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Abstract The current paper evaluated experimentally an innovative sun tracking concentrated solar still under Egyptian climatic conditions during the summer of 2022. The proposed system consists of a 120-cm-diameter parabolic reflector mirror that tracks the sun using a dual axis tracking system, a cylindrical solar still with a volume of 3.7 L positioned in its focal point, and a concentration ratio of 12.5. The performance of the concentrated solar still was investigated in the context of two critical parameters. First, three feed water salinity (17, 27, 37) ppt samples were evaluated, followed by four percentages of saline water filling ratio (26.5, 39.8, 53.1, 66.3)%. Increasing the salinity of the feed water had no effect on solar still productivity, but increasing the saline water filling ratio did. The daily cumulative productivity of the system was 6 kg/m2 with an optimal filling ratio of 53.1%, a daily efficiency of 42.88%, and an average cost of freshwater production of 0.0489 $/L. The proposed system also had the highest instantaneous efficiency of 61.77% and the highest distilled water productivity rate of 0.941 kg/h m2.

Background. There is growing strong scientific evidence over the past few decades that the Mediterranean diet (MD) has protective effects on cardiometabolic health. Objective. This study aimed to assess MD adherence and its association with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors among women living in two Moroccan provinces, El Jadida and Tetouan, located at different distances from the Mediterranean Sea. Material and methods. It is a cross-sectional study involved 355 subjects of which 55.8% reside in the province of El Jadida, and data on socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle, cardiovascular risks, medical history and of food frequency consumption were collected. Compliance with the MD was assessed with a simplified MD adherence score based on the weekly frequency of consumption of eight food groups. Results. The overall mean Simplified Mediterranean Diet Score was 4.37 ± 1.47 with inadequate compliance in 55.2% of the sample. No significant association was found between adherence to MD and geographic, socio-demographic, lifestyle or the major cardiovascular risk factors. However, the participants do not comply with half of the recommendations based on the Mediterranean diet pyramid. The lowest level of compliance was observed for olive oil, followed by sweets, eggs, potatoes, fruits, red meat, vegetables, legumes, olives, nuts and seeds. The increased contribution of sugars, dairy products and meat to the overall food intake is significant in the category with high adherence to MD. Conclusion. The study data indicate that Mediterranean Diet is far from being a global pattern in this Moroccan population. The study draws attention to the need for a promoting intervention to maintain this pattern as the original diet in the region.

Evidence shows that learners' performance is largely influenced by their cognitive beliefs about learning. The main purpose of the present study is to identifying the cognitive beliefs of Saudi English Language major students in order to get a deeper insight into their inner thoughts about studying literature and to find out the effect of gender on deciding their preferences. A total of 71 male and female English language major Saudi students of the English Language and Translation Department in the Main Campus at Qassim University participated in the study. Data were collected quantitatively and qualitatively by means of students' questionnaires and interviews. Findings show that participants hold both motivating and demotivating/unrealistic cognitive beliefs about literature learning. The results provide valid evidence on the participants' informed awareness of the social and academic benefits of learning English literature and uncovered their supportive cognitive beliefs that might enhance willingness to study foreign literature. Likewise, it is revealed that issues related to difficulty of literature learning, classroom practices, curriculum and career opportunities have created the established demotivating cognitive beliefs underlying participants' disinclination to literature study. Results also show that analysis of learners' cognitive beliefs would help modify unrealistic beliefs about literature learning and help create a motivating learning environment suitable for the growth of students' knowledge. The study concluded that cognitive beliefs are the key word for the success of any educational development endeavors and should always be at the center of any learning process being the inner self human power that drives learners' major behaviors toward their learning preferences and choice of courses. The study recommends identification of learners' cognitive beliefs so as to provide guidelines to English literature instructors to tailor their teaching methods to learners' realistic cognitive beliefs to avoid mismatches with classroom practices. The study also recommends investigating the global structure of the students' cognitive beliefs to guide educationists in developing curricula that would help students acquire knowledge in an organized manner, and to improve it.

This study aimed at investigating the impact of a program on developing the English language teaching skills of pre-service English for Young Learners (EYL) Teachers. The sample of the study consisted of 70 English language major students in Qassim University. The researchers made use of the quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control group design and data were collected quantitatively by means of questionnaires and observation checklists used for pre- post testing. Results revealed the effectiveness of the program on developing the necessary English language teaching skills for pre-service EYL teachers. The study recommended introducing appropriate teaching practices in the EFL context in general and in elementary school settings in particular.

