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Abstract Manufacturing ordinary Portland cement (OPC) poses significant challenges for sustainable construction practices. OPC manufacturing emits substantial greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and demands extensive raw materials. In pursuit of greener alternatives, researchers explore geopolymer concrete (GPC), a revolutionary material that entirely replaces OPC, comprising industrial wastes/by-products activated through an alkaline solution. The study aims to investigate the feasibility of incorporating quarry rock dust (QRD) into GPC production for environmentally sustainable structural applications. Circular columns (200 mm diameter, 1000 mm length) were formulated using GPC blends with fly ash, slag (SG), and QRD as a partial SG replacement. The structural performance of these columns, with and without steel fiber reinforcement, was evaluated under varied loading conditions. Results show that QRD is a valuable ingredient in GPC for structural concrete elements, offering performance comparable to traditional OPC concrete. Furthermore, the incorporation of steel fibers significantly enhances the peak axial loads, displacement response, and overall performance of GPC columns with or without QRD. Fiber-reinforced GPC columns demonstrated approximately 8–10% higher ultimate load capacity than equivalent OPC columns. Eccentricity was found to significantly reduce ductility, but fiber reinforcement offers substantial ductility improvements (25–55%).

Abstract Understanding the realities of feedback practices and activity uses in writing classrooms is key to optimizing them. This study attempted to profile Saudi university English writing teachers’ uses of feedback delivery modes, error correction strategies, and learner-centered feedback activities. The study drew upon the qualitative approach by using an open-ended questions to explore and gain an in-depth understanding of teachers’ feedback provision practices and activity uses. Open-end questionnaire responses were collected from 74 English writing teachers working at eight Saudi universities. The results revealed that handwritten and oral feedback modes are more dominant in the teachers’ practices than electronic and audio-recorded modes. Additionally, a relatively larger number of the teachers reported using direct and comprehensive error correction strategies more than indirect and selective ones. A considerable number of the teachers were found to use combinations of feedback modes, direct-indirect and comprehensive-selective error correction forms. With regard to their use of learner-centered feedback activities, a larger number of the teachers reported making use of peer feedback in their classes but neglecting student self-evaluation and automated writing evaluation activities. The paper discusses the implications pertinent to improving feedback provision practices and activity uses in the Saudi university context.

Here in, we study the structural, electronic, mechanical, optical and thermoelectric properties of As based Ba3AsX3 (X = F, Cl) using the density functional theory. The result show that both materials crystallize into cubic structure. The tolerance factor and octahedral factor indicates that both materials have stable perovskite structure. The obtained optimize lattice constant are 6.12 Å and 6.50 Å for Ba3AsF3 and Ba3AsCl3 respectively. The phonon dispersion curves show that both materials are dynamically stable. The electronic study reveals that both materials have semiconductor having band gap of 2.27eV and 1.73eV for Ba3AsF3 and Ba3AsCl3 respectively. Elastic constants are computed and found that both materials are mechanical stable. Furthermore, elastic study presents that both materials are ductile and have anisotropic nature. The optical results show that both materials have excellent optical absorption. It is observed that relaxation time for Ba3AsF3 is longer than that of Ba3AsCl3. Thermoelectric properties such as Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity electronic thermal conductivity, power factor and figure of merit are calculated for both materials. It is observed that for both materials Seebeck have almost same maximum value of 1.55 × 10−3 V/K at 300K. The electrical conductivity is found to be greater for Ba3AsF3 than Ba3AsCl3. The figure of merit ZT value is found 1.53 for Ba3AsF3 while 1.23 for Ba3AsCl3 at 700K. From obtained results it is concluded that these materials can be an excellent candidate for thermoelectric and optoelectronic applications.

