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Recent studies claimed that the absence of a paradigm is a challenge to developing education for sustainable development and soft skills competencies. This integrative study examines stimulating these transferable and transversal competencies through constructivist approaches to teaching from the cognitive, social, radical, and critical perspectives. The study argues that the use of constructivist approaches to teaching can contribute to the achievement of education for sustainable development and soft skills competencies through the delegation of power from teachers/lecturers to students. This, in active and interactive classrooms, empowers students and builds their confidence to develop on the personal, academic, and professional levels. The use of the cognitive constructivist approach assists in developing competencies based on a clear understanding of the cognitive structures of students in a vibrant classroom environment. The use of the social constructivist approach assists in constructing individualized learning environment based on predetermined zones of proximal development in sociocultural contexts. The radical and critical constructivist approaches to teaching, through the rejection of conventional epistemologies, allow students the freedom to creatively address issues related to environmental, economic, and social sustainability. This becomes effective through the fostering of self and social awareness, challenging existing ideas, and provoking innovative thoughts that are necessary to shape a sustainable future.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted traditional design education, forcing educators to adopt digital classrooms for architectural design instruction, which has led to various challenges and suboptimal student performance. This research explores effective online design teaching methods, particularly across different design modules (IVI), using a synthesis and literature review methodology. It investigates three domains: pandemic teaching challenges, traditional design education, and suitable pandemic teaching methods. The study triangulates teaching during the pandemic, conventional techniques, and elements from content focus (CF) and support open learning (SL) methods to create a hybrid pedagogy. The proposed blended approach combines traditional design education with virtual instruction, offering guidelines for educators to structure academic activities and integrate effective online teaching strategies. The findings provide valuable insights for design instructors and educational institutions adapting to digital classrooms during the pandemic and beyond.

Creativity and design thinking skills are considered pillars in arts practice in general. Traditional arts education, in particular, involves a tension between pure technical skill and the ability to design creatively regardless of craft limitations. The present study focuses on eliminating the boundaries between craft and art and bridging the gap between technical skills and creativity in practicing traditional textile printing arts. The paper presents a teaching procedure that is based on exploring traditional textile printing within a new dimension and achieving a balance between both the technical and creative sides. The study proposes a survey model to investigate the impact of the applied procedures and understand students' perceptions of the full range of the traditional printing creative process in action. The conclusions of this study will aid in the development of traditional arts education and practice in general and their re-exploration as flexible, expressive, and creative forms of art.

The study aims to investigate the impact of implementing the Numbered Heads Strategy on developing oral expression skills among Arabic learners who speak languages, as well as their attitudes towards this teaching method. The research involved 50 participants, both male and female, at the fourth level of a language center within Al al-Bayt University. These participants were divided into two groups: a control group, which received traditional instruction, and an experimental group, which was taught using the Numbered Heads Strategy. The study designed an achievement test and an attitudinal scale to assess the participants. The results revealed a statistically significant difference in favor of the experimental group, with higher mean scores in both the oral expression skills test and the post-attitude scale. However, no significant differences were found between the mean scores of the experimental and control groups in the oral expression test and attitude scale when considering the interaction between teaching strategy and gender. Based on these results, the study recommends the utilization of the Numbered Heads Strategy in teaching oral expression skills to Arabic learners who speak languages other than Arabic.

Based on a sociocultural theory and a plethora of experiential studies on the efficacy of scaffolding on foreign language learning, the goal of this research article is to examine the effectiveness of diverse types of scaffolding on university students' lexical digesting and reading perception from a sociocultural standpoint. Using the Harvard Placement Test, 40 EFL students from a total of 70 were selected and divided into two experimental groups and a single control group. The first group (G1 Exp.) was given teaching with instructor scaffolding, the second group (G2 Exp.) received instruction with peer scaffolding, and the control group (G3 Cont.) received conventional instruction without any external enhancement. Pretests for lexical digesting and reading perception were administered to the three groups. Following the treatment, post-tests for lexical digesting and reading perception were administered. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to examine the collected data. The results showed a significant difference between instructor and peer scaffolding, with the peer scaffolding group outperforming the instructor scaffolding group. Both experimental groups outperformed the control group in lexical digesting and reading perception. Regarding various kinds of scaffolding, this study provided some advice for psycholinguists, curriculum designers, and language instructors.