This paper analyzes and determines the various orientations of 247 Saudi male and female university students for learning English. The descriptive and correlational approaches were used to investigate the participants' motivations. The researchers adapted questionnaires available from the literature to quantitatively collect data. The results show that university students are highly motivated to learning English and therefore, it suggests that motivation is an important variable that shapes learners' idea about foreign language learning. The results also show that students of different gender and majors had different perspectives about English learning. The conclusions, and recommendations of the present study provide platform for future investigations into EFL learners' motivation in other areas of Saudi Arabia or in similar settings in Arabic speaking countries to find out differences in students' orientations.

Indonesia has abundant sources of renewable energy from ocean currents and waves, or a mixture of currents and waves at certain times to be used as an energy source for power plants. So at the Indonesian Hydrodynamics Laboratory, a study has been carried out to determine the performance of the Darrieus-type vertical axis turbine model to utilize the energy of ocean currents and waves. But the Darrieus Turbine with the turbine blades positioned perpendicular to the turbine axis cannot rotate if there is only wave force. Then several turbine models were made with the placement of the blades in an inclined position, to produce optimal rotor rotation in current conditions or a mixture of currents and waves. This paper describes the testing of 3 turbine models by varying the angle of inclination of the turbine blades (45°, 60°, and 75°), but still having the same turbine rotor area and giving different input currents and wave periods to produce the best efficiency and rotation in absorb current energy or a mixture of current and wave energy. The test results show that the 3 models of slanted blade turbines can absorb both wave and current energy, but turbines with 75° blade inclination produce the best performance compared to the others when exposed to currents and waves

Indonesia targets carbon emissions to reach 0% in 2060 and is replaced by optimizing the use of renewable energy sources. Indonesia as an archipelago country, with the potential of thousands of straits can be utilized as a source of ocean currents as a source of electrical energy. The electricity generated is obtained from a turbine rotor that rotates due to the force of the ocean current flow. To support the turbine rotor to move in the sea, a floating support structure is needed. In this study, a trimaran tipe support structure is used where on the left and right sides are installed 2 (pieces) turbine rotors @ 50 kW each, so that the total has a capability of 200 kW (@4 x 50 kW). The novelty of this study is the utilization of Trimaran technology in marine current power generation turbines, which has good stability, low resistance, and a wider deck area rather than monohull structures. A numerical study using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is used to calculate the program. The results showed that the floater only moves backward and then is pulled forward with a small amplitude of movement in the X-direction, while those on the Y and Z axes are insignificant. The turbine floater can be immediately stabilized and the turbine rotor will rotate due to the force of the ocean current received. Therefore, in this study, the marine current turbine using trimaran type is showing good ability to survive in Indonesian waters even in high current areas.

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is a major health problem responsible for neonatal mortality and morbidity such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Objective. This case-control study aims to compare data on the intake of energy, macro and micronutrient in two groups of pregnant women, who gave birth to low birth weight (LBW) babies named cases and those who gave birth to babies of normal weight (NW) called controls. Material and methods: The collection of information was done using an established questionnaire for 400 pregnant women, allowing the collection of data on socio-demographic and obstetrical factors. Nutritional intake was obtained by recording food consumption using the 24-hour recall method. Anthropometric measurements of parturient and fundal height (FH) were measured before delivery. Results: The mean FH of the cases was 25.69±0.13 and that of the controls was 31.83±0.06. The gestational age of the cases was on average 31.65±0.21 week of amenorrhea (WA) against 38.04±0.08 WA for the controls. 37% of LBW newborns had an Apgar score < 7 (p< 0.001) and 71% were hospitalized in neonatal intensive care (p

Background: In recent decades, the Moroccan population has changed its dietary practices, particularly those related to meal-taking. It is about irregular meal schedules, reduced frequency and shorter time of meal-taking times, as well as a decrease in family meal-taking. All these factors are likely to influence its nutritional status. Objective: The aim is to study meal-taking practices, their determinants and their implications on weight status. In this study, meal-taking practices are defined by the regularity of the schedule, the frequency and the duration of the meals as well as the family commensality. Material and Methods: This work data are part of a study conducted among 507 households in the region of Rabat-Salé-Kenitra in Morocco, with a validated conceptual and methodological framework. The questionnaire was completed with one member of each household and the body mass index (BMI) was determined by an impedance meter. Results: The main results indicate that the majority of the surveyed population was aged 35 years (59%), female (52%), urban (70%), with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (51%), took usually three meals a day (89%), spent less than 90 minutes a day in meals and snacks (60%), had irregular meal schedule (69%), and usually eat at least two meals or snacks a day with family (49%). The univariate analysis showed that urban area was a factor favoring variations of meal times, the male sex was a factor favoring three meals a day, the level of higher education was a factor penalizing the daily duration of meals, and that marital status “married” was a factor favoring family commensality. In addition, variable meal times were revealed as a factor contributing to overweight/obesity, and meal times ≥90 min were revealed as a protective factor of overweight/ obesity. Conclusion. The study identified factors associated with meal times, frequency and duration. The results obtained will serve as a basis for the development of educational actions for a change in behavior conducive to health.