Background: The actual burden of the Omicron variants remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the epidemiological and clinical features of Omicron-infected patients and investigate factors influencing hospital admission. Methods: This retrospective single-center study included individuals with positive SARS-CoV-2 infection, specifically the Omicron variants (XBB, EG or JN), identified through real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays from January 2022 to December 2023. Results: A total of 305 Omicron-infected patients were included; (53.11 %) were females and (46.89 %) were males, with a median age of 39 years [interquartile range (IQR): 30, 53]. Underlying diseases, including endocrine/metabolic disorders (22.30 %), hypertension (12.79 %), chronic respiratory disease (10.49 %), and malignancy (9.18 %) were prevalent, while (40.98 %) were medically free. The XBB variant was predominant (73.11 %), followed by JN (20.33 %), and EG variant (6.56 %). The seasonality analysis demonstrates XBB variants' domination in 2022, with a surge to 40 cases in December. The trend continued in 2023, peaking at 76 XBB cases in March. May 2023 reported 38 XBB cases and the emergence of 17 EG instances. Notably, in December, only one XBB case was reported, and 62 instances emerged with the JN variant. Overall, 233 out of 305 cases were reported during flu season (September to March) (76.39 %). Moreover, hospitalization occurred in (16.39 %), with a (1.31 %) mortality rate (all deaths in the JN variant). Multivariable analysis confirmed renal disease, chronic respiratory disease, endocrine/metabolism issues, and polymicrobial infection as positive predictors of hospitalization (p

Arab learners of English often face challenges when it comes to correctly pronouncing English consonant clusters. To address these difficulties, technology-driven methods can be employed to enhance the acquisition of proper English consonant cluster pronunciation. This research endeavor aimed to assess the impact of web-based pronunciation training on the articulation of consonant clusters. The research followed an experimental design, involving fifty-eight Saudi learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) who were enrolled at a public university in Saudi Arabia. These participants were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group received a list of words containing consonant clusters to practice using YouGlish as a resource. Meanwhile, the control group was instructed to listen to the instructor's pronunciation and then practice producing the words with consonant clusters. The outcomes demonstrated a significant improvement in the production of words with consonant clusters among the experimental group, attributed to the utilization of web-based pronunciation training. These findings hold promise for the field of language learning, highlighting the effectiveness of web-based pronunciation training as a valuable tool for teaching second language pronunciation.

To explore a good candidate for solar cell applications as an alternative to lead-independent materials, we calculated the structural and mechanical stability of the Rb2TlSbX6 (X = Cl, Br, I) compounds with PBEsol potential. The optoelectronic and thermoelectric behaviors of these compounds are computed with TB-mBJ potential. Our results indicate that these materials possessed excellent structural, mechanical, and thermal stability on the basic values of their Goldsmith’s, elastic parameters and negative formation energies. The dynamic stability is observed through phonon dispersion curve and found that all materials are dynamically stable. The computed values of Poisson and Pugh ratios and a positive value of Cauchy’s pressure indicate the ductile nature of these materials. We observed the low direct bandgaps for Rb2TlSbCl6, (1.486 eV), Rb2TlSbBr6 (2.07 eV), and Rb2TlSbI6 (1.04 eV) unlike the majority of halide double perovskite family have large bandgap values in literature. In addition, the computed optical and thermoelectric characteristics of the Rb2TlSbX6 (X = Cl, Br, I) materials show large values of absorption and optical conductivity with low reflectivity and energy loss at small energy ranges. According to these findings, all these halogen-based double perovskite materials have the potential to be employed as photovoltaic absorb materials in solar cell applications. Furthermore, the large values of the Seebeck coefficient, high-power factor and figure of merit (ZT) at room temperature also ensured their significance for thermoelectric generators.

C37H37BN2O4, monoclinic, I2/a (no. 15), a = 13.8030(3) Å, b = 17.6109(2) Å, c = 14.1059(3) Å, β = 117.524(3)°, V = 3040.83(11) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt (F) = 0.0340, wRref (F 2) = 0.0867, T = 150 K.

