A Study on Students' Problems in ESL Writing Classes in the Arts College/ Kuwait University

oai:ojs2.journals.iorpress.org:article/1This paper discusses the influence of the first language (Arabic) on the second language (English) in the writing pieces of ESL students in Arts College/ Kuwait University. Going over some writing papers taken from the students' work in class, the reader would notice a 'different English'. The overall layout of the paper, the ideas presentation, the personal expression, the syntax and word choice, the punctuation and other elements make this new language on students' papers. From papers written in class and at home, I conducted an analysis to see the difference between the two languages techniques, and to find solutions for that. I also interviewed students and they assured that Arabic has a massive influence on them. They disclosed that they read the topic in English, and think/analyze in Arabic. Some participants mentioned that their limited competence of vocabulary in English hindered them from expressing well on paper. Another group mentioned that the idea of 'being explanatory' prevailed their thinking while writing. They said that they wanted to explain their ideas well and repeatedly so that the reader/teacher would understand their points. They also had troubles in organizing the sentences according to the English paragraph style

The determinants of citizens\u27 satisfaction in the water public service: the case study of the governorate of Fayoum

This empirical study aims at investigating the determinants that influence the level of citizens\u27 satisfaction regarding the water public service. It provides the policy makers and the management of the water companies, with scientific evidence on the factors that control the citizens\u27 satisfaction, and the potential areas of water service improvement. The study used a primary data from a survey of 3000 respondents, collected by the Social Contract Center in December 2011 in the governorate of Fayoum. The investigated variables of this study have been classified into two main groups; the first group is the service-related variables, which included variables related to the water quality, and service quality. The second group is the non service-related variables, which included the socioeconomic, and the demographic variables. For the service-related variables, the study has found that the variables of water quality (i.e. water taste, color, and smell) were all significant in influencing the level of citizens\u27 satisfaction, where the satisfaction varied according to the incidents of facing problems in the water quality. For the variables investigated under the service quality, the study has found that only water pressure, continuity of water flow during the day, and the water company\u27s response to the service urgent needs were significant in influencing the citizens\u27 satisfaction level, while the other variables of having a functioning water meter, facing problems in water bills, and accessibility to the water service information were not influential in affecting the citizens\u27 level of satisfaction regarding the water public service. For the non service-related variables, the study has found that regarding the socioeconomic characteristics of the citizens, the education level of respondents was significant in affecting their level of satisfaction; while on the contrary, the monthly spending average of the household has not show any significance. The demographic characteristics of the citizens have been investigated, and showed that, the gender, and rural-urban distribution of the citizens were significant in affecting the level of satisfaction regarding the water service, yet, the citizens\u27 age failed to show a significant influence. The findings of the study highlight the importance of improving the service-related factors, in order for the water companies to increase the level of citizens\u27 satisfaction with the service

Investigating the downstream signalling of the Rho GTPase RhoJ

RhoJ is an endothelial expressed Rho GTPase which regulates cell migration, protein trafficking and angiogenesis. Previous studies demonstrated that GTP-bound RhoJ activated MAP kinases, interacted with the GIT-PIX complex, caused a retarded electromobility shift of GIT2 and promoted focal adhesion disassembly. The aims of this study were to further characterise how RhoJ regulates MAP kinases and the GIT-PIX complex. The activity of RhoJ was manipulated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by either lentiviral transduction of constitutively active mutant form of RhoJ (daRhoJ) or transfection with RhoJ-specific si-RNA duplexes, to activate and inhibit it, respectively. Expression of daRhoJ resulted in a small increase in ERK1/2, but not JNK, phosphorylation in HUVECs cultured in complete media. In a time-course experiment, si-RNA-mediated RhoJ knockdown significantly reduced levels of phospho-ERK1/2, this was particularly evident after 15 min stimulation with VEGFA, FGF2 or complete growth media. Other groups had shown that the GIT-PIX complex interacted with and regulated the activity of MEK1 and ERK1/2, and that ERK1/2 localised to focal adhesions; we therefore aimed to test how RhoJ affected this. Experiments demonstrated that very low levels of GIT1 co-precipitated with either MEK1 or ERK1/2, and there was no evident co-localisation of ERK1/2 with vinculin, a focal adhesion protein. This low level of co-precipitation combined with some technical difficulties hindered the assessment of how RhoJ affected this interaction. This, combined with the lack of focal adhesion localisation of ERK1/2 led to our hypothesising that the GIT-PIX complex was not involved in RhoJ’s regulation of ERK1/2 in endothelial cells. One potential alternative mechanism is via p21-activated kinases (PAK), kinases known to be both downstream of RhoJ and able to regulate RAF1. The role of PAKs in the daRhoJ-mediated change in the electrophoretic mobility of GIT2 was assessed. Two PAK inhibitors were tested, and PF-3758309, but not IPA-3, abrogated GIT2’s mobility shift in daRhoJ expressing endothelial cells. This suggests that the electromobility shift of GIT2 is due to serine and threonine phosphorylation and the differential effect of the inhibitors suggests that PAK4 acts downstream of RhoJ to affect phosphorylation of GIT2. Data in this thesis further delineates the molecular pathways downstream of RhoJ and offers insight into the mechanisms by which RhoJ regulates its endothelial functions

AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF CAROB AQUEOUS EXTRACT ON WATER PIPE SMOKE INDUCED-TOXICITY IN ADULT MALE ALBINO RATS

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the daily effect of pre and post treatment of carob aqueous extract (600 mg/kg b. wt.); on rats exposed to were exposed to water pipe smoke (10 mg/kg; 15 minutes) for 2, 4, 6 and 8 w.Methods: Rats were divided into 6 groups; 1st group was served as a control. Rats of the 2nd group were administered amiodarone (an antiarrhythmic medication used as a model for lung toxicity) at a dose level of 30 mg/kg. The rats of 3rd and 4th groups were exposed to water pipe smoke and treated with carob extract respectively. However, the two remaining groups (5th and 6th) were the pre-and post-treatment groups with carob extract respectively.Results: Amiodarone and water pipe smoke induced a significant increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP); on the contrary, induced a significant decrease in serum total protein and albumin. In addition; serum creatinine and urea showed a significant increase; as well as; amiodarone and water pipe smoke increased the oxidative stress (malondialdehyde/glutathione; MDA/GSH) in lung tissue homogenate. While; carob extract gavage showed protective and curative effects in liver and kidney functions; in addition; it decreased MDA level and increased GSH level significantly.Conclusion: Finally, we can conclude that the carob aqueous extract treatment revealed ameliorative effects on rats were exposed to water pipe smoke

REVITALIZING THE BORDERLINES THROUGH ARCHITECTURE OF GREEN NETWORKING - CASE STUDY: BEIRUT, LEBANON

Borders are an essential part of cities and countries, and they can create both physical and cultural divides. Inner-city borders can lead to social isolation and inequality, which can contribute to tensions and conflicts. Borders around the world have become a symbol of conflict, racism, fear, inequity, and division. One single line could divide between opportunity and hope and poverty and oblivion. Accordingly, some borders create social isolation between various cultures in cities that increase socio-political problems and remove urban connectivity. Green networking involves using urban green spaces, such as parks and gardens, to connect different areas of a city and facilitate movement and interaction between people. This research aims to examine the impact of inner-city borders on social integration between different cultural groups by using green networking to break down barriers and promote social interaction. The study will contribute to a better understanding of how urban green spaces can promote social integration and reduce inequality in inner cities. The study will use scientific methodology, including site visits, experimental examinations, and analytical research, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the borderline area of research

Impact of Implementing Nursing Guidelines on Knowledge and Habits of Patients Receiving Radioactive Iodine

Background: Radioactive iodine is widely used in nuclear medicine. The radioactive iodine 131 (I-131) is generally utilized in patient with different thyroid disease. Aim of the study: Is to evaluate impact of implementing nursing guidelines on knowledge and habits of patients receiving radioactive iodine. Research design: interventional research design (Pre / post test) was utilized in this study. Setting: This study was conducted in nuclear medicine department at Sohage University Hospital. Sample: 60 patients were included in this study. Tools: Data collected by three tools Interview questionnaire sheet, patient’s knowledge questionnaire sheet and patient habits assessment sheet. Results: there were vital distinction between patients knowledge and habits post implementing nursing guidelines with P value (0.001*). Conclusion: providing nursing guidelines were largely effective on improving patients knowledge and correcting habits. Recommendation: Nurses should be aware by guidelines that given to patients after receiving radioactive iodine and inform patients about them, research should be applied on widely geographical area. Keywords: Nursing Guidelines, knowledge and habits, Radioactive iodine. DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/61-07 Publication date: April 30th 201

Effect of glucoamylase enzyme extract on in vitro gas production and degradability of two diets with 25% of corn or sorghum grains

The optimal use of starch is fundamental in improving performance of ruminants fed high grain diets (Huntington 1997, Rojo et al. 2000). Many strategies were developed to increase starch digestion rate and grain energetic value such as ground, dry rolled and steamed, and harvest of grains with high moisture content (Owens et al. 1997). Amylolytic enzymes in the rumen are extracellular or cell-bound (Thurn and Kotarsky 1987), and the extracellular enzymes are the most important in the group of amylolytic bacteria (Cotta 1988). Amylases are present in protozoa (Mendoza et al. 1993 1995) and ruminal fungi (Yanke et al. 1993). Exogenous amylolytic enzymes are obtained from controlled fermentation of bacteria or fungi (Declerk et al. 1997) and they are used in the food industry for starch hydrolysis (Reilly 1985).The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of glucoamylase enzyme (GEZ) extract on the in vitro ruminal gas production (GP) and degradability of 2 total mixed rations (TMR) of 25% of corn and other of 25% of sorghum grains. The 2 diets were treated with 0, 1.5 and 3 g of GEZ protein (65% of protein) per kg of grain in diet. Diets GP were measured at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation. Incubations were stopped after 72 h where pH was measured and supernatant was filtered to determine in vitro dry matter (DMD), neutral detergent fiber (NDFD), and acid detergent fiber (ADFD) degradabilities. Addition of GEZ to corn diet had no effect on kinetics of GP, whereas GEZ added to sorghum diet, at the high dose of the enzyme (3 g/kg DM), was traduced by an increase of the rhythm of GP (c) and the volume of GP at 2, 4 and 6 h of incubation. Likewise, effect of GEZ was not affected either on the DMD or cell wall (NDFD and ADFD) of both diets (sorghum or corn). Irrespective to enzyme supply, kinetics of GP and pattern of degradation of corn were generally higher than those of sorghum. A net effect of the diet and the interactions between diet and enzyme were recorded for the volume of GP at different incubation times. The use of high doses of GEZ should be tested on the pattern rumen fermentation