Background Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a recently prevalent infectious disease that is caused by a virus from the coronavirus family and causes acute respiratory syndrome. It is a pandemic catastrophe that has affected more than 60 million people around the world and has caused about 1.5 million deaths, as reported by the WHO. This disease affects the respiratory system and leads to different forms of symptoms and signs. Pneumonia is a common cause for hospitalization, with most patients treated in hospital wards and others requiring ICU. Although the number of complete recoveries from COVID-19 has increased, there is still concern about complications associated with the disease that appear after recovery. The studies that have looked at past types and other forms of coronavirus epidemics, such as SARS have shown that some cases had respiratory complications from the infection after being full recovered, as 36 and 30% of the entire study population had clinical and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) changes at 3 and 6 months after recovery, respectively. Mostly, the abnormalities seen in pulmonary function test (PFT) results are sequelae of diffusion capacity defect. In recovered cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome, 36% of patients showed HRCT sequelae at follow-up of 6 weeks, because of fibrosis. Data on COVID-19 indicate that prolonged disease and persistent symptoms show post-PFT affection and follow-up radiographic changes after recovery from COVID-19 as interstitial pulmonary changes and a degree of pulmonary vasculopathy. In recovered cases of COVID-19, capacity of diffusion is the commonest defect in lung function, followed by the restrictive pattern defects on spirometry; both are related to the degree of severity of pneumonic COVID-19. PFTs (involving spirometry as well as diffusion capacity) are considered as routine follow-up examinations for some of the recovered cases, especially severe cases. Rehabilitation programs of the respiratory system are an option strategy that might be considered. This study aims to show changes in pulmonary function and HRCT of chest in post-COVID-19-infected patients to detect long-term effects on the lungs after 3 months as obstructive or restrictive, or both, lung diseases. Patients and methods The study was conducted on 100 confirmed PCR-positive COVID-19 cases that were admitted to Ain Shams University Isolation Hospitals, and the follow-up was performed in the outpatient clinic. PCR samples (Combined nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab) were taken after 3 months from discharge of patients above the age of 18 years who become negative with clinical improvement. PFT [spirometry and diffusion for carbon monoxide (DLCO)] and chest HRCT were done. All patients’ clinical data were recorded, and CT chest imaging data of these patients were correlated with the clinical data. Results A total of 100 patients were included in this study, where males represented 58% and female represented 42%. The mean±SD age of cases in this study was 45.05 ± 11.80 years and ranged from 20 to 79 years. CT chest severity score (SS) of abnormality in COVID-19-infectedd patients based on HRCT chest findings before and after 3 months from treatment showed a highly significant correlation (P=0.000). The results of PFT in the studied group after 3 months of discharge showed restrictive pattern in 14.9%, obstructive pattern in 17.8%, and both obstructive and restrictive patterns in 5.9% of the total number of cases. There was a significant correlation between DLCO abnormality findings and age of studied group (P=0.032), a significant correlation between abnormality findings on PFT and HRCT chest SS after discharge of the studied group (P

Background High-resolution computed tomography (CT) is the most reliable sensitive noninvasive imaging procedure recommended in the diagnosis, assessment, the severity, and follow-up of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).It has a qualitative and quantitative role. The COVID-19 Reporting and Data System evaluates the probability of COVID-19 pulmonary involvement, and the corresponding CT severity score, which evaluates the approximate percentage of each of the five lobes’ involvement. Research question We aimed to illustrate chest CT typical and atypical manifestations in COVID-19 patients regarding their age, sex, patients’ symptoms, and CT severity score. Study design and methods We conducted a cross-sectional study on 120 patients more than or equal to 18 years with confirmed COVID-19 infection (PCR positive) during the period from April 2021 to October 2021, who were admitted to Ain Shams University Isolation Hospitals, where all patients’ clinical data and CT chest imaging for these patients will be collected.

