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Abstract Background/aim: cognitive flexibility refers to people’s capacity to change or evolve their thinking and strategies when confronted with new information or circumstances These attributes are essential in research environments where complex and dynamic challenges frequently arise. In this study, the aim is to explore and establish whether a correlation exists between cognitive flexibility and research performance, especially in the medical students, in order to fill the deficit, if any, as well as understand the status of research teaching. Methods We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study with medical students from the College of Medicine at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We requested the subjects to participate in an online questionnaire consisting of four question sections. They included demographic information, a Cognitive Flexibility Scale, knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers to performing medical research. Results The survey received responses from 303 medical students. We judged cognitive flexibility highest in the willingness to shift to possible alternatives and lowest in the use of acquired knowledge in practical contexts. The students were aware of and had a positive attitude towards research, although only 19.5% of them had actually published. Some of the barriers included inadequate time and challenges with follow-up care for patients. It was established that there was a weak negative relationship between the scores of perceived barriers and the Cognitive Flexibility score (r = -0.217, P

Neonatal nasal obstruction can cause significant functional impairment because neonates are obligatory nasal breathers in the first three months of life. Some neonates with nasal septum issues may be asymptomatic or exhibit mild symptoms that could resolve as they grow in the first few years of life. However, in cases of patients with an uncorrected deviated nasal septum, it can have physiological, anatomical, cosmetic, and psychological impacts. Many studies have reported different approaches to correct neonatal deviated nasal septum, including observation, stenting, close reduction, and septoplasty. Herein, we present two cases aged 14 days and 35 days old with severe symptoms of deviated nasal septum, balloon dilatation septoplasty, a minimally invasive approach, was employed, with low-risk complications and good outcomes. Up to this date, this approach has not been reported in this age group.

This study employed a sequential mixed methods explanatory research design to explore the influence of mentoring in the self-efficacy-forming experiences of primary school teachers who participated in a variety of professional development projects on science teaching. In the quantitative phase, survey data drawn from primary school teachers (n = 834) showed that collaborative mentee-mentor activities and metaphorical descriptions of interpersonal relationship were the best predictors of personal science teaching self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, and instructional change. In the qualitative phase, interviews with individual teachers identified their perceptions of how mentoring experiences influenced their development of science teaching self-efficacy and changes they made in their science classrooms. The findings are interpreted through the theoretical lens of the roles of culture and emotions in teacher learning.

Vulvar leiomyomas are rare benign tumors originating from smooth muscle cells of the vulvar tissue. This report concerns a 31-year-old woman who presented with a painless vulvar mass measuring 5 × 4 cm. The mass was clinically diagnosed as a Bartholin cyst due to its non-tender and soft nature, and as a result the patient underwent wide local excision of the vulvar mass. Histopathology confirmed it to be benign vulvar leiomyoma. This case emphasizes the importance of thorough clinical evaluation and accurate histopathological examination in identifying vulvar masses. This report underscores the diagnostic difficulties associated with rare vulvar lesions and stresses the necessity of a comprehensive approach to their evaluation and treatment.

BackgroundThe potential link between disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and malignancy in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients has generated significant concern, particularly given the immunosuppressive nature of these treatments. Conflicting evidence in the literature has left this issue unresolved, underscoring the need for definitive research to inform clinical practice. This study addresses this gap by examining cancer occurrence among MS patients on DMTs treated at two tertiary-care centers in Saudi Arabia.ObjectivesTo report and analyze cases of malignancy in MS patients treated with DMTs and identify associated risk factors, including demographic characteristics, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, treatment duration, and cumulative DMT exposure. The study also seeks to contribute to the development of evidence-based cancer screening protocols for MS patients at elevated risk.MethodsA retrospective review was performed on medical records of MS patients treated with DMTs at two tertiary-care centers in Saudi Arabia from June 2015 to December 2023. The study included 860 patients, with data collected on demographics, MS subtype, DMT usage, and subsequent cancer diagnoses. A comprehensive literature review, covering publications from February 1976 to May 2024, supplemented the review to contextualize findings within the broader research landscape.ResultsAmong the 860 MS patients on DMTs, 10 (1.16%) developed malignancies, predominantly female (80%), with an average age of 50.9 years. The majority had relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) (90%), with interferon beta (70%) and ocrelizumab (60%) being the most frequently used DMTs. The median duration of DMT exposure prior to cancer diagnosis was 52 months. The observed malignancies included gynecological cancers, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, with 60% diagnosed at advanced stages (III-IV).ConclusionThis case series highlights instances of malignancy among MS patients undergoing DMTs, suggesting a potential link that warrants further investigation. The findings underscore the need for vigilant cancer screening and patient education as integral components of MS management. The literature review reinforces the necessity for ongoing research to better understand the risks associated with DMTs, aiding in the development of more informed clinical guidelines. Further large-scale, longitudinal studies are crucial to elucidate the causality and guide safer treatment strategies.

