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This exploratory practice study, conducted at the Higher Institute of Human Sciences of Jendouba and the Higher Institute of Languages of Gabès, Tunisia, investigated the impact of task-based language teaching (TBLT) on pre-service teachers' functional competence and explored both teachers' and students' perceptions of TBLT in their English courses. Data came primarily from classroom observations and focus-group interviews. Findings suggest that TBLT fostered pre-service teachers' functional competence in English. Both teachers and students reported that TBLT helped improve learners' linguistic and communicative skills.

BACKGROUND: Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disturbance among hospitalized patients and is linked to increased mortality as well as poor outcomes. OBJECTIVES: Study the prevalence of hyponatremia among medically admitted patients and the outcomes associated with hyponatremia. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort SETTING: Medical ward at tertiary hospital setting PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included adult (≥18 years) hospitalized patients in general medical wards. Three readings of serum sodium level were taken (initial sodium level, nadir during admission, and before discharge). SAMPLE SIZE AND BASIS: The sample size of 350 was determined based on a presumed 35% incidence of hyponatremia among hospitalized patients, with a 5% error margin. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence of hyponatremia among medically hospitalized patients and association with health outcomes including length of hospital stay, inpatient mortality, 90-days readmission and 1-year mortality. RESULTS: In this study, 736 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 377 (51.2%) had hyponatremia on admission, increasing to 562 (76.35%) during hospitalization. Mild hyponatremia was observed in 49.6% (n=365), moderate in 13.6% (n=100), and severe in 13.2% (n=97). Severe hyponatremia patients were significantly older (P

Aim/Purpose: This study explores the Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception (KAP) towards ChatGPT among university students and faculty. It also examines the faculty's readiness to cope with the challenges and leverage the opportunities presented by AI-powered conversational models. Background: Launched on November 30, 2022, ChatGPT took the world by storm with its capability to generate high-quality written expressions in a conversational manner. The reactions to this innovation varied, from enthusiasm regarding its potential to enrich students' learning to concerns about its threat to students' cognitive development and academic integrity. A systematic exploration of students' and faculty's KAP towards ChatGPT can play an important role in addressing the multifaceted dimensions of AI-driven conversational models. Methodology: This study employs a cross-sectional survey research design based on questionnaires distributed to 145 faculty members, as well as 855 undergraduate and graduate students at the ESPRIT School of Engineering and School of Business. The student sample was based on stratified and convenience sampling, while the faculty sample was based on a consensus sampling approach. Contribution: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported study that contributes to understanding the KAP of students and faculty towards ChatGPT, as well as the readiness of faculty to effectively adopt AI-driven conversational models. Furthermore, our research contributes to the body of knowledge by taking Vygotsky's (1978) principle of social interaction and its role in promoting cognitive development to a new level by hypothesizing that if students were to acquire the competencies to actively engage with AI-driven chatbots in meaningful discussions and collaborative conversations, they might be able to develop some higher-order thinking skills further. Findings: Our results indicated that faculty demonstrated a higher level of ChatGPT knowledge than students and that more than 40% of surveyed students and faculty expressed some trust in the reliability of ChatGPT's responses, a perception that does not align with reality. Faculty attitude towards ChatGPT was comparatively more reserved compared to that of students and showcased varying opinions. Furthermore, the surveyed faculty showcased a more negative perception of ChatGPT than students, and they expressed a greater degree of skepticism. Our research revealed that 63.4% of surveyed faculty reported that they lack the requisite training and resources to integrate ChatGPT into their pedagogical practices. Recommendations for Practitioners: HEIs should take appropriate measures to enhance students' and faculty's knowledge, attitude, and perception regarding ChatGPT to stimulate ethical, meaningful, innovative, and engaging interactions and learning experiences. Recommendation for Researchers: Our study has shed light on some moderating factors that shape the acceptance of AI-driven conversational models and some adoption barriers. It delves into the perceptions, biases, and misconceptions held by both students and faculty, thereby providing a basis for future investigations on the effective integration of AI-driven conversational models in higher education. Impact on Society: This research provides new insights that can harness the potential merits of ChatGPT in enhancing students' learning while mitigating potential pitfalls. It suggests facilitating open forums and dialogues among students, faculty, employers, and other key stakeholders to debate the impact of AI-driven conversational models on students' learning and faculty's teaching and assessment. Future Research: We invite researchers to conduct cross-cultural studies on this topic while also taking into consideration a qualitative research design approach. Future research can also test the hypothesis that AI-driven conversational models inhibit critical thinking by facilitating the passive consumption of information.

