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Purpose: This paper presents research findings on the effectiveness and impact of E-Learning to the teaching and learning process of the Undergraduate Program (UGP) and General Foundation Program (GFP) at Oman Tourism College in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. Method: Teacher and student experience on E-Learning were evaluated by utilizing mixed methodology through online survey. Five criteria of effectiveness were established and used to assess E-Learning. The study determined the consensus measure and target consensus measure of teachers and students on the effectiveness of E-Learning employing the five factors. The study also examined whether students and teachers differ in their perceptions on E-Learning. The effects of E-Learning on teaching methodology and learning styles were also investigated. Results: Teachers and students appeared to be in agreement on their perceptions on E-learning and provided higher ratings on E-Learning based on the five criteria of effectiveness. E-Learning was viewed favorably by teachers and students as an effective tool to enhance the delivery of instruction and develop knowledge acquisition skills through transfer of learning. Conclusion: E-Learning can be considered as one of the best strategies to be adopted for teaching and learning. The researchers assert that the provision of education can no longer be restricted within a single campus but can be extended throughout the country through distance learning and integration of E-Learning solutions. Recommendation: It is highly recommended that further study can be conducted to include other Higher Education Institutions in Oman in order to form a more concrete knowledge-based plan in creating E-Learning strategies. Practical Implication: E-Learning could potentially shape the future of education by advancing the traditional classroom setting into the web. There is a need for the entire academic community to ensure that the factors of e-learning effectiveness are delivered adequately and the utilization of e-learning must be evaluated regularly.

Research focused on Down syndrome has increased in the last several years to advance understanding of the consequences of trisomy 21 (T21) on molecular and cellular processes and, ultimately, on individuals with Down syndrome. The Trisomy 21 Research Society (T21RS) is the premier scientific organization for researchers and clinicians studying Down syndrome. The Third International Conference of T21RS, held June 6-9, 2019, in Barcelona, Spain, brought together 429 scientists, families, and industry representatives to share the latest discoveries on underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of T21, define cognitive and behavioral challenges and better understand comorbidities associated with Down syndrome, including Alzheimer's disease and leukemia. Presentation of cutting-edge results in neuroscience, neurology, model systems, psychology, cancer, biomarkers and molecular and phar-ma-cological therapeutic approaches demonstrate the compelling interest and continuing advancement in all aspects of understanding and ameliorating conditions associated with T21.

Introduction: Diagnosing dementia in people with severe/profound intellectual (and multiple) disabilities (SPI(M)D) is complex. Whereas existing dementia screening instruments as a whole are unsuitable for this population, a number of individual items may apply. Therefore, this study aimed to identify applicable items in existing dementia screening instruments. Methods: Informant interviews about 40 people with SPI(M)D were conducted to identify applicable items in the Dementia Scale for Down Syndrome, Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Down Syndrome II scale, Dementia Questionnaire for persons with Mental Retardation and Social competence Rating scale for people with Intellectual Disabilities. Results: Among 193 items, 101 items were found applicable, categorized in 5 domains: behavioral and psychological functioning (60 items), cognitive functioning (25), motor functioning (6), activities of daily living (5) and medical comorbidities (5). Conclusion: Identifying applicable items for people with SPI(M)D is an essential step in developing a dedicated dementia screening instrument for this population.

Introduction: Observable dementia symptoms are hardly studied in people with severe/profound intellectual (and multiple) disabilities (SPI(M)D). Insight in symptomatology is needed for timely signaling/diagnosis. This study aimed to identify practice-based observations of dementia symptoms in this population. Methods: Care professionals and family members were invited to complete a survey about symptoms. Quantitatively analyzed survey data were further deepened through semi-structured interviews with care professionals having vast experience in signaling/diagnosing dementia in this population. Symptoms were categorized using a symptom matrix. Results: Survey respondents and interviewees frequently observed a decline in activities of daily living (ADL) functioning and behavioral and psychological changes, like increased irritability, anxiety, apathy and decreased eating/drinking behavior. Cognitive symptoms were particularly recognized in persons with verbal communication and/or walking skills. To lesser extent motor changes and medical comorbidities were reported. Conclusion: Increased insight in dementia symptoms contributes to developing a dedicated screening instrument for dementia in people with SPI(M)D.

