Search

This research aims to design three educational programmes based on blended learning delivery to students attending the "introduction to educational technology" course. Each programme differs in its blending proportion between traditional and e-learning. The objective is to determine the most suitable blending ratio between the two delivery formats for this course, and compare the effectiveness of the three blending levels to the traditional instruction in terms of developing students' academic achievement and their attitudes towards using blended learning at the College of Education, Sultan Qaboos University. The results show a statistically significant difference at the level of <0.05 between the mean scores of all the experimental groups and the three control groups in the post academic achievement test, in favour of the experimental groups. The research recommends using a blended learning strategy with all blending ratios in teaching and developing different learning variables, such as understanding and thinking.

Background Polytrauma from road accidents is a common cause of hospital admissions and deaths, frequently leading to acute kidney injury (AKI) and impacting patient outcomes. Methods This retrospective, single-center study included polytrauma victims with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) >25 at a tertiary healthcare center in Dubai. Results The incidence of AKI in polytrauma victims is 30.5%, associated with higher Carlson comorbidity index (P=0.021) and ISS (P=0.001). Logistic regression shows a significant relationship between ISS and AKI (odds ratio [OR], 1.191; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.150–1.233; P

Upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) is uncommon but may complicate intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). A unique challenge arises when UEDVT is diagnosed and treated in situations of ICH. Case Report: We report a 43-year-old man developed edema in his hemiplegic arm 7 days after a spontaneous ICH. UEDVT was detected immediately despite pharmacotherapy with point-of-care compression ultrasound (POCUS). In addition to controlling thrombogenic factors, the dosage of enoxaparin was increased, yet it was subtherapeutic. Following this, the thrombosed veins recanalized and the hematoma diminished as well. Conclusion: A POCUS scan helps diagnose UEDVT, and the risk and benefits of treating UEDVT should be considered in patients with ICH.

The influence of the Nd:YAG laser's oscillation energy on creating textured surfaces on silicon wafers is investigated in this study. The silicon wafer surfaces were directly ablated by a pulsed Nd:YAG laser beam to create the texturing, which was then examined using UV–Vis spectroscopy, AFM and FESEM to determine its characteristics. The reflectance was reduced up to 15% after laser texturing of multicrystalline silicon wafers. The silicon surface suffers from structural defects and a laser damage layer as a result of the laser texturing process, which in turn has an effect on the lifespan of the photo-generated carriers. To compensate for the laser damage layer, the silicon surface was cleaned with diluted KOH (15%) to remove undesirable particles and the oxide layer. Surface roughness and reflectance in silicon solar cells were changed depending on the laser oscillation energy utilized for texturing. The roughness and reflectance were measured using AFM and UV–Vis, respectively. The laser oscillation energy of 84 J/p had the highest average roughness of 0.2104 m and the lowest reflectance of 5%. As a result, standard silicon solar cell devices revealed photovoltaic conversion efficiencies of roughly 7.5% and 5.0% for laser-textured grid and one-dimensional line patterns, respectively.