Background This study intended to evaluate the effect of smoking propensity on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and the effect of COVID-19 infection on smoking propensity. The COVID-19 outbreak has forced people toward a better approach to life owing to limited developments, confinement in closed areas, and severe hygiene maneuvers for long periods. This period has been considered as a ‘transition’ stage and appears to require a look forward toward an altered life approach. Aim The aim of the work was to evaluate the effect of smoking on COVID-19 infection and the effect of COVID-19 infection on smoking propensity. Patients and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted through self-reported surveys. The study was conducted on 101 COVID-19-infected patients aged from 17 to 70 years old, who presented to the Department of Chest of Ain Shams University after approval of the Medical Ethical Committee. The study was conducted through self-reported surveys, which included data on risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease, and the severity of COVID-19 infection. Results Regarding the associated comorbidities, hypertension was the most frequent disease found in 19.8% of patients followed by diabetes mellitus, which was found in 14.85, then ischemic heart diseases in 9.9%, and then chronic lung disease in 7.92%. Regarding general symptoms of COVID-19, fever was the most common symptom found in 42.57% of patients followed by anosmia in 19.8%, dyspnea in 13.86%, cough in 6.93%, bony aches in 6.93%, loss of taste in 6.94%, and then joint pain, fatigue, chest pain, and vomiting in 0.99% for each. Overall, 17.82% of COVID-19-infected patients required hospital admission, whereas 11.82% required oxygen therapy and 5.94% of patients required ICU admission. Only one COVID-19-infected patient had undergone spirometry after COVID-19. Overall, 47.56% experienced smoking cessation, 45.12% never tried to quit smoking, and 7.32% tried multiple times to quit. Multiple factors have affected smoking habit as follows: marriage has increased smoking in 61.9% of participants, and also work, depression, and happiness have increased smoking in 92.31, 95.12, and 64.63% of participants, respectively. Conclusion COVID-19 pandemic has led to unexpected changes in daily activities and alteration in health behaviors. The effects of smoking on human health are serious and profound. Smoking has increased the severity of COVID-19, symptoms, and hospital admission, especially in persons with multiple comorbidities. In the present study, there was a significant relation between admission to hospital and age, period of smoking, and frequency of smoking. Smoking cessation programs should be conducted for individuals, as they help smokers recognize and cope with problems that come up during quitting.

Background and purpose The WHO declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak a global public health emergency on January 30, 2020, and the word ‘pandemic’ was first used to describe the disease’s global spread in March of that year. Chronic lung disease (19.2% was the most common co-occurring condition with COVID-19), at 20.8%, followed by chronic kidney disease (20.8%), and then cardiovascular disease (60.9%). This research aimed to assess the prognosis of COVID-19-confirmed cases receiving isolation care at Hurghada General Hospital. Study design An observational study that was retrospective and cross-sectional. Setting Isolation department in Hurghada General Hospital. Patients We included 122 patients with COVID-19 infection, and classified them into two independent groups: the improvement group (93 patients), and the morbidity (complication) and mortality group (29 patients). Methods Clinical data (COVID-19 symptoms and vital signs), laboratory data (complete blood count, C-reactive protein, ferritin level in the blood, hepatic and renal functions tests, coagulation profile, and level of D-dimer), radiological data (computed tomography of the chest), and drug and antibiotic data were collected from all patients. The following parameters were assessed in each patient: length of hospital stay, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, morbidity (complication), mortality, improvement, and discharge. Results Patients’ average age in the sample was 55 ± 16.3 years. Regarding patients’ respective sexes, 55.7% of patients were females, while 44.3% were males. Regarding the final outcome data, the average length of hospital stay was 9.2 ± 6.2 days, with 33.6% of patients having ICU admission, 9% were ventilated, morbidity(16.4%) (complication) (4.9% psychological and neurological disorders, 3.3% post-COVID oxygen-dependent therapy, 8.2% renal impairment), and mortality (7.4%), while 76.2% had improved and discharged. Logistic regression results demonstrated that the increase in age, BMI, lactate dehydrogenase, D-dimer, computed tomography chest affection, and COVID-19 severity (according to clinical, laboratory and radiological data); added to the risk of needing to be admitted to a hospital’s ICU on its own (P

Most seaplanes used for aircraft operations in territorial waters are classified into three main types, namely floatplanes, flying boats, and amphibians. Among these, the floatplane stands out as it replaced its landing gear with two floating pontoons, known as the catamaran floater, on which the fuselage rests. Therefore, this research presented a data article on resistance testing to predict force and moment along the x, y, and z axes for a 1:10 scale model of the catamaran floater. Test data encompassed variations in trim angles 0°, −1°, and −2°, and speed ranging from 1 to 6 m/s. The results of the resistance testing are presented in the form of descriptive statistics and shown through two graphs. The first graph described the relationship between the catamaran floater's speed and the corresponding force generated. The second graph illustrated the correlation between the catamaran floater's speed and moment generated.