Abstract Background Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) is an acute coronary event of uncertain origin. SCAD occurs when the coronary artery wall dissects non-traumatically and non-atherosclerotically, leading to the formation of an intramural hematoma or intimal tear, ultimately compressing and restricting the true lumen, or even occluding it. The management of SCAD remains controversial despite modern imaging techniques. In addition to supportive drug therapy, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is another option that can be used as an effective treatment modality. Case presentation We describe A 50-year-old male with SCAD presented to the hospital emergency department complaining of chest pain. Coronary angiography incidentally showed spiral dissection from the proximal to distal right coronary artery (RCA). Three overlapping coroflex stents were deployed from the distal to the proximal RCA. Conclusions To stabilize the coronary artery in Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients due to SCAD, prompt interventions such as stenting and angioplasty are needed. However, it is necessary to pay attention to the clinical condition of patients and quick diagnosis for the recovery of patients and reduction of complications.

Numerical explorations are accomplished to investigate the influence of student's perception towards Math which advances into academic dismissal in the preliminary level of higher education. The population under study are the students of seven Colleges of Technology across Oman. Data analyses were done using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages obtained from the research questionnaire, while the hypothesis was tested using the statistical tools at 0.05 level of significance. This study examines the student's perception correlated with teacher-related factors. The structural equation modelling (SEM) is grounded on the three teacher-related dimensions that influence the student's perception towards Math namely 4 attributes relating to personality traits of lecturers, 6 attributes for teaching skills of the lecturer, and 2 attributes for instructional material used by the lecturers to impart the Basic Math needs for higher education. This analysis shows an overall reliability analysis for teacher-related dimensions to be 0.943 by applying Cronbach's alpha reliability test, and the SEM tool kit analysis of the model confirmed the hypothesis of the latent variables and the theoretical authenticity of the explored factors. The conclusions of this study might be useful to substantiate the importance of student evaluation on teachers done every semester and would be a component in reducing the dismissal of students at the initial stage of higher education in Oman.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has undergone rapid expansion, emerging as a viable therapeutic option for low-risk patients in lieu of surgical aortic valve replacement. This paper aims to provide a review of the scientific evidence concerning TAVR in low-risk patients, encompassing both observational and clinical trial data. Furthermore, a substantial proportion of low-risk patients possesses a bicuspid aortic valve, necessitating careful examination of the pertinent anatomic and clinical considerations to TAVR that is highlighted in this review. Additionally, the review expands upon some of the unique challenges associated with alternate access in low-risk patients evaluated for TAVR. Last, this review outlines the pivotal role of a multidisciplinary heart team approach in the execution of all TAVR procedures and the authors’ vision of ‘minimalist TAVR’ as a new era in low-risk TAVR.