The vision transformer (ViT) architecture, with its attention mechanism based on multi-head attention layers, has been widely adopted in various computer-aided diagnosis tasks due to its effectiveness in processing medical image information. ViTs are notably recognized for their complex architecture, which requires high-performance GPUs or CPUs for efficient model training and deployment in real-world medical diagnostic devices. This renders them more intricate than convolutional neural networks (CNNs). This difficulty is also challenging in the context of histopathology image analysis, where the images are both limited and complex. In response to these challenges, this study proposes a TokenMixer hybrid-architecture that combines the strengths of CNNs and ViTs. This hybrid architecture aims to enhance feature extraction and classification accuracy with shorter training time and fewer parameters by minimizing the number of input patches employed during training, while incorporating tokenization of input patches using convolutional layers and encoder transformer layers to process patches across all network layers for fast and accurate breast cancer tumor subtype classification. The TokenMixer mechanism is inspired by the ConvMixer and TokenLearner models. First, the ConvMixer model dynamically generates spatial attention maps using convolutional layers, enabling the extraction of patches from input images to minimize the number of input patches used in training. Second, the TokenLearner model extracts relevant regions from the selected input patches, tokenizes them to improve feature extraction, and trains all tokenized patches in an encoder transformer network. We evaluated the TokenMixer model on the BreakHis public dataset, comparing it with ViT-based and other state-of-the-art methods. Our approach achieved impressive results for both binary and multi-classification of breast cancer subtypes across various magnification levels (40×, 100×, 200×, 400×). The model demonstrated accuracies of 97.02% for binary classification and 93.29% for multi-classification, with decision times of 391.71 and 1173.56 s, respectively. These results highlight the potential of our hybrid deep ViT-CNN architecture for advancing tumor classification in histopathological images. The source code is accessible: https://github.com/abimouloud/TokenMixer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) using micro-emulsion-hydrothermal method. By adjusting the synthesis temperature, we successfully produced FeO nanorods and nanospheres. In addition, the 2-octanol, and the surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide served as a solvent in the synthesis process. Using iron nitrate hexahydrate as the salt precursor allowed for the formation of FeONPs with varied sizes, shapes and phases. The synthesized materials were extensively characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, FTIR, and XPS techniques. However, the structural analysis revealed rhombohedral (hematite), and (magnetite) crystal structures in the materials synthesized at different temperature and durations, with particles ranged in size from 12 to 97 nm. More importantly, the magnetic characterization, performed with a vibrating sample magnetometer and SQUID magnetometer, indicated that the NPs showed not clear superparamagnetic behavior. In conclusion, this work demonstrates the synthesis of FeONPs with controlled size, shape and phase using microemulsion hydrothermal technique, with detailed characterization offering valuable insights into their magnetic and structural properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution is a major concern due to its detrimental effects on the environment and public health. The particular danger of inorganic pollutants arises from their persistent toxicity and inability to biodegrade. Recently, electrocoagulation (EC) has been demonstrated as an alternative sustainable approach to purifying wastewater due to the increasingly strict pollution prevention rules. In particular, EC has been used to remove inorganic pollutants, such as Cr, Zn, Pb, or As. EC has emerged as a sustainable tool for resource recovery of some inorganic pollutants such as N and P that, when recovered, have value as plant nutrients and are critical in a circular economy. These recovered materials can be obtained from diverse agricultural drainage water and recycled as fertilizers. In this work, a state-of-the-art technique is reviewed describing the advances in contaminant removal and nutrient recovery using EC through an in-depth discussion of the factors influencing the contaminant removal process, including operating pH, time, power, and concentration. Furthermore, limitations of the EC technology are reviewed, including the high-power consumption, fast deterioration of the sacrificial electrodes, and the types of contaminants that could not be efficiently removed. Finally, new emerging constructs in EC process optimization parameters are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pain and inflammation are closely associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which affects the bones and joints. Aim: While there are a number of therapeutic options for arthritis, their side effects restrict their use and encourage the search for alternative, natural remedies. Methods: In male rats, we examined the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties of Naja haje venom (NHV). Thirty adult albino rats were divided into five equal groups, each consisting of six rats. The 1st group was kept as a control, while the 2nd group Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) received an injection of 0.05 ml of FCA for eight days to induce RA and inflammation. The 3rd group (FCA/NHVL) and the 4th group (FCA/NHVH) received an injection of FCA followed by an intraperitoneal injection of 0.042 µg/kg (low; L) and 0.085 µg/kg (high; H) of lyophilized NHV, respectively, for 14 days. The 5th group (FCA/Indomethacin) received an injection of FCA followed by an intraperitoneal injection of 0.25 mg indomethacin/kg for 14 days. Results: This study found that NHVH significantly increased the body's total antioxidant capacity after FCA while lowering the levels of interleukins IL-10 and IL-6, as well as the activity of genes that cause inflammation, like nuclear factor kappa B and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Furthermore, histological findings in NHVH groups showed a partial regeneration of the cartilage, bone, and synovium in the palm and ankle joint compartments. Conclusion: All of our findings suggest that NHV has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic qualities that may help repair the joint damaging components caused by FCA and restore cellular equilibrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have effectively synthesized ZnS, FeSe2, and their nanocomposite using a straightforward and affordable solvothermal process. We also investigated for the first time their ideal electrochemical performance for supercapacitors. The ZnS and FeSe2 positive electrodes exhibit capacitances of 266.2 F g−1 and 294.3 F g−1, respectively, with fascinating nanostructures and morphology. Their respective nanocomposites, AZ-1, AZ-2, and AZ-3, deliver capacitances of 356.8, 444.4, and 326.1 F g−1 with significant rate performance in aqueous solution in a three-electrode assembly. The lowest ESR and Rct values of AZ-2 electrodes, which improved conductivity and charge transport kinetics and created a synergistic effect between ZnS and FeSe2 electrodes, are responsible for their exceptional capacitative performance. We built an asymmetric supercapacitor (AZ-2/AC) with an optimal voltage of 1.6 V, which demonstrated great power density (6250 W kg−1) and energy density (33 Wh kg−1) with remarkable cycling stability (88.1%) in an aqueous electrolyte after 12,000 cycles. As a result, FeSe2-based nanocomposites are strong contenders for realizing high energy and power delivery for practical applications.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and is associated with a high level of mortality and morbidity. In this study we evaluate expression of p-p38 and p-MSK1 in CRC and determine whether there is an association between expression of these markers and any clinicopathologic parameters that could be of prognostic value. Expression of p-p38, p-MSK1 and ki-67 were examined by immunohistochemistry in 135 archival CRC cases and the findings were correlated with the patient clinicopathological data. P-p38 and p-MSK1 were expressed at high level in 58.5 % and 60.7% of CRC cases respectively. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between expression of p-p38 and Ki-67 (p < 0.001, r = –0.63) and between p-MSK1 and Ki-67 expression (p < 0.001, r = –0.61). The majority of CRC cases expressing high levels of p-p38 also expressed high levels of p-MSK1 and this correlation was highly significant (p < 0.001, r = 0.863). The high expression of p-p38 and p-MSK1 was also significantly associated with low Dukes and TNM stage. The elevated expression of p-38 and p-MSK1 in CRC was associated with a good prognosis and prolonged overall survival (p < 0.001, each). Our finding showed that activation of the p38-MSK1 axis determines a good outcome in CRC.