The authors investigate Langevin boundary value problems containing a variable order Caputo fractional derivative. After presenting the background for the study, the authors provide the definitions, theorems, and lemmas that are required for comprehending the manuscript. The existence of solutions is proved using Schauder’s fixed point theorem; the uniqueness of solutions is obtained by adding an additional hypothesis and applying Banach’s contraction principle. An example is provided to demonstrate the results.

Background. Micronutrient malnutrition is a serious public health problem in most developing countries, including Morocco, due to poor and therefore lower quality diets that lack dietary diversity. Objective. The present study aimed to assess dietary diversity and variety and their relationship with micronutrient adequacy in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was carried among 240 children and adolescents with T1D. Weight and height were measured and BMI was calculated. Dietary intake data were obtained from two 24-h recalls. A Dietary diversity (DDS) and dietary variety scores (DVS) and mean adequacy ratio (MAR) and nutritional adequacy ratios (NARs) were calculated and compared according to sociodemographic/anthropometric categories. Results. 52.1% of the patients were female. The mean age of the patients was 8.49 ± 4.1 years. The mean BMI was 19.44 ± 5.24 kg/m2; the mean DDS was 4.62±1.20 and the mean MAR was 0.66 ± 0.11. Older children living in rural areas have a low DDS/DVS. Parental education and income level are associated with DDS/DVS. General and central obesity were significantly elevated in children with high DDS. In addition, a high intake of vegetables, eggs, fiber and micronutrients (Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Zinc, Phosphorus and Vit B1) is associated with a high DDS; however, high DVS is associated with high consumption of dairy products, carbohydrates and low intake of protein and fat. There are also positive correlations between DDS/DVS and NARs for various nutrients. Conclusion. The quality of the respondents’ diets are moderately diversified. DDS or DVS can be used as indicators of micronutrient adequacy in Moroccan T1D children. Nutritional education needs to be strengthened to improve dietary diversity in children, especially in rural areas.

Abstract Bluetongue is an arthropod-borne viral disease transmitted by Culicoides biting midges, affecting domestic and wild ruminants. The current study aims to assess the seroprevalence of the bluetongue virus (BTV) and confirm its active circulation among sheep and goats populations in Morocco, as well as study the risk factors associated with BTV infection. To this end, a total of 1651 samples were randomly collected from 1376 sheep and 275 goats in eight (out of 12) regions of the country between March 2018 and July 2021.These samples were primarily tested using competitive ELISA (c-ELISA). Subsequently, 65% of c-ELISA positives (n = 452) were analyzed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The results revealed an overall BTV seroprevalence in small ruminants in Morocco of 41.7%, including 42.6% in sheep and 37.5% in goats. The RT-qPCR results showed that the overall BTV viropositivity rate was 46.7%, including 48.1% in sheep and 41.8% in goats. These viro-serological rates varied significantly by age, sex, and breed of the tested animals, husbandry method, season, and geographic origin. This indicates that these parameters constitute risk factors for BTV transmission routes in Morocco. The findings also indicate that goats play a role as reservoirs in maintaining the BTV in Morocco. It appears from this study that bluetongue is endemic in Morocco. The environmental and climate conditions as well as the husbandry methods adopted in the country are particularly favorable for the virus transmission throughout the country.