The main goals of a successful education should consider students' mental health and academic achievement. To overcome obstacles and setbacks in the classroom, the learners must be equipped with self-aid strategies. Despite the associations between affection control, the foundation of self-evaluation, and theoretical floatability, no research in psycholinguistics has ever revealed their connections. In order to do this, the current study tested a structural model of the affection control, self-evaluation, and theoretical floatability of EFL university learners. 155 Saudi EFL university students were given the affection control questionnaire (ACQ), self-evaluation questionnaire (SEQ), and the theoretical floatability scale (TFS). The results showed that learners' theoretical floatability can be predicted by affection control and self-evaluation based on structural equation modeling (SEM). It was also proven that self-evaluation contributed to theoretical floatability. The findings have implications for increasing learners' realization of their personality features and self-evaluation, which can promote practical evaluation.

Abstract Background The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) proves to be a convenient and cost-effective marker with studies showing that a high NLR can serve as a mortality indicator in burn cases. We conducted a meta-analysis aiming to explore whether on-admission NLR values could serve as predictors of mortality in burn patients. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase were searched from inception until January 2024. We included all studies investigating burn patients that contain information on the NLR value at the time of hospital admission and mortality outcomes. The studies were critically appraised using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool. Results Nine studies fulfilled our criteria with a total population of 1837 participants, including 1526 survivor Burn patients and 311 non-survivor Burn patients. The overall mean difference measured by random model showed a significant increase in NLR by 5.06 (95% CI 3.42, 6.68) p ≤ 0.001 for the non-survivor group over the survivors group with heterogeneity I 2 = 67.33%, p ≤ 0.001. A meta-regression was done to investigate the potential source of heterogeneity among studies. The results showed that age (p = 0.394), gender (p = 0.164), and sample size (p = 0.099) did not contribute to the source of heterogeneity, however, the burn surface area contributed significantly (p = 0.002). A leave-one-out meta-analysis was done, showing that omitting Le Qui et al., leads to significantly decrease the heterogeneity to be I 2 = 2.73%. Meta-regression repeated to assess the burn surface area again to be found noncontributing (p = 0.404). Conclusions Our findings support that elevated NLR values can serve as a mortality indicator in burn cases. This will have a great clinical impact by aiding in stratifying the burn patients on admission.

Reusing industrial waste is one of the new tactics being used to tight the dumping of solid waste for environmental protection. In the current work, the waste polyurethane (WPU) was ground to a fine powder and used for rein forcement of devulcanized waste rabber/styrene butadiene rubber (DWR/SRR) blends. DWR/SBR/WPU composites were prepared using (0. 3, 6, 9, 15, 30) phr (parts per hundred of rubber) of WPU. It was hypothesized that the treatment of WPU with trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTMA) and irradiated at 10 kGy would improve its compatibility with the DWR/SBR blend and, consequently, its reinforcement efficacy. The incorporation of 30 phr of treated WPU (TWPU) improved ihe tensile strength (TS) by 47.7% and 8.6% compared to neat DWR/SBR and composites containing 30 phr of untreated WPU (UWPU). In addition, the incorporation of TWPU improved other mechanical characteristics such as tear strength, hardness, and abrasion resistance. As a result of increasing polarity and cross-link density' within the DWR/SBR blend after the addition of polar WPU, the resistance to motor oil was improved. The outcomes are encouraging from the standpoint of the circular economy and help produce high-performing, reasonably priced DWR/SBR composites for a range of industrial uses, especially in the iloor tiles application. Highlights * Waste polyurethane (WPU) was activated using gamma irradiation in the presence of TMPTMA. * The treatment of WPU improved its compatibility with DWR/SBR blend. * The impact of WPU treatment on the properties of DWR/SBR blend was investigated. * TWPU improved the mechanical properties of DWR/SBR blend more than UWPU. * TWPU increased the motor oil resistance of DWR/SBR blend more than UWPU. KEYWORDS gamma irradiation, mechanical properties, motor oil swelling, waste polyurethune, 1 | INTRODUCTION One of the most useful polymers for industry today is polyurethane (PU). Polyurethanes are categorized as condensation polymers produced from condensation polymerization between polyols and polyisocyanates. (1) [...]