Background: Dementia is increasingly prevalent in people with severe/profound intellectual disabilities. However, early detection and diagnosis of dementia is complex in this population. This study aimed to identify observable dementia symptoms in adults with severe/profound intellectual disabilities in available literature. Method: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science with an exhaustive search string using a combination of search terms for severe/profound intellectual disabilities and dementia/ageing. Results: Eleven studies met inclusion criteria. Cognitive decline, behavioural and psychological alterations, decline in activities of daily living as well as neurological and physical changes were found. Conclusions: Only a very limited number of studies reported symptoms ascribed to dementia in adults with severe/profound intellectual disabilities. Given the complexity of signalling and diagnosing dementia, dedicated studies are required to unravel the natural history of dementia in this population.

Background: Differentiating dementia from baseline level of functioning is difficult among people with severe/profound intellectual (and multiple) disabilities. Moreover, studies on observable dementia symptoms are scarce. This study examined (a) the relevance of dementia diagnosis, (b) observable symptoms and (c) training/information needs. Methods: Four explorative focus groups were held with care professionals and family members who have experience with people with severe/profound intellectual (and multiple) disabilities ([greater than or equal to]40 years) and decline/dementia. Results: Thematic analysis showed that participants wanted to know about a dementia diagnosis for a better understanding and to be able to make informed choices (question 1). Using a categorisation matrix, cognitive and behavioural changes were shown to be most prominent (question 2). Participants indicated that they needed enhanced training, more knowledge development and translation, and supportive organisational choices/policies (question 3). Conclusions: Timely identifying/diagnosing dementia allows for a timely response to changing needs. This requires a better understanding of symptoms.

In the last decade, a number of important research advances in different fields have allowed Down syndrome (DS) research to flourish, creating a time of both unparalleled opportunity and considerable challenge. Building a scientific framework that distills mechanisms involved in the developmental intellectual disability of DS as well as the early-onset component of Alzheimer disease and the several other comorbidities associated with the condition is a challenge that scientists are now tackling using novel technologies and multidisciplinary approaches. The Trisomy 21 Research Society (T21RS) was founded in 2014 to address these evolving needs and challenges. In June of 2017, the T21RS held its 2nd International Conference in Chicago, USA. With more than 200 scientists, advocates, people with DS, and family members in attendance, the meeting served as a forum for the discussion of the latest research and clinical advances as well as the most compelling needs of people with DS and their families.

The article discusses the policy direction for pangolin conservation in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The current prohibitionist approach may not be optimal for conserving the species, as it fails to consider diverse and adaptive management approaches. The article suggests that restricting policy options for pangolins in CITES may hinder optimal national policies and proposes that formal domestic use and/or trade of pangolins could contribute to their conservation under appropriate governance conditions. The authors recommend recognizing the need for context-specific solutions and not removing potential tools for pangolin conservation. [Extracted from the article]

Recipe websites are becoming increasingly popular to support people in their home cooking. However, most of these websites prioritize popular recipes, which tend to be unhealthy. Drawing upon research on visual biases and nudges, this paper investigates whether healthy food choices can be supported in food search by depicting attractive images alongside recipes, as well as by re-ranking search results on health. After modelling the visual attractiveness of recipe images, we asked 239 users to search for specific online recipes and to select those they liked the most. Our analyses revealed that users tended to choose a healthier recipe if a visually attractive image was depicted alongside it, as well as if it was listed at the top of a list of search results. Even though less popular recipes were promoted this way, it did not come at the cost of a user’s level of satisfaction.