This article introduces a robust metaverse forensic framework designed to facilitate the investigation of cybercrime within the dynamic and complex digital metaverse. In response to the growing potential for nefarious activities in this technological landscape, the framework is meticulously developed and aligned with international standardization, ensuring a comprehensive, reliable, and flexible approach to forensic investigations. Comprising seven distinct phases, including a crucial incident pre-response phase, the framework offers a detailed step-by-step guide that can be readily applied to any virtualized platform. Unlike previous studies that have primarily adapted the existing digital forensic methodologies, this proposed framework fills a critical research gap by providing a proactive and granular investigative process. The approach goes beyond mere adaptation, ensuring a comprehensive strategy that addresses the unique challenges posed by the metaverse environment. The seven phases cover a spectrum of forensic investigation, offering a thorough interpretation with careful consideration of real-life metaverse forensic scenarios. To validate its effectiveness, the proposed framework undergoes a rigorous evaluation against the appropriate ISO/IEC standards. Additionally, metaverse expert reviews, based on the task–technology fit theory, contribute valuable insights. The overall assessment confirms the framework’s adherence to forensic standards, making it a reliable guide for investigators navigating the complexities of cybercrime in the metaverse. This comprehensive metaverse forensic framework provides investigators with a detailed and adaptable tool to address a wide range of cybercrime incidents within the evolving virtualized landscape. Furthermore, its stepwise guidance ensures a thorough and reliable investigation process, offering significant contributions to proactive security measures in the face of emerging challenges in the metaverse.

Mortadah Alsalman,1 Sajjad AlHaddad,2 Ibrahim Alibrahim,3 Abdulhakim Ibrahim Alabdullah,3 Mohammed Hussain Almutawa,3 Abdullah Khalid Alhamam,3 Mohammed Abdullah Albaqshi3 1Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Alahsa, Saudi Arabia; 2Academy of Family Medicine, Ministry of Health, Alahsa, Saudi Arabia; 3College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Alahsa, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Sajjad AlHaddad, Academy of Family Medicine, Ministry of Health, Alahsa, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966544271184, Email Sajjad-smith@hotmail.comPurpose: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a multisystemic disease that results in diverse clinical manifestations in the form of acute and chronic complications. This study aims to assess the academic achievements of patients with SCD.Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional study was a study conducted among adult patients with SCD from the eastern province of Saudi Arabia, where SCD is more widespread than in other regions.Results: A total of ninety patients with SCD, whose median age was 32.33 ± 11.84, were retrospectively evaluated. Of the total number, 32 (35.5%) did not obtain a secondary higher education certificate, and five (3.3%) were illiterate. Sixty-three (70%) of the patients were female, indicating no significant association between gender and education level (p-value > 0.05). The patients’ mean annual hospitalizations and emergency visits totaling 4.7 and 8.43, respectively, were not significantly associated with education (p-value > 0.05). Throughout the patients’ lives, mean blood transfusions and ICU admissions occurred 6.29 and 2.75 times, respectively, which were not significantly associated with education level (p-value > 0.05). However, education was inversely proportional to a history of splenectomy and cholecystectomy (p < 0.05). Laboratory parameters (hemoglobin level, WBC, platelets, and hemoglobin F) showed no significant associations with education level (p-value > 0.05). Patients with sickle-thalassemia exhibited a trend of being better-educated than those without the diseases, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p-value > 0.05). A linear regression analysis revealed no significant associations among clinical and laboratory parameters.Conclusion: SCD is a multisystemic disease that impacts socioeconomic status, learning ability, and academic achievements. More research is needed to identify factors that predict poor performance. Additionally, intelligence quotient (IQ) and cognitive assessment should be incorporated into early screening programs for SCD in order to implement preventive measures and a thorough investigation of underlying causes.Keywords: sickle cell disease, academic achievements, education