Abstract Background The burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in high-risk pediatric patients remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to characterize pediatric RSV cases from January 2019 to December 2022 and assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on RSV burden and RSV-related outcomes. In addition, examining factors influencing RSV-related hospitalization. Methods This is a retrospective study that included pediatric patients (aged 14 and below) who presented at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with RSV infection identified using real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA. Results A total of 885 RSV cases were reported; (56.05%) were males and (43.95%) were females with a median age of 24 months [interquartile range (IQR): 11–60]. 534 (60.34%) required hospitalization. As for RSV seasonality, there was a significant increase in RSV prevalence following the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating from 205 cases in 2019 to 425 cases in 2022. The increase in 2022 was evident in January and persisted from September to December, reaching its peak during the months of October (20.70% − 88 cases) and November (32.00% − 136 cases). About (27.12%) of RSV infected children were medically free patients. Symptomatic patients exhibited various clinical manifestations, with ventilation necessary in (13.11%) of cases. Further analysis revealed significant changes in RSV-related outcomes post-COVID-19, including a decrease in hospitalization rates, an increase in medically free patients, and a lower need for ventilation (p

Ashwaq Alolyan,1 Kanan Alshammari,1 Mohammad Arabi,1 Ahmed Alshehri,2 Hamad Alsuhaibani,3 Fahad Ibnshamsah,4 Abdullah Alsharm,5 Mervat Mahrous,6,7 Adnan Al Zanbagi,8 Mazen Hassanain,9 Shouki Bazarbashi10 1Department of Medical Oncology, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Oncology, King Khalid National Guard Hospital Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Radiology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Medical Oncology, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia; 5Department of Medical Oncology, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 6Department of Oncology, Prince Sultan Military Medical City Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 7Department of Medicine, Minia University of Egypt, Faculty of Medicine, Minia, Egypt; 8Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia; 9Department of Surgery, King Saudi University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 10Department of Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Shouki Bazarbashi, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Email bazarbashi@gmail.comAbstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common type of cancer in the world associated with high morbidity and mortality. Despite being a significant healthcare burden there is limited information on the unmet needs and current treatment practices for intermediate and advanced-stage HCC in Saudi Arabia. This article analyzes the gaps and provides expert consensus on the management strategies for unresectable HCC in Saudi Arabia. A pre-meeting online questionnaire, comprising 20 objective questions about the treatment landscape and diagnosis of HCC in Saudi Arabia, was distributed to experts in the field of HCC management. An advisory board meeting including a panel of 13 experts was held in September 2022 where the responses to the survey questionnaire were reviewed and discussed. The survey results and experts’ discussion highlighted the growing incidence of liver cancer in Saudi Arabia. HCC comprised the majority of all liver cancer cases due to rising rates of chronic viral infections and lifestyle-related risk factors. Most physicians in Saudi Arabia follow the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer guidelines as a prognostic tool for the detection and staging of patients with HCC. Most of the patients with HCC in Saudi Arabia are diagnosed in the intermediate or advanced stages with poor prognoses and limited therapeutic options. Establishing evidence-based surveillance techniques, a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis, and better accessibility of treatment options is vital for the management of HCC in Saudi Arabia.Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, treatment patterns, multidisciplinary

