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Frequency response analysis (FRA) is a tool for evaluating mechanical integrity of transformer's core and winding. However, several studies have reported that FRA is also sensitive to other parameters such as temperature, moisture content and presence of oil. Since some of these parameters are critical in the insulation degradation process, it is interesting to further investigate the possibility of using FRA for insulation assessment. In this paper, the insulation conditions of three field transformers are investigated using FRA. This is performed after statistical analysis on the response suggested no mechanical damage on the transformers. The responses are further analyzed to determine the percentage of change of winding capacitance. This is achieved by comparing resonance frequencies between the responses. The percentage of change represents the amount of degradation in the insulation. This is because as the insulation condition degrades, the response is shifted towards lower frequencies. This new investigation demonstrates the applicability of FRA to estimate the insulation degradation.

This study examined the perceptions of 138 Saudi secondary school male English teachers in Riyadh regarding the qualities of an effective EFL teacher. It aimed to investigate these qualities and explore the relationship between teachers' experiences and perceptions. A survey research design was used, with data collected through a 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and an independent t-test were conducted. The findings revealed that effective EFL teachers possess various qualities in personal quality, attitude, pedagogical knowledge, subject matter knowledge, and classroom practice. Teachers considered all these qualities essential. However, no significant relationship was found between teachers' experience and their perceptions of effective EFL teacher characteristics.

The emergence and zoonotic transmission of poxviruses in the Middle East have been recognized as complex public health issues. Poxviruses, a vast family of DNA viruses, can infect many hosts, including animals and humans. The Middle East has had multiple epidemics of poxvirus infections (e.g., Monkeypox, Smallpox, and Camelpox) that have raised concerns owing to their detrimental effects on livestock, wildlife, and sporadic human cases. This review aims to thoroughly examine the complexity of the epidemiological patterns, intricate genetic diversity, and several contributing factors that support the emergence and zoonotic transmission of poxviruses in the Middle East. Several aspects of poxviruses contribute to the emergence of endemics and zoonotic breakouts, such as the complex nature of human-animal interactions, environmental changes, and their subtle capacity for viral adaptability. This review was compiled in the hopes of contributing to the current understanding of poxvirus biology and its implications for human and animal health in the Middle East. We provide a comprehensive overview of the most common poxviruses in the Middle East, including their classification, structure, replication cycle, pathogenesis, route of transmissions, and of how the Middle East has developed ways to mitigate these biological threats.

Abstract Background Academic achievement is essential for all students seeking a successful career. Studying habits and routines is crucial in achieving such an ultimate goal. Objectives This study investigates the association between study habits, personal factors, and academic achievement, aiming to identify factors that distinguish academically successful medical students. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The participants consisted of 1st through 5th-year medical students, with a sample size of 336. The research team collected study data using an electronic questionnaire containing three sections: socio-demographic data, personal characteristics, and study habits. Results The study results indicated a statistically significant association between self-fulfillment as a motivation toward studying and academic achievement (p = 0.04). The results also showed a statistically significant correlation between recalling recently memorized information and academic achievement (p = 0.05). Furthermore, a statistically significant association between preferring the information to be presented in a graphical form rather than a written one and academic achievement was also found (p = 0.03). Students who were satisfied with their academic performance had 1.6 times greater chances of having a high-grade point average (OR = 1.6, p = 0.08). Conclusion The results of this study support the available literature, indicating a correlation between study habits and high academic performance. Further multicenter studies are warranted to differentiate between high-achieving students and their peers using qualitative, semi-structured interviews. Educating the students about healthy study habits and enhancing their learning skills would also be of value.

Abstract Background Badminton, a dynamic sport, demands players to display exceptional physical attributes such as agility, core stability, and reaction time. Backward walking training on a treadmill has garnered attention for its potential to enhance physical attributes and optimize performance in athletes while minimizing the risk of injuries. Objective By investigating the efficacy of this novel approach, we aim to provide valuable insights to optimize training regimens and contribute to the advancement of sports science in badminton. Methodology Sixty-four participants were randomized into a control group (n = 32) and an experimental group (n = 32). The control group received routine exercise training, while the experimental group received routine exercise training along with additional backward walking training on the treadmill. Pre- and post-intervention measurements were taken for core stability using the Plank test, balance using the Star Excursion Balance test, reaction time using the 6-point footwork test, and agility using the Illinois Agility test. Results The results showed that the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in core stability (p