Abstract Background Hoarding disorder is characterized by a persistent inability to part with possessions due to a perceived need to keep them, regardless of their actual value. Arabic-speaking populations currently lack a validated tool specifically designed to assess hoarding symptoms. Objective This study aimed to translate, adapt, and validate the Hoarding Rating Scale-Self Report (HRS-SR) into the Arabic-language. Methods The study employed the gold standard approach to translation, involving forward translation by independent translators and back translation review. We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey completed by 500 participants from four Arabic-speaking countries. Psychometric analyses included internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent validity against generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), and confirmatory factor analysis. Results With a McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha of approximately 0.80, the Arabic translation of the HRS-SR showed acceptable test-retest reliability as well as good internal consistency. The survey also showed strong convergent validity with the 7-item survey for GAD-7. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a one-factor structure, confirming that each item measured the same construct. Conclusion The HRS-SR is a trustworthy and valid tool for evaluating hoarding symptoms in Arabic-speaking people. This survey could be helpful for both clinical and academic research. Future research should examine cultural variations in hoarding behavior in Arabic-speaking populations and validate the questionnaire in clinical populations.

Background/aim: cognitive flexibility refers to people’s capacity to change or evolve their thinking and strategies when confronted with new information or circumstances These attributes are essential in research environments where complex and dynamic challenges frequently arise. In this study, the aim is to explore and establish whether a correlation exists between cognitive flexibility and research performance, especially in the medical students, in order to fill the deficit, if any, as well as understand the status of research teaching. Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study with medical students from the College of Medicine at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We requested the subjects to participate in an online questionnaire consisting of four question sections. They included demographic information, a Cognitive Flexibility Scale, knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers to performing medical research. Results: The survey received responses from 303 medical students. We judged cognitive flexibility highest in the willingness to shift to possible alternatives and lowest in the use of acquired knowledge in practical contexts. The students were aware of and had a positive attitude towards research, although only 19.5% of them had actually published. Some of the barriers included inadequate time and challenges with follow-up care for patients. It was established that there was a weak negative relationship between the scores of perceived barriers and the Cognitive Flexibility score (r = -0.217, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The study has concluded that students with higher cognitive flexibility cope with the barriers better and, therefore, are likely to be in a better state of well-being. This suggests that the medical education system should include techniques like problem-based learning. Meanwhile, research efforts should aim to test more specific and accountable methods for enhancing cognitive flexibility, as well as their impact on learning and clinical practice. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: This study identified some commonalities as well as differences in the prevalence and symptomatology of gastroparesis among diabetic patients. We observed no significant variation in GCSI scores between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, higher GCSI scores were associated with shorter diabetes durations, controlled blood glucose levels, and metformin use. However, due to the small sample size and reliance on self-reported data, one should interpret the study’s findings with caution.

In 2003, Qatar launched the "initiative for Developing Education, called Education for New Era Reform," based on four principles: independence, accountability, diversity, and choice. Public schools were therefore converted to "Independent Schools" and provided with more resources. We examined the reform's effectiveness using an interpretive paradigm, employing mixed qualitative methods, and interviewing 28 principals and deputy principals. The results show that the reform gained the most support from top politicians, thus leading to rapid implementation, which led to the schools' workforce inefficiency in adapting to these changes. Consequently, those responsible for the implementation retreated and diverted from school independence.

Introduction: Lobar torsion is a rare, challenging diagnosis that requires a high index of suspicion and prompt investigation and management. Detection and urgent fixation or lung resection are critical to avoid catastrophic sequelae of lung necrosis, bronchopleural fistulae, and death. Report: A case of lobar torsion following open repair of a type B aortic dissection and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm in a patient with Marfan syndrome is presented. After a non-specific constellation of symptoms, the diagnosis was confirmed with computed tomography and bronchoscopic findings and the patient underwent detorsion and plication of a torted, yet viable, left upper lobe on post-operative day 6. The patient is currently being followed with serial imaging to follow a necrotic consolidation of the left upper lobe. Discussion: This was a case of lobar torsion in a patient with Marfan syndrome and the degree of connective tissue disease may have predisposed the patient to this rare surgical complication. The case presents a challenging dilemma due to the risks associated with exposing a synthetic aortic graft to a potentially infected space if lobar resection or a pneumonectomy was performed.