This study investigated the long-term cardiovascular effects of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in elite male athletes by comparing the heart rate variability (HRV), arterial stiffness, and other cardiovascular parameters between those with and without prior COVID-19 infection. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated 120 elite male athletes (60 post COVID-19, 60 controls) using anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis, pulmonary function tests, HRV analysis, arterial stiffness assessments, hemodynamic monitoring, and microcirculatory function tests. Results: Athletes post COVID-19 showed significantly higher lean mass (p = 0.007), forced vital capacity (p = 0.001), and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (p = 0.007) than controls. HRV parameters did not significantly differ between the groups. Post-COVID-19 athletes exhibited peripheral vascular resistance (p = 0.048) and reflection index (p = 0.038). No significant differences were observed in the blood pressure, cardiac output, oxygen saturation, or microcirculatory oxygen absorption. Conclusions: Elite male athletes showed notable cardiovascular resilience after COVID-19, with only minor differences in vascular function. The maintained cardiac autonomic function and improved lung parameters in post-COVID-19 athletes suggests an adaptive response. These findings support the cardiovascular health of elite athletes following COVID-19 but emphasize the importance of continued monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivational intensity is fundamental for any language learner in order to succeed. This research addressed motivational intensity in the context of French language learners in a non-francophone country, Yemen. It also investigated the level of desire to learn French among university students. The present research answered the following questions: Do undergraduate learners of the French language have a high or a low level of motivational intensity in their learning of French? How much do undergraduate learners of the French language desire to learn French? Among the undergraduate learners of the French language, is there any gender difference in the level of motivational intensity and their desire to learn French? A stratified random sample of 69 students was sampled out of a population of 145 enrolled students from different levels in the Department of French Language and Literature at Sana’a University. The survey was comprised of 11 questions that were selected and modified from Gardner’s Attitude, Motivation Test Battery Questionnaire (1985a). The items for this survey addressed two specific variables: motivational intensity and desire to learn French. The findings of this research showed that Yemeni undergraduate learners of French have a high level of motivational intensity and a significant amount of desire for learning the French language and culture. The findings also implied that male learners have a slightly higher level of motivational intensity and desire to learn French than their female counterparts.