In recent years, bio-reinforced composite materials have occupied an important class among the materials of mass use in our daily lives thanks to their potential advantages such as lightness, low cost, ease of implementation, and in particular biodegradation. The latter has been the objective of several studies focusing particularly on poorly biodegradable polymers, among these polymers we find polyamide 6 (PA6). It is a semi-crystalline polymer, distinguished by its good mechanical properties, excellent chemical and thermal stability, and low price compared to other polyamides. In this research, we investigated the impact of reinforcing PA6 with peanut shell powder (PSP), olive pomace powder (OPP), and plaster (PL) on its biodegradation process. Our objective was to determine whether the incorporation of these reinforcements accelerates, delays, or has no effect on PA6 biodegradation. To achieve this, we conducted degradation experiments using the bacterium Alcaligenes faecalis (AF), isolated from the public landfill of Meknes, Morocco. Our findings revealed intriguing insights into the biodegradation behavior of the PA6 composites. Specifically, the incorporation of PSP significantly enhanced PA6 biodegradation, resulting in a notable 38 % weight loss. Conversely, the inclusion of OPP led to a delay in biodegradation, with only a 19 % weight loss observed. Interestingly, the addition of plaster exhibited a biodegradation pattern similar to that of raw PA6. Furthermore, we utilized FTIR and SEM coupled with EDS elemental analysis to confirm the biodegradation of the composites. These techniques provided valuable insights into the structural, morphological, and elemental changes undergone by the composites during the biodegradation process. Overall, our study contributes novel insights into the biodegradation dynamics of PA6 composites reinforced with natural materials. By elucidating the effects of reinforcement on biodegradation, our research paves the way for the development of sustainable and eco-friendly composite materials.

Climate change, population expansion, water shortages, soil erosion, and food security are some of the primary concerns facing the world today. Hydroponic, aquaponic, and aquaculture systems may help to address these difficulties. Hydroponics is a closed-loop system for growing plants in nutrient-rich water rather than soil. Aquaponic systems combine hydroponics and the growing of fish or other aquaculture species in addition to plants. This review aims to evaluate the challenges encountered by aquaponic and aquaculture farming operations and identify which issues still need to be addressed. The review is organized as follows: recent previous studies on hydroponics, aquaponics, and aquaculture were collected and investigated; water quality and energy issues were addressed; technologies to improve water quality in these systems were discussed; and challenges to the implementation of large-scale aquaponics were discussed. The study found that a commercial reverse osmosis filtering system that provides excellent water quality control is a good method for removing harmful contaminants from water in small-scale aquaponics and aquaculture. Recirculation systems are more sustainable and effective in managing the volume of effluent in aquaculture units because only 10% of the total volume of water is refilled daily. Constructed wetland systems are a low-cost, high-efficiency treatment solution for nitrogen-containing wastewater, with removal efficiencies of up to 98% for NH4-N and above 98% for NO2-N. The use of aquaponics in desert settings with water constraints constraint is viewed as a possible sustainable food production approach.

Sawsan Abuhammad,1 Dalya Alwedyan,1 Shaher Hamaideh,2 Mohammed AL-Jabri3 1Department of Maternal and Child Health, Faculty of Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan; 2Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan; 3Faculty of Nursing, Al-Saeeda University, Thamar, YemenCorrespondence: Mohammed AL-Jabri, Email aljabarimohammed59@gmail.com Sawsan Abuhammad, Email Shabuhammad@just.edu.joObjective: This study seeks to assess the influence of an educational program on enhancing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of NICU nurses regarding MDROs.Methodology: Quasi-experimental design that investigated the efficacy of an educational intervention in shaping the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mothers working as nurses in NICU toward MDROs was used. A total of 168 nurses participated, divided into 84 intervention groups and 84 non-educational groups.Results: The analysis of overall knowledge scores before and after the educational interventions revealed a significant improvement in post-education knowledge scores (Mean = 16.94) compared to pre-education scores (Mean = 12.9929; t(83) = 40.119, p < 0.001). Attitude scores exhibited a notable improvement post-education, with mean scores increasing from 46.64 in the pretest to 58.45 in the posttest. The total attitude shift was statistically significant (t(83) = 104.23, p < 0.001 0). Regarding overall practice, the data suggests a positive impact of education on neonatal nurses’ practices related to antibiotic usage (t(3) = 149.31, p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between post-knowledge and post-attitude (r = 0.251, p = 0.021).Conclusion: Based on the study findings, the MDROs educational program demonstrated its effectiveness in improving nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward MDROs, serving as a valuable educational resource for nurses. Given the increasing demand for nurses with MDROs knowledge, attitude, and practice in NICU, and considering the documented positive impact on protecting neonates from fatal infections, enhancing nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward MDROs has become imperative.Keywords: MDROs, knowledge, attitude, practice, nurse