Background: The prevalence of fungal keratitis has risen in recent years significantly. To avoid additional complications, diagnosing and treating fungal keratitis is crucial. This study aims to measure the efficacy of a calcofluor white (CFW) stain for the quick diagnosis of fungal keratitis and to contrast the positive rates, sensitivity, and specificity with a 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH)-based smear and culture technique. Methods:From individuals with clinically suspected corneal ulcers, 30 corneal scrapings had been collected. Data on demographics had been analyzed. Results: Of the 30 patients, 40% were women and 60% were men. There was a 1.5:1 man-to-woman ratio. The age of patients ranged from 29 to 71 years (mean 46.67 ± 10.90). The age presentation of those between the ages of 41 and 50 years was the most frequent (36.7%). The majority of cases were farmers (43.3%). Trauma was the most common predisposing factor (46.6%). Twenty-four (80%) cases were culture positive. Eleven (36.7%) were fungal, 13 (43.3%) were bacterial and 6 (20%) showed no growth. Fusarium was the most common fungal isolate (36.4%), followed by Aspergillus (27.3%). While Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacterial isolate (46.2%), followed by Pseudomonas (38.4%). The sensitivity of KOH wet mount and CFW stain was 72.7% and 90.9%, respectively. The specificity of both KOH wet mount and CFW stain was 100%. Conclusion:The early diagnosis of fungal keratitis can be made rapidly by direct microscopic examination of fungal elements using CFW stain. When diagnosing fungal keratitis, CFW has higher sensitivity to KOH.

The study reported in this paper investigates the impact of the interaction between brain-based learning strategies (spaced repetition and distributed practice - mental models) and patterns of infographics (static/animated) in e-learning environments and its impact on the development of informational concepts among cybersecurity students. The quantitative data were collected by means of Information Concept Test to determine the levels of information concepts according to the Frayer model (1969). The research sample consists of 80 male and female undergraduate students in Qassim University, who were classified into four quasi-experimental groups according to their preferred patterns in the infographic. Quantitative analysis of findings from this study shows an effect for the interaction between the variables of brain-based learning strategies (spaced repetition and distributed practice - mental models) and patterns of infographics (static/animated) in e-learning environments in the test scores of information concepts in the post-administration, where the significance level (.011) is less than the significance level (0.05). Findings also revealed that the repetition of information at increasing intervals of time using the infographics is effective to learning concepts in an organized manner and to improving short memory. Furthermore, the mental model’s strategy also helped to retain information. The study recommends encouraging the use of brain-based learning strategies and patterns of infographics (static/animated) in e-learning environments to explore the relationships between different scientific concepts, to expand students’ knowledge, and to discover inter-relationships between different subject elements. The study provides a platform for further research to employ different brain-based learning strategies within e-learning environments to acquire higher-order thinking skills and improve students' memory and mental capacity with the use of modern technological techniques that achieve learning quality.

This research explores tourists' citizenship behaviours toward international restaurants' political stances during conflicts and wars. A qualitative methodology using thematic analysis and the MAXQDA software was employed to interpret data from semi-structured interviews with tourists in Saudi Arabia. The findings reveal that tourists prioritise food quality and service over political opinions. The study also shows that tourists can voice their dissatisfaction and influence restaurants to conform to their preferences. Restaurants should consider the impact of their political stances and prioritise service quality, transparency, and shared values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies that investigated the origins of SRLV strains offered new insights into their distribution among domestic ruminants. The aim of the study was to investigate SRLV circulation in Morocco. A total of 51 farms were selected in different geographical locations and tested by screening and genotyping ELISA. Whole blood was used for DNA extraction and nested gag PCR. The sample size allowed for an estimation of prevalence lower than 20% (CI 95%). Surprisingly, a large proportion of screening-positive samples were not correctly serotyped. Sanger and NGS amplicon sequencing approaches allowed us to obtain new sequences even from difficult-to-amplify samples. The serological data support the evidence of an intrinsic difficulty of SRLV to spread, likely due to management practices. The low rate of success by genotyping ELISA led us to suppose that divergent strains might have escaped from diagnostic tools, as partially confirmed by the evidence of an A subtype carrying a mismatch in serotyping epitope. The sequence analysis revealed the circulation of novel B and recombinant A/B subtypes. This study highlights the importance of monitoring viral sequences and their evolution to develop specific diagnostic tests, particularly in countries where control measures are in place.

Researchers have studied vertical axis turbines (VATs) for their low power efficiency, focusing on the turbine blades, selecting suitable airfoils, modifying the original airfoil shape, and adding other devices to the blades. The proposed method is to add a passive vortex generator device, which generates vortex flow to delay the separation flow at the surface, thereby increasing efficiency. Initially, VGs were used on aircraft wings to improve stability and performance efficiency; later, they were developed for other transport industries, such as cars, trucks, high-speed trains, and ships. In the renewable energy sector, VGs are used to improve turbine performance and efficiency. The research aims to obtain comprehensive information on the effect of using VG on vertical-axis ocean current turbines. To achieve this goal, we collected articles related to VG, reviewed the published articles on VG research on wind turbines and marine current turbines, then analysed the research results and determined the results based on the research methodology. At present, research has been developed to obtain the shape, dimension, and configuration of VG suitable for a vertical-axis ocean current turbine. The research is carried out in stages, which currently prioritize the shape and VG dimensions used in VAT with NACA 0021 blades, followed by the development of VG configuration research on VAT blades.