Problem To prioritize key areas of action and investment for the next strategic cycle of national development plans (2026-2031) in Oman, we needed a holistic view of the country's health system and its main deficiencies and inefficiencies. Approach Informed by the World Health Organization framework, our team of seven national health ministry staff and two international experts conducted a rapid health system performance assessment. We used already available data to identify system bottlenecks and their potential root causes, verifying our findings with key informant interviews. Local setting Oman's 4.9 million population is relatively young (average age 28 years) but ageing, with a mounting burden of chronic diseases. While health-care services are free for Omani nationals, more than 1.5 million expatriates rely on out-of- pocket payments for health-care services. Strengthening primary health care, improving the quality of care, providing financial protection, and ensuring that public and private health-care providers operate within the same legal and procedural framework are recognized as key national priorities. Relevant changes Our assessment highlighted the need to extend health service coverage to the whole population, strengthen private health-care sector governance, improve health education, increase financial investment, and expand the country's capacity for data collection and analysis. Lessons learnt The assessment framework allowed us to identify areas where information is lacking and use already available data to analyse multiple health outcomes. As well as identifying issues that need to be addressed during the next policy development cycle, our findings have contributed towards the preparation of a more extensive assessment. [phrase omitted] [phrase omitted] Probleme Afin de hierarchiser les domaines d'action et d'investissement cles pour le prochain cycle strategique des plans de developpement nationaux (2026-2031) a Oman, une vision globale du systeme de sante du pays et de ses principales faiblesses et inefficacites etait necessaire. Approche S'inspirant du cadre de {'Organisation mondiale de la sante, notre equipe, composee de sept membres du personnel du ministere de la Sante et de deux experts internationaux, a procede a une evaluation rapide de la performance du systeme de sante. Nous avons utilise les donnees deja disponibles pour Identifier les goulets d'etranglement du systeme et leurs eventuelles causes premieres, et nous avons verifie nos conclusions a l'aide d'entretiens avec des informateurs cles. Environnement local La population d'Oman, qui compte 4,9 millions d'habitants, est relativement jeune (l'age moyen est de 28 ans), mais vieillissante, et le fardeau des maladies chroniques s'alourdit. Alors que les services de sante publique sont gratuits pour les Omanais, plus de 1,5 million d'expatries paient directement leurs soins de sante. Le renforcement des soins de sante primaires, l'amelioration de la qualite des soins, l'offre d'une protection financiere et la garantie que les prestataires de soins de sante publics et prives operent dans le meme cadre juridique et procedural sont reconnus comme des priorites nationales essentielles. Changements significatifs Notre evaluation a mis en evidence la necessite d'etendre la couverture des services de sante a l'ensemble de la population, de renforcer la gouvernance du secteur des soins de sante prives, d'ameliorer l'education a la sante, d'accroitre les investissements financiers et de developper les capacites du pays en matiere de collecte et d'analyse des donnees. Lecons tirees Le cadre devaluation nous a permis d'identifier les domaines ou des informations font defaut et d'utiliser les donnees deja disponibles pour analyser plusieurs resultats en matiere de sante. Outre l'identification des questions a traiter lors du prochain cycle d'elaboration des politiques, nos conclusions ont contribue a la preparation d'une evaluation plus approfondie. [phrase omitted] Situacion Para priorizar las areas clave de intervencion e inversion para el proximo ciclo estrategico de planes nacionales de desarrollo (2026-2031) en Oman, necesitabamos una vision holistica del sistema sanitario del pais y de sus principales deficiencias e ineficiencias. Enfoque Teniendo en cuenta el marco de la Organizacion Mundial de la Salud, nuestro equipo, formado por siete funcionarios de los ministerios de sanidad nacionales y dos expertos internacionales, realizo una evaluacion rapida del funcionamiento del sistema sanitario. Utilizamos los datos ya disponibles para identificar los obstaculos del sistema y sus posibles causas, y verificamos nuestros resultados con entrevistas a informantes clave. Marco regional La poblacion de Oman, de 4,9 millones de habitantes, es relativamente joven (edad media: 28 anos) pero esta envejeciendo, con una carga creciente de enfermedades cronicas. Mientras que los servicios sanitarios son gratuitos para los ciudadanos omanies, mas de 1,5 millones de expatriados pagan de su bolsillo los servicios sanitarios. El fortalecimiento de la atencion primaria, la mejora de la calidad de la atencion, la proteccion financiera y la garantia de que los proveedores de atencion sanitaria publicos y privados operan dentro del mismo marco legal y de procedimiento se reconocen como prioridades nacionales clave. Cambios importantes Nuestra evaluacion destaco la necesidad de ampliar la cobertura de los servicios sanitarios a toda la poblacion, reforzar la gobernanza del sector sanitario privado, mejorar la educacion sanitaria, aumentar la inversion financiera y ampliar la capacidad de recopilacion y analisis de datos del pais. Lecciones aprendidas El marco de evaluacion nos ha permitido identificar las areas en las que falta informacion y utilizar los datos ya disponibles para analizar multiples resultados sanitarios. Ademas de identificar cuestiones que deben abordarse durante el proximo ciclo de elaboracion de politicas, nuestros resultados han contribuido a la preparacion de una evaluacion mas amplia., Introduction Health systems are constantly changing; regular wide-ranging assessments of their performance help to identify and adjust priorities, (1,2) and inform actions for their robust and resilient transformation. Originally developed [...]

