BACKGROUND Expiratory flow limitation (EFL), determined by the negative expiratory pressure (NEP) technique, can exhibit overlapping patterns in COPD, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and non-OSA obesity. We assessed the ability of a quantitative method to assess EFL to discriminate COPD from obese and OSA patients during NEP (-2 to -3 cm H(2)O) testing. METHODS EFL was quantified by measuring t...

Little is known about the influence of language background in problem-based learning (PBL) tutorial groups on group processes and students’ academic achievement. This study investigated the relationship between language background, secondary school score, tutorial group processes, and students’ academic achievement in PBL. A validated tutorial group effectiveness questionnaire was administered ...

Genes encoding elongation factor-like (EFL) proteins, which show high similarity to elongation factor-1alpha (EF-1alpha), have been found in phylogenetically distantly related eukaryotes. The sporadic distribution of "EFL-containing" lineages within "EF-1alpha-containing" lineages indirectly, but strongly, suggests lateral gene transfer as the principal driving force in EFL evolution. However, ...

The algal excretion product geranylacetone was proved to be an effective and novel inhibitor of carotene synthesis in Synechoccus 6911. The application of geranylacetone resulted in an ac­ cumulation of phytofluene, indicating an inhibition of the conversion of this compound into fcarotene. The cts-isomer of geranylacetone was as effective as the natural irans-isomer. The chloro­ phyll synthesi...

Anthropomorphized robots are regarded as beneficial tools in education due to their capabilities of improving teaching effectiveness and learning motivation. Therefore, one major trend of research, known as RobotAssisted Language Learning (RALL), is trying to develop robots to support teaching and learning English as a foreign language (EFL). As more practical studies on materials development h...

This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of EFL Taiwanese university students on a collaborative CALL environment. The participants were 112 intermediate proficiency English as a foreign language Taiwanese third-year university students. The dataset used included the pre-and post-questionnaires on participants’ perspectives on the CALL environment. In addition, interview data was collect...