The genotyping of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could be associated with cancer risk and/or progression. This study aimed to analyze the angiogenesis-related lncRNAs MALAT1 (rs3200401) and MIAT (rs1061540) variants in patients with ovarian cancer (OC) using “Real-Time allelic discrimination polymerase chain reaction” in 182 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples of benign, borderline, and primary malignant ovarian tissues. Differences in the genotype frequencies between low-grade ovarian epithelial tumors (benign/borderline) and malignant tumors and between high-grade malignant epithelial tumors and malignant epithelial tumors other than high-grade serous carcinomas were compared. Odds ratios (ORs)/95% confidence intervals were calculated as measures of the association strength. Additionally, associations of the genotypes with the available pathological data were analyzed. The heterozygosity of MALAT1 rs3200401 was the most common genotype (47.8%), followed by C/C (36.3%). Comparing the study groups, no significant differences were observed regarding this variant. In contrast, the malignant epithelial tumors had a higher frequency of the MIAT rs1061540 C/C genotype compared to the low-grade epithelial tumor cohorts (56.7% vs. 37.6, p = 0.031). The same genotype was significantly higher in high-grade serous carcinoma than its counterparts (69.4% vs. 43.8%, p = 0.038). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the age at diagnosis was significantly associated with the risk of OC development. In contrast, the MIAT T/T genotype was associated with a low risk of malignant epithelial tumors under the homozygote comparison model (OR = 0.37 (0.16–0.83), p = 0.017). Also, MIAT T allele carriers were less likely to develop high-grade serous carcinoma under heterozygote (CT vs. CC; OR = 0.33 (0.12–0.88), p = 0.027) and homozygote (TT vs. CC; OR = 0.26 (0.07–0.90), p = 0.034) comparison models. In conclusion, our data provide novel evidence for a potential association between the lncRNA MIAT rs1061540 and the malignant condition of ovarian cancer, suggesting the involvement of such lncRNAs in OC development.

Background: Intentional insulin overdose either in people with diabetes or without can be used to attempt suicide. Massive insulin administration may result in coma and unexplained hypoglycemia. In this study, we aim at reviewing the demographic data of suicidal cases, the relation of psychiatric illness to dying by suicide and attempting suicide using insulin, route of insulin administration and outcome, post-mortem findings in suicide by insulin and collaborative evidence, initial presentation, blood glucose level and complications in attempting suicide cases. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched on October 4, 2021, using a comprehensive strategy review. The following search terms were applied: (Insulin) AND (toxicity OR overdose OR toxicology OR poisoning OR intoxication) AND (Suicide OR attempted suicide OR Self-harm OR Self harm). The search strategy was set based on PRISMA guideline; 11 papers were eligible for inclusion and additional 23 studies were added from the citation search. All English articles related to suicide and attempted suicide using insulin were included and no specific timeline or filter was used. Any non-English article and accidental or homicidal cases were excluded from the review. Results: The analysis included 179 victims, aged between 13 to 76 years with male predominance and people with diabetes, especially T1DM, having higher prevalence, with subcutaneous injection being the most common route of administration. In addition, psychiatric illnesses and multiple suicide attempts were identified in many cases besides the use of insulin in a combination with other medications. Conclusions: Dying by suicide using insulin is uncommon, however, as diabetes mellitus prevalence increases worldwide, it is expected that intentional insulin overdose will also increase. Furthermore, psychiatric illnesses and easy access to insulin are important factors that should be put into consideration.

