the aftermath of 9/11, seem to have affected the notion of the 'other' in the social, cultural and most expressively the discourse of literature. The power structures embedded in these discourses have influenced the social practices in the portrayal of the 'other'. The construction of the 'other' is epitomized through writings illustrating biases that reveal themselves in ostracizing communities and ideologies. The socio-political implications of the identity in post 9/11 require further investigation.&nbsp; The current study investigates the portrayal of the 'other' delineated in American young adults. The theoretical perspectives of Siegfried Jager and Teun van Dijk (2001) in the domain of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) were employed to analyze the data. The results of the investigation substantiated that the 'other' was redefined as an entity loaded with explicit negative implications and depicted by adding a prefix to the ‘other’ creating a ‘Muslim other’. The paper has implications for socio-political, education and cultural setting and practices in society

Exploring pedagogical perspectives of EFL instructors: advantages, disadvantages, and implications of Blackboard as an LMS for language instruction

AbstractThe Blackboard learning management system (LMS) is one of the online platforms for teaching a range of subjects. This study explores the perceptions of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instructors regarding Blackboard for teaching English language skills. It also identifies the advantages and disadvantages of Blackboard compared to face-to-face (F2F) instruction. To collect data, the study employed a convergent/parallel mixed-methods (QUAN-QUAL approach) design. First, a total of 47 instructors from a Saudi university participated in completing a 7-item closed-ended questionnaire. Then, 14 teachers provided feedback through an open-ended questionnaire on the pros and cons of Blackboard versus face-to-face instruction. Data analysis techniques included descriptive statistics and thematic analysis and comparing the results. The findings demonstrate that EFL instructors have mixed responses. They favor Blackboard as an effective medium for teaching listening, reading, speaking, and pronunciation. However, they suggest that writing and grammar skills are taught face-to-face better. This research contributes to understanding Blackboard as an LMS with its pros and cons in EFL teaching and its implications for language instruction to inform decision-making processes

Comparison of future and base precipitation anomalies by SimCLIM statistical projection through ensemble approach in Pakistan

Unpredictable precipitation trends have largely influenced by climate change which prolonged droughts or floods in South Asia. Statistical analysis of monthly, seasonal, and annual precipitation trend carried out for different temporal (1996–2015 and 2041–2060) and spatial scale (39 meteorological stations) in Pakistan. Statistical downscaling model (SimCLIM) was used for future precipitation projection (2041–2060) and analyzed by statistical approach. Ensemble approach combined with representative concentration pathways (RCPs) at medium level used for future projections. The magnitude and slop of trends were derived by applying Mann-Kendal and Sen's slop statistical approaches. Geo-statistical application used to generate precipitation trend maps. Comparison of base and projected precipitation by statistical analysis represented by maps and graphical visualization which facilitate to detect trends. Results of this study projects that precipitation trend was increasing more than 70% of weather stations for February, March, April, August, and September represented as base years. Precipitation trend was decreased in February to April but increase in July to October in projected years. Highest decreasing trend was reported in January for base years which was also decreased in projected years. Greater variation in precipitation trends for projected and base years was reported in February to April. Variations in projected precipitation trend for Punjab and Baluchistan highly accredited in March and April. Seasonal analysis shows large variation in winter, which shows increasing trend for more than 30% of weather stations and this increased trend approaches 40% for projected precipitation. High risk was reported in base year pre-monsoon season where 90% of weather station shows increasing trend but in projected years this trend decreased up to 33%. Finally, the annual precipitation trend has increased for more than 90% of meteorological stations in base (1996–2015) which has decreased for projected year (2041–2060) up to 76%. These result revealed that overall precipitation trend is decreasing in future year which may prolonged the drought in 14% of weather stations under study