* Context.--Rapid advancements in the understanding and manipulation of tumor-immune interactions have led to the approval of immune therapies for patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Certain immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies require the use of companion diagnostics, but methodologic variability has led to uncertainty around test selection and implementation in practice. Objective.--To develop evidence-based guideline recommendations for the testing of immunotherapy/immunomodulatory biomarkers, including programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and tumor mutation burden (TMB), in patients with lung cancer. Design.--The College of American Pathologists convened a panel of experts in non-small cell lung cancer and biomarker testing to develop evidence-based recommendations in accordance with the standards for trustworthy clinical practice guidelines established by the National Academy of Medicine. A systematic literature review was conducted to address 8 key questions. Using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, recommendations were created from the available evidence, certainty of that evidence, and key judgments as defined in the GRADE Evidence to Decision framework. Results.--Six recommendation statements were developed. Conclusions.--This guideline summarizes the current understanding and hurdles associated with the use of PD-L1 expression and TMB testing for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy selection in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and presents evidence-based recommendations for PD-L1 and tMb testing in the clinical setting. doi: 10.5858/arpa.2023-0536-CP), The advent of immune modulatory therapy has led to a radical shift in the treatment paradigm for patients with a wide range of cancers. The clinical impact of these therapies, [...]

Digital technology development has led to the creation of various learning options in the science education field. Technology such as gamification has been used in several science areas, uncovering diverse benefits regarding its usage. However, more research is needed to understand how gamification enhances students learning in science fields. Therefore, this study review presented an overview of gamification usage in the science education field literature and focused on research indexed in several international databases. 31 studies were included for review. The results showed that most of the studies presented positive outcomes as gamification proved to be effective with science education students. The study also indicated that most gamification studies were mostly used to enhance students' learning skills in science education. The results of this study provide valuable data regarding technology techniques to enhance students' skills in science education. Further research is needed to cover areas that are not widely investigated in gamification literature.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of school-based practicum experience on the self-efficacy of pre-service teachers (PTs) enrolled in Teacher Education Professional Diploma (TEPD) in Jordanian universities. The study followed mixed methods research. In the quantitative part, an online questionnaire was administered to 134 pre-service teachers (PTs) at the outset of the practicum program. Then it was readministered to the same sample after completing the practicum. In the qualitative part, semi-structured interviews were conducted after the practicum program to investigate the skills acquired by PTs during the school practicum and to identify the challenges, they faced during the school practicum experience. In the qualitative part, a total of 18 students voluntarily participated in the interviews. Results showed that the school-based practicum experience had a statistically significant effect on the overall mean scores of the PTs' self-efficacy in the pre-and post-applications and each study area (instructional strategies, classroom management, and student engagement). Furthermore, PTs reported several challenges during the school practicum, including the role of the academic supervisor, the cooperating school, the cooperating teacher, the nature of the TEPD program, and dealing with students.