it is well-known that environmental graphic design is one of the messaging and advertising requirements in our life. Therefore, acquaintance with culture of society and knowing its norms, values, customs, and regulations can be significantly important to environmental graphic design. As designer knows deeply about culture and moods of society people, he can easily establish simple and deep communication with audience through simple and clear express, and in simple words designer can return audience identity to him with the new express and different framework and in this way can speak to him. Environmental graphic is a knowledge in which discussed and studied about how use different kinds of forms, colors, figures, and various pictures in a skillful, systematic, and planned way in order to making better and more simple relations, informing, and orientation, and also making beautiful the urban spaces such as public spaces. This knowledge is one of the most effective tools to effect on citizenships, and with visual design and relation it can return identity to audiences and seek to reform it based on components such as culture, customs and social contracts, economic and political trends and so on. This research aims to study the communicative role of the interactive environmental sign as an environmental graphic system. The research concludes that interactive environmental sign as an environmental graphic system through common media applied in urban environmental graphic such as poster, signs, highway signs, road signs, advertisings on vehicles, parks environmental design, design of buildings and resulted colors, public services spaces design, bus stops, phone booth, seats, environmental design of cultural and pleasure centers, design advertising sculptures in squares and parks, and different outdoor advertising

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN) or black esophagus is a rare entity characterized by diffuse circumferential black pigmentation of the esophageal mucosa due to ischemic necrosis. It may be lethal, especially among elderly patients with multiple comorbidities and hemodynamic instability. Diagnosis is based on gastroscopy. Treatment consists of intravenous fluids, proton pump inhibitors, and additional therapies to treat the underlying illness. We report a rare case of a woman in her 50s with cervical cancer who presented with hematemesis and sepsis. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a black esophagus and an ulcerobudding duodenal process. Few days later, she developed abdominal distension with diffuse pain. Abdominal CT scan demonstrated perforation of gastroduodenal tumor. The treatment was based on resuscitation, proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics, and surgery of the perforated tumor. Unfortunately, the patient died 2 days later because of septic shock. The black esophagus is a fatal complication, thus diagnosis at an early stage and timely management may improve survival. This is the first case reported of AEN due to perforated duodenal tumor explained by septic shock leading to an ischemic esophageal injury.

Duaa Yousif,1 Nouran ElTantawi,1 Ahmed Badr,1 Zainab Nurulhaque,1 Almaha Al-Jabri,1 Yunes Mohammed Haithm,1 Najlaa Al- Meraikhi,1 Tawanda Chivese,2 Giridhara Rathnaiah Babu2 1College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; 2Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, QatarCorrespondence: Giridhara Rathnaiah Babu, Global Health, Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar, Email gbabu@qu.edu.qaAim: This study aimed to investigate the difference in adiposity measured by DEXA between people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and those without. Moreover, we investigated the most reliable adiposity measure for discriminating people with T2DM from those without in clinical settings.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from the database of Qatar Biobank (QBB), which comprised adults with a previous diagnosis of T2DM mellitus in Qatar. t–test and multivariable linear regression models were used to assess the association between T2DM and the difference in DEXA and BMI adiposity measures. Moreover, an evaluation of the odds of abnormal waist-hip ratio in participants with T2DM using an adjusted multivariable logistic regression was conducted.Results: Among the participants with T2DM, males had less fat in the leg region, while females had less fat in the legs and gynoid regions, compared to individuals without T2DM. Females with T2DM had a higher average BMI. Moreover, the odds of having an abnormal waist-to-hip ratio were higher in males and females with T2DM compared to persons without T2DM.Conclusion: There were different patterns of fat deposition in males and females with T2DM. T2DM was associated with a higher BMI in females only. The odds of abnormal waist-hip ratio were higher in individuals with T2DM of both genders. Waist-hip ratio showed reliable discrimination for T2DM and has implications for clinical practice.Keywords: type 2 diabetes mellitus, adiposity, waist Hip ratio, body fat distribution, Qatar Biobank