We present a novel paradigm for dispersion engineering in coupled transmission lines (CTLs) based on exceptional points of degeneracy (EPDs). We also develop a theory for fourth-order EPDs consisting of four Floquet-Bloch eigenmodes coalescing into one degenerate eigenmode; present unique wave propagation properties associated with the EPD; develop a figure of merit (FOM) to assess the practical occurrence of the fourth-order EPDs in CTLs with tolerances and losses; and experimentally verify for the first time the existence of a fourth EPD (the degenerate band edge), through dispersion and transmission measurements in microstrip-based CTLs at microwave frequencies. In addition, we report that based on experimental observation and the developed FOM, the EPD features are still observable in structures that radiate (leak energy away), even in the presence of fabrication tolerances and dissipative losses. We investigate the 'gain and loss balance' regime in CTLs as a means of recovering an EPD in the presence of radiation and/or dissipative losses, without necessarily resorting to parity-time (PT)-symmetry regimes. The versatile EPD concept is promising in applications such as high-intensity and power-efficiency oscillators, spatial power combiners, or low-threshold oscillators and opens new frontiers for boosting the performance of large coherent sources.

Encountering a neonate with epidermolysis bullosa and pyloric atresia is uncommon in clinical practice. To our knowlege, a complete prepyloric antral web in association with epidermolysis bullosa has not been reported before. The main issues in this case were the prognosis of the overall condition and weighing the risks and benefits of surgery. In other cases, surgical management has had good outcomes, although the risks could include leaks, wound complications, and recurrent obstruction. Uneventful postoperative courses have been reported in many cases. We used abdominal exploration and performedHeineke-Mikulicz antro-pyloroplasty, with an intraoperative finding of a complete antral web. The patient had a smooth recovery with no immediate complications. No major small-term complications occurred, and no further operations were required. One month after the surgery, the patient began full feedings. However, his skin condition worsened with multiple attacks of sepsis; then he developed uncontrollable upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Unfortunately, the patient died at 5 weeks due to sepsis. We report this case to add to the literature, and discuss the management options when facing such a challenging case.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of inherited disorders characterized by increased vulnerability to mechanical stress at the dermo-epidermal junction and basilar layer of the epidermis. Laryngeal EB involvement is a major and life-threatening manifestation of the disease. Due to the nature of EB, granulation tissue and stenosis can occur, usually at the glottic, subglottic, or supraglottic levels, as seen in our patients.We described cases in which four patients with EB presented with supraglottic stenosis and were managed at tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. The clinical and therapeutic characteristics of all patients are discussed.

One of the major crops produced in Saudi Arabia is the date palm tree, Phoenix dactylifera L., as it can tolerate the harsh desert climate. One of the largest palm production areas in Saudi Arabia is the Al-Hassa oases, it has approximately 3 million date palms. However, by the end of the 21st century (2071–2100), climate change impacts will create a strain on the date production industry in the Al-Hassa region. Therefore, current practices need to be altered and various strategies must be adopted as changing the industry or moving regions are not viable options. This paper examines the impact of possible global warming based on various general circulation models, regional climate models, and scenarios developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on Emission Scenarios on the climate in Al-Hassa by mid and end of the century. This paper discusses how these effects may impact date production and its distribution in the study area based on the resources available and on an individual, community, regional, national, and global scale. Possible options for sustaining the industry and what barriers or limitations may be faced by the proposed adaptation measures are discussed in this paper. HIGHLIGHTS There are no current studies specific to climate change effects on date production in Al-Hassa.; The region presents a unique challenge as it has springs and aquifers.; Actions need to be made to conserve agricultural production as there are not many other local production.; Prospects for better water management and agricultural practices need to be addressed.; Dates are one of the most important socioeconomic crops in Saudi Arabia.;