Effects of exogenous enzymes on nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation and growth performance in beef steers

Forty crossbred steers (Baladi Friesian, average BW 15375.14 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of exogenous enzyme (ENZ) addition on nutrient intake, digestion, ruminal fermentation and feed conversion in beef steers. Steers were randomly assigned to two groups of 20 animals and fed individually a total mixed ration (TMR) without (CTRL) or with addition of 40 g/hd/d of an enzyme mixture (ZADOs). The ENZ mixture was added for 220 days and in vivo apparent digestibility was measured on days 210–220. Enzyme addition did not affect (P¼0.1) DM intake, whereas it increased (Po0.05) total tract apparent digestibility of all nutrients. The magnitude of improvement in digestibility varied among nutrients, with the highest improvement occurring in digestibility of NDF and ADF (21.8% and 26.7%, respectively). Addition of ENZ also increased (Po0.05) concentrations of rumen ammonia N and total short chain fatty acids (SCFA) before and 3 h post-feeding. Allantoin concentration total purine derivates were increased (P¼0.04) with enzyme addition while uric acid was not affected (P¼0.05). Live-weight gain was also higher (Po0.01) in steers supplemented with ENZ. In conclusion, adding the exogenous enzyme product increased live-weight gain by 16% due to increased nutrient digestibility

A HYBRID APPROACH BASED ON BUILDING PHYSICS AND MACHINE LEARNING FOR THERMAL COMFORT PREDICTION IN SMART BUILDINGS

One of the most important challenges facing the world is the application of modern technology in order to create smart buildings that achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). Thermal comfort and reduction of energy consumption in buildings are considered important factors which, in turn, are reflected in creating a healthy environment and improving human productivity. Internet of Things (IoT) provides an ideal solution for collecting real-time data on the factors affecting indoor thermal comfort and energy consumption. However, comfort level is subjective and depends on many factors, which may not be learned by conventional models, an integrated model depending on thermal comfort factors is needed. In this work, a hybrid physics-based model incorporated with machine learning techniques is used for the prediction of thermal comfort inside buildings. XGBoost (eXtreme Gradient Boost) algorithm method was used due to its abilities to handle complex problems. A calculated dataset was extracted from the physics-based model gathered with the environmental variables data such as humidity, moisture, temperature, and air velocity collected from IoT devices. The results show an improvement in the prediction of the thermal comfort approach as compared with the conventional models. The XGBoost algorithm can exhibit an effective solution for eliminating deficiencies of traditional models and can be used when designing smart buildings, simulating, and evaluating the designed buildings, controlling energy consumption, and achieving thermal comfort

Moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in children: focus on systemic Th2 cytokine receptor antagonists and Janus kinase inhibitors

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a lifelong disease that markedly impairs quality of life. AD is considered a starting point of the “atopic march,” which begins at a young age and may progress to systemic allergic diseases. Moreover, it is strongly associated with comorbid allergic and inflammatory diseases including arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Understanding the pathogenesis of AD is essential for the development of targeted therapies. Epidermal barrier dysfunction, immune deviation toward a T helper 2 proinflammatory profile, and microbiome dysbiosis play important roles via complex interactions. The systemic involvement of type 2 inflammation, wheather acute or chronic, and whether extrinsic or intrinsic, is evident in any type of AD. Studies on AD endotypes with unique biological mechanisms have been conducted according to clinical phenotypes, such as race or age, but the endotype for each phenotype, or endophenotype, has not yet been clearly identified. Therefore, AD is still being treated according to severity rather than endotype. Infancy-onset and severe AD are known risk factors leading to atopic march. In addition, up to 40% of adult AD are cases of infancy-onset AD that persist into adulthood, and these are often accompanied by other allergic diseases. Therefore, early intervention strategies to identify high-risk infants and young children, repair an impaired skin barrier, and control systemic inflamation may improve long-term outcomes in AD patients. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has evaluated the effectiveness of early intervention on atopic march using systemic therapy in high-risk infants. This narrative review addresses the latest knowledge of systemic treatment, including Th2 cytokine receptor antagonists and Janus kinase inhibitors, for children with moderate to severe AD that is refractory to topical treatment