Abstract The aim of this study is to analyze Saudi Arabic slang expressions and examine their subtitling into English. The data utilized in this research consists of slang terms identified in the film titled “The Book of the Sun”, available on the streaming platform Netflix, along with their corresponding English translations. This study primarily examines three key dimensions of slang expressions: originality, conciseness, and humor. It also explores the subtitling strategies used to render these slangs and the effectiveness of such strategies. The study’s findings indicate that all identified slangs (100%) are created by assigning new meanings to pre-existing established words in a creative way. Some of them are made concise by mapping them into faʕʕala verb template. Additionally, the subtitler has employed specific strategies to convey the intended meaning of these slangs, namely generalization, paraphrase, official equivalent, direct translation, and cultural substitution. However, the study posits that the strategies employed are ineffective in conveying the intended meaning of slang expressions.

Abstract In this paper, we explore the squeezing effect generated by two coupled optical cavities. Each cavity contains a second-order nonlinear material and coherently pumped by a laser. Our results show that light intensity is strongly improved due to the presence of the nonlinearities and mainly depends on the detunings between external laser frequencies and cavity modes. More interestingly, the proposed scheme could enhance light squeezing for moderate coupling between cavities : the squeezing generated by one cavity is enhanced by the other one. For resonant interaction, highest squeezing effect is obtained near resonance. When fields are non resonant, squeezing increases near resonance of the considered cavity, but decreases for large detunings relative to the second cavity. Further, when the dissipation rate of the second cavity is smaller than the first, the squeezing could be improved, attaining nearly the perfect squeezing. While the temperature elevation has a negative impact overall on the nonclassical light, squeezing shows an appreciable resistance against thermal baths for appropriate parameter sets.

يهدف هذا البحث إلى تحقيق الكشف عن الآثار النفسية والاجتماعية والبيئية لتطبيقات علم النفس الرياضي على التنمية المستدامة في التربية الرياضية تقديم توصيات عملية لتطبيق تطبيقات علم النفس الرياضي في تحقيق التنمية المستدامة في التربية الرياضية اذ تعتمد هذه الدراسة على المنهج الوصفي، والذي يهدف إلى وصف الظاهرة المراد دراستها واستنتجت الباحثة هناك علاقة ارتباطية بين تطبيقات علم النفس الرياضي و التنمية المستدامة في التربية الرياضية زيادة استخدام تطبيقات علم النفس الرياضي في التربية الرياضية يؤدي إلى زيادة تحقيق التنمية المستدامة في التربية الرياضية واوصت انه يجب أن يتم دمج تطبيقات علم النفس الرياضي في برامج التربية الرياضية. ويجب أن يتم تدريب المعلمين على استعمال تطبيقات علم النفس الرياضي في التدريس.

هدف البحث الى: التعرف على العلاقة بين الكفاءة الذاتية المدركة وبعض المهارات الأساسية بالكرة الطائرة للاعبات فريق كلية التربية البدنية وعلوم الرياضة في جامعة البصرة والتعرف على الكفاءة الذاتية المدركة للاعبات فريق كلية التربية البدنية وعلوم الرياضة في جامعة البصرة واشتمل مجتمع البحث على 75 طالبة في المرحلة الثالثة للعام الدراسي 2022/2023 وكانت عينة البناء على (60) طالبة يمثلون نسبة (80%) لأجل صدق البناء (التحليل الاحصائي للفقرات و10 طالبات من ال 60 لأغراض التجربة الاستطلاعية والاسس العلمية ، واستنتجت الباحثة : تمتلك لاعبات الكرة الطائرة في كلية التربية البدنية وعلوم الرياضة كفاءة الذاتية المدركة جيده و الكفاءة الذاتية المدركة لدى لاعبات فريق كلية التربية البدنية وعلوم الرياضة في جامعة البصرة ترتبط بعلاقة ارتباط معنوية بقدرتهن على أداء مهارة الارسال واوصت التأكيد على تطوير الكفاءة الذاتية المدركة للاعبات فريق كلية التربية البدنية وعلوم الرياضة بالكرة الطائرة لما لها من تأثير كبير على الحالة النفسية ومستوى الأداء لدى اللاعبات