Abstract Sabkhas are hypersaline, mineral-rich, supratidal mudflats that harbor microbes that are adapted to high salt concentration. Sabkha microbial diversity is generally studied for their community composition, but less is known about their genetic structure and heterogeneity. In this study, we analyzed a coastal sabkha for its microbial composition using 16S rDNA and whole metagenome, as well as for its population genetic structure. Our 16S rDNA analysis show high alpha diversity in both inner and edge sabkha than outer sabkha. Beta diversity result showed similar kind of microbial composition between inner and edge sabkha, while outer sabkha samples show different microbial composition. At phylum level, Bacteroidetes (~ 22 to 34%), Euryarchaeota (~ 18 to ~ 30%), unclassified bacteria (~ 24 to ~ 35%), Actinobacteria (~ 0.01 to ~ 11%) and Cyanobacteria (less than 1%) are predominantly found in both inside and edge sabkha regions, whereas Proteobacteria (~ 92 to ~ 97%) and Parcubacteria (~ 1 to ~ 2%) are predominately found in outer sabkha. Our 225 metagenomes assembly from this study showed similar bacterial community profile as observed in 16S rDNA-based analysis. From the assembled genomes, we found important genes that are involved in biogeochemical cycles and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. We observed a dynamic, thriving ecosystem that engages in metabolic activity that shapes biogeochemical structure via carbon fixation, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling. Our results show varying degrees of horizontal gene transfers (HGT) and homologous recombination, which correlates with the observed high diversity for these populations. Moreover, our pairwise population differentiation (Fst) for the abundance of species across the salinity gradient of sabkhas identified genes with strong allelic differentiation, lower diversity and elevated nonsynonymous to synonymous ratio of variants, which suggest selective sweeps for those gene variants. We conclude that the process of HGT, combined with recombination and gene specific selection, constitute the driver of genetic variation in bacterial population along a salinity gradient in the unique sabkha ecosystem.

Containers have emerged as the most promising lightweight virtualization technology in providing cloud services due to its flexible deployment, portability, and scalability especially in micro-services, smart vehicles, IoTs, and fog/edge computing. An important and vital role in cloud container services is played by the scheduler’s component to optimize performance and reduce cost due to the diverse nature of the workload and cloud resources. Despite the immense traction of containers in cloud computing, there is no comprehensive survey that covers container scheduling techniques. In this timely survey, we investigate the landscape of the state-of-the-art container scheduling techniques aiming to inspire more research work in this active area of research. The survey is structured around classifying the scheduling techniques into four categories based on the type of optimization algorithm employed to generate the schedule namely mathematical modeling, heuristics, meta-heuristics and machine learning. Then for each class of scheduling algorithms, we analyze and identify key benefits and pitfalls, together with key challenges of the available techniques based on the performance metrics. Finally, this paper highlights fertile future research opportunities to realize the full potential of the emergent container technology.