Background Uric acid (UA) is the final product of metabolism of purine base, with either an antioxidant or a pro-oxidant according to the metabolic state. It was found that UA can give information about outcomes in multiple diseases. Depending on this view, research studies focused on UA to act as a biomarker of seriousness of illness in patients suffering from sepsis. Objective This study was targeted to evaluate if serum UA level can reflect the severity of sepsis state in critically ill patients and the prognosis of these patients. Materials and methods This prospective study using data extracted from patients of the ward, ICU of Internal Medicine Department and critical care unit from May 2019 to November 2019. The outcome was reported after 28 day from the date of admission to hospital regarding patient’s survival or not. Characteristics of the included patients were: age greater than 18 years, first time to admit to hospital, and patients who were diagnosed to have gout, chronic renal failure, malignancy, and those on diuretics were excluded. Results Variable levels of serum UA on admission did not reflect the rate of survival between patients with sepsis according to statistical results. So UA cannot act a predictor for mortality from sepsis. Conclusion UA level at the time of hospitalization cannot predict the survival rate of patients with sepsis.

The importance of developing the communicative needs of English language majors has been found a fundamental concern of Buraydah Community college in Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study has been to identify English language speaking skill needs of English language majors and investigate the impact of using Open Discussion Sessions, as extracurricular speaking activities, on developing students' oral communicative abilities. Thirty-five students and eleven English language teachers participated in the study. Data were collected quantitatively and qualitatively by means of survey questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and pre-post speaking test. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in analyzing the raw data collected. The results of the study exposed a perceived need for developing Saudi EFL students' speaking skill in English as their oral communicative abilities dramatically increased for their needs and interests were clearly identified and the methods for fulfilling those needs were more innovative. Post-test speaking results revealed significant development in students' speaking abilities due to the use of Open Discussion Sessions that provided a relaxed learning environment void of worry and enhanced learners' self-confidence through active involvement with real communicative situations with other students as well as with the instructors. Finally this study provided a framework with techniques and procedures that helped teachers to teach speaking skill more efficiently. Suggestions focused on incorporating Social Network Sites and visual cues to enhance students' interactivity and participation outside the college borders.

The aim of this paper is to study the impact of introducing an integrative pedagogical approach in the ESP classes on developing the English language vocabulary of Computer Science and Information Technology students in the College of Science, Qassim University. The study suggests a framework for an ESP course-design employing students' project work based on the analysis of learners' needs. The researchers made use of the experimental pre-test post-test control group design where the English vocabulary test was used as a pre and post test. The results reported from this study revealed the effectiveness of the suggested project-based ESP course on developing the English vocabulary for the target subjects. Also, the results show that project based instruction enhanced the teaching and learning of ESP and developed new study habits for learners by promoting self-directed, independent, cooperative learning as well as out-of-classroom learning. The study concluded with recommendations related to how projects can be incorporated into ESP classrooms to develop different language skills i.e. speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

This paper discusses the problem of the existence and uniqueness of solutions to the boundary value problem for the nonlinear fractional-order pantograph equation, using the fractional derivative of variable order of Hadamard type. The main results are proved through the application of fractional calculus and Krasnoselskii’s fixed-point theorem. Moreover, the Ulam–Hyers–Rassias stability of the nonlinear fractional pantograph equation is analyzed. To conclude this paper, we provide an example illustrating our findings and approach.

Background. Onset of overweight and obesity has been previously reported as a result of population migration to western countries. Objective. To determine the nutritional status, weight status and their association with socioeconomic status in sub-Saharan settled in El Jadida city in a Mediterranean country Morocco. Materials and methods. A descriptive study was carried out in 2018 on 256 sub-Saharans migrants living in the city of El Jadida in Morocco. Information on socio-economic and socio-demographic characteristics as well as anthropometric measurements was collected. The body mass index (BMI) and abdominal obesity by measuring waist circumference (WC) and waist circumference to hip ratio (WHR) and the distribution of body fat by calculating the sum of skin folds are determined. Results. Analysis results indicate that height, waist circumference, hip circumference, sum of trunk skinfolds, total sum of skinfolds, and BMI increase with age. The prevalence of underweight decreases with age, overweight was 38.7% in the youngest age group (18-25 years) and reached higher values after 35 years (44.10%). In addition, the prevalence of general obesity (based on BMI) increased with age and abdominal obesity (based on WHR and WC) was more marked in sub-Saharan people aged 26 to 35 years. These results also reveal the coexistence of underweight, overweight and obesity in all age groups. The analysis revealed a significant association between several variables and obesity. Significant associations were found between age and BMI (P=0.04), between level of education (university) and WHR (p=0.02), between sex and WHR, and between sex and WC (p=0.049). The study revealed also that the majority of the study sample gained weight after their settling in the host country. Conclusions. The study data show that obesity including overweight and abdominal obesity were prevalent among sub-Saharan migrants residing in the city of El Jadida. This prevalence is associated with socio-demographic and socioeconomic factors.