Abstract Background and aims Intercropping is an agriculture system used to enhance the efficiency of resource utilization and maximize crop yield grown under environmental stress such as salinity. Nevertheless, the impact of intercropping forage legumes with annual cereals on soil salinity remains unexplored. This research aimed to propose an intercropping system with alfalfa (Medicago sativa)/sea barley (Hordeum marinum) to explore its potential effects on plant productivity, nutrient uptake, and soil salinity. Methods The experiment involved three harvests of alfalfa and Hordeum marinum conducted under three cropping systems (sole, mixed, parallel) and subjected to salinity treatments (0 and 150 mM NaCl). Agronomical traits, nutrient uptake, and soil properties were analyzed. Results revealed that the variation in the measured traits in both species was influenced by the cultivation mode, treatment, and the interaction between cultivation mode and treatment. The cultivation had the most significant impact. Moreover, the mixed culture (MC) significantly enhanced the H. marinum and M. sativa productivity increasing biomass yield and development growth under salinity compared to other systems, especially at the second harvest. Furthermore, both intercropping systems alleviated the nutrient uptake under salt stress, as noted by the highest levels of K+/Na+ and Ca2+/Mg2+ ratios compared to monoculture. However, the intercropping mode reduced the pH and the electroconductivity (CEC) of the salt soil and increased the percentage of organic matter and the total carbon mostly with the MC system. Conclusions Intercropped alfalfa and sea barely could mitigate the soil salinity, improve their yield productivity, and enhance nutrient uptake. Based on these findings, we suggest implementing the mixed-culture system for both target crops in arid and semi-arid regions, which further promotes sustainable agricultural practices.

While telemedicine has shown promise for diagnosis and treatment, its integration into specialised clinics and mainstream healthcare is slow. A study at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman, investigated parental perceptions of virtual clinics and telemedicine experiences among parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) conducted from January 2021 to January 2022; the cross-sectional study involved 130 participants. The study revealed that 70% of participants were male, and the mean age of the children was 6.1 ± 0.26 years. Regarding telemedicine awareness, 53% of respondents were informed, yet encountered obstacles such as poor internet service and lack of awareness. Despite challenges, 46% of respondents viewed telemedicine positively. Parents showed significant differences in their perception of virtual interviews based on interview purpose (P = 0.034), clinic type (P

In this paper, a new strategy is applied to synthesize a safe-to-use one-part (OP) alkali-activated binder via controlling the activation rate of blast furnace slag (BFS) and fly ash (FA). The proposed strategy involved creating a reactive powder with a high capacity to interact with water, similar to Portland cement (PC). This was achieved by partially activating BFS/FA in the presence of water, which makes the activated paste in a non-workable form, followed by immediate drying at 80°C for 24 hours and pulverizing to produce one-part (OP) alkali-activated powder. The impacts of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentration and water/raw material powder (W/RMP) on the performance of the prepared OP-activated powder and the relevant hardened pastes are addressed. Different contents of hazardous lead glass sludge (LGS) include 5, 10, and 15 wt% were incorporated during the preparation process to evaluate the potential applicability of the synthesized OP-activated powders in the immobilization of hazardous lead (Pb). The obtained results revealed that, regardless of NaOH concentration and W/RMP ratio, all the synthesized OP-activated powders showed a high capability to interact with water, yielding hardened materials with appropriate mechanical properties. However, adjusting NaOH concentration at 10 wt% and W/RMP ratio of 0.1 during the synthesis process has resulted in the formation of OP-activated powders with the highest compressive strength values at all ages. Moreover, this mixture exhibited compressive strength comparable to those of the conventional two-part (TP) alkali-activated binder at the same NaOH concentrations. The proposed strategy presents a high affinity to restrict the free Pb inside the alkali-activated mixtures through its transformation from soluble to insoluble form.