Background: The potential link between disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and malignancy in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients has generated significant concern, particularly given the immunosuppressive nature of these treatments. Conflicting evidence in the literature has left this issue unresolved, underscoring the need for definitive research to inform clinical practice. This study addresses this gap by examining cancer occurrence among MS patients on DMTs treated at two tertiary-care centers in Saudi Arabia. Objectives: To report and analyze cases of malignancy in MS patients treated with DMTs and identify associated risk factors, including demographic characteristics, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, treatment duration, and cumulative DMT exposure. The study also seeks to contribute to the development of evidence-based cancer screening protocols for MS patients at elevated risk. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on medical records of MS patients treated with DMTs at two tertiary-care centers in Saudi Arabia from June 2015 to December 2023. The study included 860 patients, with data collected on demographics, MS subtype, DMT usage, and subsequent cancer diagnoses. A comprehensive literature review, covering publications from February 1976 to May 2024, supplemented the review to contextualize findings within the broader research landscape. Results: Among the 860 MS patients on DMTs, 10 (1.16%) developed malignancies, predominantly female (80%), with an average age of 50.9 years. The majority had relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) (90%), with interferon beta (70%) and ocrelizumab (60%) being the most frequently used DMTs. The median duration of DMT exposure prior to cancer diagnosis was 52 months. The observed malignancies included gynecological cancers, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, with 60% diagnosed at advanced stages (III-IV). Conclusion: This case series highlights instances of malignancy among MS patients undergoing DMTs, suggesting a potential link that warrants further investigation. The findings underscore the need for vigilant cancer screening and patient education as integral components of MS management. The literature review reinforces the necessity for ongoing research to better understand the risks associated with DMTs, aiding in the development of more informed clinical guidelines. Further large-scale, longitudinal studies are crucial to elucidate the causality and guide safer treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of gastroparesis in individuals with diabetes mellitus varies significantly across different studies. This study is aimed at estimating the prevalence of gastroparesis among diabetic patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and evaluating the association between metformin use and clinical manifestations of gastroparesis. Methods: This cross‐sectional study employed an online survey distributed via Google Forms, targeting patients at a diabetes clinic. The survey comprised three sections, including the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI). Eligible participants were those diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus and aged 18 or older. Results: The study included 385 participants, with the majority diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (55.6%) for over 10 years (59.5%). A significant proportion had poorly controlled blood glucose levels (56.6%) and were taking metformin (50.9%). Among gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, "stomach fullness" was reported most frequently (53.2%), whereas "vomiting" was reported least often (17.9%). GCSI scores did not differ significantly between type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients (p = 0.88). However, patients with diabetes durations of less than 3 years, those with durations of 5–7 years controlled blood glucose levels, and those on metformin exhibited higher GCSI scores (p = 0.20, p = 0.02, and p = 0.10, respectively). Conclusion: This study identified some commonalities as well as differences in the prevalence and symptomatology of gastroparesis among diabetic patients. We observed no significant variation in GCSI scores between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, higher GCSI scores were associated with shorter diabetes durations, controlled blood glucose levels, and metformin use. However, due to the small sample size and reliance on self‐reported data, one should interpret the study's findings with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonatal nasal obstruction can cause significant functional impairment because neonates are obligatory nasal breathers in the first three months of life. Some neonates with nasal septum issues may be asymptomatic or exhibit mild symptoms that could resolve as they grow in the first few years of life. However, in cases of patients with an uncorrected deviated nasal septum, it can have physiological, anatomical, cosmetic, and psychological impacts. Many studies have reported different approaches to correct neonatal deviated nasal septum, including observation, stenting, close reduction, and septoplasty. Herein, we present two cases aged 14 days and 35 days old with severe symptoms of deviated nasal septum, balloon dilatation septoplasty, a minimally invasive approach, was employed, with low-risk complications and good outcomes. Up to this date, this approach has not been reported in this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces a robust metaverse forensic framework designed to facilitate the investigation of cybercrime within the dynamic and complex digital metaverse. In response to the growing potential for nefarious activities in this technological landscape, the framework is meticulously developed and aligned with international standardization, ensuring a comprehensive, reliable, and flexible approach to forensic investigations. Comprising seven distinct phases, including a crucial incident pre-response phase, the framework offers a detailed step-by-step guide that can be readily applied to any virtualized platform. Unlike previous studies that have primarily adapted the existing digital forensic methodologies, this proposed framework fills a critical research gap by providing a proactive and granular investigative process. The approach goes beyond mere adaptation, ensuring a comprehensive strategy that addresses the unique challenges posed by the metaverse environment. The seven phases cover a spectrum of forensic investigation, offering a thorough interpretation with careful consideration of real-life metaverse forensic scenarios. To validate its effectiveness, the proposed framework undergoes a rigorous evaluation against the appropriate ISO/IEC standards. Additionally, metaverse expert reviews, based on the task–technology fit theory, contribute valuable insights. The overall assessment confirms the framework's adherence to forensic standards, making it a reliable guide for investigators navigating the complexities of cybercrime in the metaverse. This comprehensive metaverse forensic framework provides investigators with a detailed and adaptable tool to address a wide range of cybercrime incidents within the evolving virtualized landscape. Furthermore, its stepwise guidance ensures a thorough and reliable investigation process, offering significant contributions to proactive security measures in the face of emerging challenges in the metaverse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many educational centers for instructing Muslim children in the principles of Islam and the Arabic language have been established in Europe. These centers are called weekend schools; students attend these schools on the weekend to learn the Holy Qur'an in addition to Arabic language skills. The current study aimed to examine the nature of these schools and their instructional focuses. The study used a qualitative method for data collection and conducted interviews based on semi-open questions. A total of 26 participants were interviewed during the Annual Conference of the Islamic Organization Union in France in 2012. The results indicate that there is no detailed database that shows the total number or overall percentage of Muslim students who attend weekend schools in Europe. The results also show that the rate of enrollment is increasing. The results of the study confirm that most of the students are primary school students who attend these schools for only 3 to 4 hours every week. The findings show that these weekend schools face several challenges. The most important of these challenges are the weak qualifications of the teachers, inadequate curriculum, an inconvenient instructional environment, and other challenges that will be covered in this research. The researcher argues that the efforts exerted by mosques and Islamic centers to maintain the identity represented in the supplementary schools and classes called weekend schools are insufficient due to the numerous challenges that these schools are facing.