Abstract Background The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of 24 weeks of moderate aerobic exercise on lipids and lipoprotein levels; Lipo (a) markers, and their association with cognitive performance in healthy older adults. Methods A total of 150 healthy subjects (100 males and 50 females; age range: 65–95 years) were recruited for this study. Based on the LOTCA test score, subjects were classified into two groups: the control group (n = 50) and the cognitive impairment group (n = 100). Cognitive functioning, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), lipid profile, total cholesterol, TG, HDL-c, LDL-C, and lipo(a) were assessed at baseline and post-24-week aerobic exercise interventions using LOTCA battery, pre-validated Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) version II, colorimetric, and immunoassay techniques, respectively. Results Significant improvements in cognitive function and modulation in lipid profile and lipoprotein (a) markers were reported in all older subjects following 24 weeks of moderate exercise. LOTCA-7-sets scores significantly correlated with physical activity status and the regulation of lipids and Lipo (a) markers. Physically active persons showed higher cognitive performance along with a reduction in the levels of T-Cholest., TG, LDL-C, Lipo (a), and an increase in the levels of HDL-C and aerobic fitness VO2max compared with sedentary participants. Cognitive performance correlated positively with increased aerobic fitness, HDL-C, and negatively with T-Cholest., TG, LDL-C, and Lipo (a). However, a significant increase in the improvement of motor praxis, vasomotor organization, thinking operations, attention, and concentration were reported among older adults. Conclusions The study findings revealed that supervised moderate aerobic training for 24 weeks significantly enhances cognitive functions via mitigating older adults’ lipid profiles and lipoprotein (a). Cognitive performance is positively correlated with aerobic fitness and HDL-C level and negatively with T-Cholest., TH, LDL-C, and Lipo (a).

Abstract The study's goal was to compare and evaluate the benefits of deep friction massage and ultrasonic therapy (US) vs extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for people with lateral epicondylitis. This double-blind, parallel-arm randomized clinical trial was conducted after ethical approval on a sample of 80 subjects with lateral epicondylitis. Participants were enrolled based on predefined eligibility criteria. They were randomly allocated to groups A and B. Group A received ESWT, while Group B received the US combined with deep friction massage. Data was collected using the Numeric Pain Rating Score (NPRS) and Patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation questionnaire (PRTEE) at baseline, at 3rd, and at 7th week of treatment. On the basis of the normality of the data, a non-parametric test was applied to evaluate between-group and within-group differences. P value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. There was a significant difference between groups (p

Abstract Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive physical therapy intervention that has emerged in the recent past to address the upswing of osteoarthritis (OA). However, insufficient evidence is present to prove the efficacy of ESWT on grade IV knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The present study aimed to examine the effects of ESWT on functional ability in patients suffering from grade IV KOA. Thirty volunteers aged 45–60 years with grade IV primary KOA diagnosed by an orthopaedic surgeon based on the Kellgren-Lawrence score participated in the study. The participants were equally and randomly divided into two groups (i.e. experimental and control), with 15 participants in each group. The participants in the control group performed conventional physiotherapy (CPT) that included ultrasound therapy, isometric quadriceps, SLR and isometric hip adductor strengthening exercises. The participants in the experimental group received ESWT in addition to CPT. Lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) score was measured before and after the four weeks of intervention. In both groups, a statistically significant (p = 0.001) improvement in LEFS was observed. In the experimental groups, it improved by 81.92% and in the control groups by 48.15%. A statistically significant (p

Abstract Background Circulating microRNAs have been implicated in a diverse array of biological and pathological phenomena. Their potential utility as noninvasive biomarkers for screening and diagnosing various diseases has been proposed. Objective This study aimed to explore the potential role of the miRNAs miR-122 and miR-486 as molecular biomarkers in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Thus, miR-122 and miR-486 were detected in the serum of HCV patients and healthy controls. Moreover, the potential correlations of miR-122 and miR-486 with viral complications, such as physical activity, pain, muscle fatigue, and HCV infection, were identified. Methods A total of 150 subjects aged 30 to 66 years were included in this study. The patients were classified as patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (CHC) (n = 110) or healthy controls (n = 40). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses were performed to determine miR-122 and miR-486 expression. Physical activity (PA), pain score, HCV genotyping, viral overload, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and antioxidant status were also estimated by using prevalidated questionnaires, PCR, and spectrophotometric analyses. Results Compared with those in normal controls, significant increases in the serum levels of miR-122 and miR-486 were reported in patients with CHC. In physically active CHC patients, there was a significant correlation between the expression of miRNAs and increased alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), fibrosis scores, and inflammation activity, but no association was reported for hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA or viral load. Additionally, significant decreases in LDH, CK, GSSG, and pain scores and increases in TAC, GSH, and the GSH/GSSG ratio were reported. Moreover, the expression of miR-122 and miR-486 was positively correlated with changes in body mass index (BMI) and liver fibrosis stage, as well as negatively correlated with sex, PA, TAC, GSH, GSSG, and the GSH/GSSG ratio. Conclusion MiR-122 and miR-486 expression levels were strongly correlated with physical activity, pain perception, and muscle fatigue biomarkers in HCV-infected patients. These miRNA levels were associated with elevated AST, ALT, fibrosis scores, LDH, CK, and antioxidant status, thus suggesting their potential as biomarkers for disease severity and oxidative stress. However, no correlation was observed with viral load or HCV-RNA expression, thus implying that these miRNAs may impact disease progression and symptoms through host factors, rather than directly affecting viral replication. In summary, the results demonstrated that molecular studies of miR-22 and miR-468 and their associations with PA, pain, adiposity, sex differences, and muscle fatigue, as well as routine biomarkers, could be useful as prognostic nanoninvasive biomarkers, thus providing novel therapeutic targets for CHC infection.