The primary focus of this research is to conduct a comprehensive exploration of the preparation and description of a thin film composed of bimetallic sulphide, NiZr2S4. The fabrication process involved the utilisation of diethyldithiocarbamate, employing physical vapour deposition. To gain insights into the material's properties, an array of analytical techniques was employed to investigate its structure, morphology, and optical characteristics. A well-defined crystalline assembly with an approximate crystallite size of 42 nm, corresponding to a crystallinity of 77% was observed. Optical properties were evaluated to determine the material's bandgap energy at 2.7 eV. Through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, distinct core level peaks associated with Zr 3d, Ni 2p, and S 2p were identified, providing perceptions into the elemental configuration and chemical bonding of the thin film. Electrochemical properties were assessed through voltammetry measurements, revealing a notable specific capacitive performance of 543 Fg−1. The thin film exhibited remarkable stability over multiple cycles, putting it as a highly auspicious contender for various energy storage devices. Furthermore, extensive investigations were shown to evaluate the photocatalytic capabilities of the fabricated material, explicitly its efficiency in degrading various environmental pollutants. These significant findings underscore the versatility of bimetal sulphide thin films, spreading their potential beyond energy storage and paving the way for further research and technological advancements in areas such as photocatalysis and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to thoroughly investigate the synthesis and application of a thin film MnS2:CoS:Al2S3. To produce the thin film, diethyldithiocarbamate as a source of sulphur through a technique called physical vapour deposition was utilized. A wide range of analytical techniques were used to examine the structural, morphological, and optical properties of the fabricated material. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the crystallite size 26.4 nm with a crystallinity of 77%. The optical properties determined the band gap energy to be 4.02 eV. Cabbage‐like assemblies were confirmed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy unveiled distinct core level peaks associated with Mn 2p, Al 2p, Co 2p, and S 2p. To evaluate the electrochemical properties of the material, voltammetry measurements were conducted. The results from these experiments revealed an exceptional specific capacitive performance with a value of 792.6 Fg−1. This outstanding performance, coupled with the notable stability of the thin film during multiple cycles, positions it as a highly promising candidate for various energy storage applications. Furthermore, an extensive investigation was carried out to assess the photocatalytic capabilities of the fabricated material. Its efficiency in degrading different environmental pollutants was carefully evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical energy storage devices are vital for renewable energy integration and the deployment of electric vehicles. Ongoing research seeks to create new materials with innovative morphologies capable of delivering high specific capacitance for the next generation of customizable energy devices. Carbon nitride is an excellent candidate for electrochemical energy storage devices; however, it has limitations such as layer stacking, poor electric conductivity, a restricted number of electroactive sites, and static electrochemical reaction rates. This research objective is to make porous structures in carbon nitride nanosheets and integrate them with CuO particles to increase surface area and improve electrochemical performance. The use of thermal heating, acidic treatment, and hydrothermal processes accomplishes this. Along with X-ray diffraction peaks of the CuO phase, a prominent peak (002) at 27.67° indicates the presence of graphitic-structured carbon nitride. TEM images show that CuO particles are evenly attached to the surface of g-C3N4 nanosheets with lattice intervals of 0.336 and 0.232 nm, which are the (002) and (111) orientations of the g-C3N4 and CuO phases, respectively. Adding CuO nanoparticles to porous g-C3N4 nanosheets avoids layer stacking and provides micro- and mesopore channels, increasing the specific surface area (42.60m2 g-1). The CuO@ porous g-C3N4 electrode delivered 817 F g-1 of specific capacitance at 1Ag-1 and admirable capacitance retention (92.3% after 6000 cycles) due to the synergistic impact of its unique composition and structural characteristics. Because of its outstanding electrochemical performance and fascinating discoveries, CuO@ porous g-C3N4 may be employed as a cathode material for high-performance supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