Aneuploidy, a chromosome content other than a multiple of the haploid number, is a common feature of cancer cells. Whole chromosomal aneuploidy accompanying ongoing chromosomal instability in mice resulting from reduced levels of the centromere-linked motor protein CENP-E has been reported to increase the incidence of spleen and lung tumors, but to suppress tumors in three other contexts. Exacerbating chromosome missegregation in CENP-E(+/-) mice by reducing levels of another mitotic checkpoint component, Mad2, is now shown to result in elevated cell death and decreased tumor formation compared with reduction of either protein alone. Furthermore, we determine that the additional contexts in which increased whole-chromosome missegregation resulting from reduced CENP-E suppresses tumor formation have a preexisting, elevated basal level of chromosome missegregation that is exacerbated by reduction of CENP-E. Tumors arising from primary causes that do not generate chromosomal instability, including loss of the INK4a tumor suppressor and microsatellite instability from reduction of the DNA mismatch repair protein MLH1, are unaffected by CENP-E-dependent chromosome missegregation. These findings support a model in which low rates of chromosome missegregation can promote tumorigenesis, whereas missegregation of high numbers of chromosomes leads to cell death and tumor suppression.

In this review, the evolution of textured lead-free piezoceramics has been explored, primarily focusing on the technique of templated grain growth (TGG) and reactive-templated grain growth (RTGG), as an alternative to single crystals. The mechanics and properties of using template in guiding and orienting the ceramic grains into the same crystal orientation allow for piezoelectric properties approaching those of their single-crystal counterparts. The fabrication process was surveyed in depth, with focus placed on the tape casting process and numerous variables associated with aligning the template seeds in the ceramic matrix. The piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of the textured ceramics are supposed to be a function of all parameters (tape casting, slurry formation, sintering profile, template properties) in an effort to determine the significance of their contributions to the properties. Keywords: Piezoelectric, Textured, Tape casting, Template, Lead-free

Abstract Introduction People with Down syndrome (DS) are at high risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Defects in monoamine neurotransmitter systems are implicated in DS and AD but have not been comprehensively studied in DS. Methods Noradrenaline, adrenaline, and their metabolite 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG); dopamine and its metabolites 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid; and serotonin and its metabolite 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid were quantified in 15 brain regions of DS without AD (DS, n = 4), DS with AD (DS+AD, n = 17), early‐onset AD (EOAD, n = 11) patients, and healthy non‐DS controls (n = 10) in the general population. Moreover, monoaminergic concentrations were determined in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/plasma samples of DS (n = 37/149), DS with prodromal AD (DS+pAD, n = 13/36), and DS+AD (n = 18/40). Results In brain, noradrenergic and serotonergic compounds were overall reduced in DS+AD versus EOAD, while the dopaminergic system showed a bidirectional change. For DS versus non‐DS controls, significantly decreased MHPG levels were noted in various brain regions, though to a lesser extent than for DS+AD versus EOAD. Apart from DOPAC, CSF/plasma concentrations were not altered between groups. Discussion Monoamine neurotransmitters and metabolites were evidently impacted in DS, DS+AD, and EOAD. DS and DS+AD presented a remarkably similar monoaminergic profile, possibly related to early deposition of amyloid pathology in DS. To confirm whether monoaminergic alterations are indeed due to early amyloid β accumulation, future avenues include positron emission tomography studies of monoaminergic neurotransmission in relation to amyloid deposition, as well as relating monoaminergic concentrations to CSF/plasma levels of amyloid β and tau within individuals.

Microtubules of the mitotic spindle in mammalian somatic cells are focused at spindle poles, a process thought to include direct capture by astral microtubules of kinetochores and/or noncentrosomally nucleated microtubule bundles. By construction and analysis of a conditional loss of mitotic function allele of the nuclear mitotic apparatus (NuMA) protein in mice and cultured primary cells, we demonstrate that NuMA is an essential mitotic component with distinct contributions to the establishment and maintenance of focused spindle poles. When mitotic NuMA function is disrupted, centrosomes provide initial focusing activity, but continued centrosome attachment to spindle fibers under tension is defective, and the maintenance of focused kinetochore fibers at spindle poles throughout mitosis is prevented. Without centrosomes and NuMA, initial establishment of spindle microtubule focusing completely fails. Thus, NuMA is a defining feature of the mammalian spindle pole and functions as an essential tether linking bulk microtubules of the spindle to centrosomes.