تناول هذا البحث ظاهرة الاشتقاق الكبّار في اللغة العربية من الناحية الدلالية المعاصرة، وبيان ما ارتبط به قديمًا وحديثًا، من حيث الأسباب والتفسير والاختلاف، وكذلك معرفة أثره في دلالة الكلمات التي يدخل فيها. وقد اعتمد البحث منهجًا وصفيًا تحليليًا فيه، عبر النظر في البيانات المتعلّقة بالاشتقاق الكبّار قديمًا وحديثًا. ومن أبرز نتائج البحث: أنّ الاشتقاق الكبّار بابٌ مهمٌ من أبواب الاشتقاق. وأنَّ الاختصار والاختزال كانا هدف الاشتقاق الكبّار قديمًا، ثم أصبح أحد عوامل إثراء اللغة العربية، ثم أصبح عنصرًا مهمًّا في الجانب الدلالي للمفردات. كذلك، ساعد النحت على تنمية اللغة العربية وتطورها. إضافةً إلى أنَّ اللغة العربية استطاعت استيعاب المفردات المشتقة اشتقاقًا كبّارًا في بنيتها وأوزانها. كذلك، حقَّق الاشتقاق الكبّار إنجازًا واضحًا بقدرته على التعبير عن معظم المصطلحات والجمل العلمية التي ظهرت حديثًا.

Abstract Peripheral neuropathy and amputation are common complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) that significantly impact the quality of life of the affected individuals. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy, the level of amputation, and the quality of life in patients with DM. This cross-sectional study was conducted after approval of the synopsis involving 225 diagnosed patients with DM on pre-defined eligibility criteria, selected from public sector OPDs, specialized diabetes centres, and centres manufacturing orthotics and prosthetics. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and the administration of the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument and the Asian Diabetes Quality of Life Questionnaire. The level of amputation was recorded for each participant. Data was entered into SPSS, and results were synthesized. Pearson correlation is applied to find an association between gender and the quality of life of the participants, while P ≤ 0.05 will be considered significant. The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in a sample of 225, based on a self-administered questionnaire, was (44.4%), and in terms of foot examination was (51.1%). As people progressed in age, the prevalence increased to 20.0% in patients above 60 years and 8.9% in ≤ 35 years of age. The majority of participants (56.0%) have had DM for less than five years. Females were 57.8% of the study population, while 97.8% of participants had type II DM. Below-knee amputation of the right limb was observed in 22(9.8%) of the participants. The QoL was poor in the majority of the participants (96.9%) patients with DM (P = 0.638 and T = -0.471). This cross-sectional study highlights a high prevalence of peripheral neuropathy and amputation and poor QoL in patients with diabetic mellitus.

Abstract Pain in the lower back is a major concern in today’s era due to prolonged sitting in two-wheeler riders, mainly due to hamstring tightness. It also creates physical disability and impairment in activities of daily living. The study aimed to compare the efficacy of muscle energy technique (MET) and self-myofascial release (SMFR) using the foam roller on hamstring flexibility, dynamic balance, and physical disability amongst two-wheeler riders with chronic low back pain (LBP). Participants were randomized into two intervention groups, MET and SMFR using the envelope method, with each group having 20 participants. Hamstring flexibility and range of motion for knee extension and the lower back were assessed using the active knee extension test (AKE-L and AKE-R) and sit and reach test (SRT), while the dynamic balance was assessed by the star excursion balance test (SEBT) and physical disability by Roland‐Morris Disability Questionnaire, (RMDQ). Measurements were taken at baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention. This study demonstrated that both SMFR using a foam roller and MET are effective in enhancing hamstring muscle flexibility, (SRT—F(1, 38) = 299.5, p

Abstract Background This study is based on extensive evidence-based assessments. The aim of this paper is to evaluate how well Jordan’s health information system (HIS) incorporates social determinants of health inequity (SDHI) and to propose suggestions for future actions. Methods An extensive evidence-based assessment was performed. A meta-synthesis of the inclusion of the SDHI in the HIS in Jordan was conducted. After searching and shortlisting, 23 papers were analyzed using Atlas.ti 9.0 employing thematic analysis technique. Results The HIS in Jordan is quite comprehensive, comprising numerous data sources, various types of information, and data from multiple producers and managers. Nevertheless, the HIS confronts several obstacles and fails to ensure the timely and secure publication of available data. The assessment of the inclusion of the SDHI in the HIS showed that the HIS allows for the measurement of progress in relation to social policies and actions but has a very limited database for supporting the inclusion of health inequity measures. One reason for the difficulty in identifying fairness is that certain crucial information necessary for this task cannot be obtained through the available institutional HIS or population survey tools. Additionally, relevant modules for fairness may be missing from population surveys, possibly due to a failure to fully utilize the capabilities of the institutional HIS. Conclusion There are opportunities to make use of Jordan’s dedication to fairness and its already established strong HIS. Some social determinants of health exist in the HIS, but much more data, information, and effort are needed to integrate the SDHI into the Jordanian HIS. A proposal from a regional initiative has put forward a comprehensive set of indicators for integrating SDHI into HIS, which could aid in achieving health equity in Jordan.