يعالج البحث مقومات النشاط السياحي في منطقة الحفة, من خلال تقييم الواقع الراهن للموارد الطبيعية والبشرية وأهميتها في السياحة, ثم الموارد التاريخية والأثرية وأهميتها في الجذب السياحي, ومن هنا جاءت أهمية البحث الذي تناول واقع النشاط السياحي في منطقة الحفة, ومن أهم النتائج التي أظهرتها الدراسة تركز النشاط السياحي في ناحية صلنفة التابعة لمنطقة الحفة التي تتميز بفرادة مواردها وتميزها على مستوى محافظة اللاذقية, وتم الاستعانة ببرنامج GIS للوصول إلى النتائج المرجوة, ومن ثم تسليط الضوء على المشكلات التي تنعكس بشكل سلبي على القطاع السياحي في منطقة الحفة وإمكانيات تطويره في استثمار الموارد السياحية وتطوير هذه الموارد وتحديد أهم المواقع المميزة طبيعياً في المنطقة والمهيئة للاستثمار السياحي وبالتالي جعل المنطقة قطب من أقطاب السياحة العالمية, مما يؤدي إلى جعل السياحة دعامة أساسية من دعائم الاقتصاد الوطني.

Background: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with high mortality rates. In African American (AA) populations, COVID-19 presentations and outcomes are more severe. NIH and Interim WHO guidelines had suggested against the use of corticosteroids unless in clinical trials until the recent publication of the RECOVERY trial. Here, we analyzed the treatment effect of methylprednisolone on patients with AKI and ARDS during the initial 2 months of COVID-19 and detail the learning effect within our institution. Methods: Between March 1 and April 30, 2020, 75 AA patients met our inclusion criteria for ARDS and AKI, of which 37 had received corticosteroids. Twenty-eight-day mortality, improvement in PaO 2 /FiO 2 ratio, and renal function were analyzed. The impact of methylprednisolone treatment was assessed with multivariable methods. Results: Survival in the methylprednisolone group reached 51% at 21 days compared to 29% in the non-corticosteroid group ( P

There are significant developments in the field of remote sensing, communications, and control in the world today. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the result of cooperation between them. It is a system of interconnected computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, and things that are capable of sensing and are able to communicate with each other and with machines linked to a network intelligently to take advantage of the data collected through the sensors imbedded into devices. The resulting data can be collected and analyzed in order to reveal insights and propose measures that will produce cost savings, increase efficiency or improve products and services. As IoT is expected to grow and spread rapidly in the coming years, this will improve the quality of consumers' lives and productivity of enterprises. The future is the IoT, which will change the real world objects to smart virtual entities. It is one of the platforms of smart modern cities and intelligent power management systems. This research aims to provide a comprehensive review of the IoT, its main components, and architecture, along with its applications, features and challenges.

Urea, a basic chemical compound, holds diverse applications across numerous domains, ranging from agriculture to energy storage. Of particular interest is its role as a hydrogen bond donor (HBD). This specific characteristic has propelled its utilization as an essential component in crafting deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for battery electrolytes. Incorporating urea into DESs presents a promising avenue to address environmental concerns associated with traditional electrolytes, thereby advancing battery technology. Conventional electrolytes, often composed of hazardous and combustible solvents, pose significant environmental risks upon improper disposal potentially contaminating soil and water and threatening both human health and ecosystems. Consequently, there is a pressing need for eco-friendly alternatives capable of upholding high performance and safety standards. DESs, categorized as organic salts resulting from the blending of two or more compounds, have emerged as promising contenders for the next generation of electrolytes. Urea stands out among DES electrolytes by enhancing ion transport, widening the electrochemical window stability (ESW), and prolonging battery cycle life. Further, its non-toxic nature, limited flammability, and elevated thermal stability play pivotal roles in mitigating environmental concerns and safety issues associated with traditional electrolytes. Laboratory testing of urea-based DES electrolytes across various battery systems, including Al-ion, Na-ion, and Zn-ion batteries, has already been demonstrated. This review examines the evolution of urea-based DES electrolytes by elucidating their structure, molecular interaction mechanisms, performance attributes, and preparation methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]