ABSTRACT Introduction: The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant psychological impact on people's lives, including healthcare providers. This impact has manifested in the form of anxiety and fear. Since COVID-19 is a respiratory disease spread through the mouth and nose, dental practitioners have experienced anxiety due to their close proximity to the oro-nasal tissues. Aim: To assess the mental health condition, specifically fear and anxiety, of a group of dental students in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore students' perceptions about dentistry as a career choice following the pandemic. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted, which included demographic data, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), as well as a few questions to assess why students chose dentistry as a career and their perceptions about dentistry as a career following the pandemic. A digital link to the questionnaires was distributed through social media outlets such as Twitter, WhatsApp, etc., with the aim of reaching dental students across all dental schools in Saudi Arabia. Dental students and those undergoing internships from both public and private Dental Colleges across Saudi Arabia were approached. The study included a total of 633 students from 21 dental schools across Saudi Arabia. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, including Analysis of Variance(ANOVA), independent t-tests, and Chi-square tests. Results: Fear and anxiety levels were found to be the highest among interns and fourth-year dental students, respectively. A total of 346 (54.66%) of the respondents reported that they chose dentistry as a career due to personal desire. Approximately, 239 (37.8%) of the respondents reported being either 'Not Sure' or would not choose dentistry as a career if they had the choice, considering the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Fear and anxiety were reported to be higher among dental students exposed to clinical practice. The majority of dental students reported that they would still choose dentistry as a career option despite the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction Cancer patients’ quality of life (QoL) significantly influences treatment response and mortality rates. Understanding QoL domains among patients with cancer and what affects it can help create interventions that improve QoL and ease patients’ experience. This study measures the OoL among patients with cancer and influencing factors. Methods A prospective cross-sectional questionnaire-based study included cancer patients aged >18 currently receiving treatment. The questionnaire collected social and economic data, followed by the validated Arabic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30). Means and standard deviations for described numeric variables and frequencies and percentages described categorical variables. Analysis of variance, F-tests, and P -values were reported. Results Among 182 cancer patients, 60% were female. Younger patients exhibited higher QoL in physical and role functioning ( P = .016 and .03) and experienced more significant financial impact ( P = .0144). Females reported more adverse effects from cancer symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and pain (36.7% vs 25.5%, P = .005; 20.6% vs 11.5%, P = .0186; 34.7% vs 25.1%, P = .0281). Single patients had superior QoL in physical functioning compared to others ( P = .0127). Patients traveling long distances were more likely to face adverse financial consequences ( P = .007). Asthmatic patients exhibited lower QoL in physical, role, and cognitive functioning (72.3 vs 37.8, P = .0147; 76.4 vs 22.2, P = .0024; 84.7 vs 44.4, P = .0038) and reported increased dyspnea and appetite loss (16 vs 55.6 and 26.1 vs 66.7, both P < .05). Conclusion Factors influencing QoL in Saudi cancer patients include age, marital status, gender, hospital distance, and chronic conditions. Thus emphasizing the necessity for personalized care strategies to enhance outcomes and alleviate the overall burden of cancer care.

Background: Pancreatitis is characterized by inflammation of the pancreas and significantly affects quality of life. Less than 5% of pancreatitis cases are drug-induced, but recent evidence suggests a substantial risk associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). The aim of this study was to compare the risk of developing pancreatitis between those using GLP-1 RAs and those using sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors.Methods: This study was done using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database from 2019 to 2021. This database contains information from diverse submissions from healthcare providers, patients, and manufacturers. To ensure fairness and accuracy, the risk of pancreatitis associated with other hypoglycemic agents (SGLT2 inhibitors and DPP-4 inhibitors) was also investigated. Traditional and Bayesian statistical analysis methods were used to identify disproportionate statistics and included the reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), empirical Bayes geometric mean (EBGM), and information component (IC). A drug–adverse-event combination that met the criteria of all four indices was deemed a signal.Results: The analysis of 2,313 pancreatitis reports linked to hypoglycemic agents revealed a predominant association with GLP-1 RA (70.2%) compared to DPP-4 inhibitors (15%) and SGLT2 (14.7%). Most of these reports involved female patients (50.4%), and the highest incidence occurred in those over 50 years old (38.4%). Additionally, 17.7% of the reports were associated with serious events. The ROR was significant for the risk of pancreatitis when using DPP-4 (13.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 11.84-14.70), while the ROR for GLP-1 was 9.65 (95% CI 9.17-10.16). The EBGM was highest with DPP-4 (12.25), followed by GLP-1 (8.64), while IC was highest with DPP-4 inhibitors (3.61). Liraglutide had the greatest association with pancreatitis among the GLP-1 RAs (ROR: 6.83, 95% CI 6.60-7.07).Conclusion: The findings show that pancreatitis has a strong link with DPP-4 inhibitors and GPL1 agonists, which pose a greater risk. Among the GLP-1 agonist medications, liraglutide has been found to have an association with pancreatitis.

The solid solution of pure ZnO nanoparticles and doped Polyvinylepyrrolidone (PVP) green hybrid nanomaterial’s synthesized by using the electro spinning method. The synthetic polymer matrix nonwoven fibrous mats containing innovative properties are shown to shrink and encapsulated the zinc oxide materials to change the surface morphology when the concentration of PVP is increased from 1 % to 2 % dopants. The crystalline nature and morphological studies were examined by using x-ray diffraction and a scanning electron microscope. The average crystallite sizes of easily formed ZnO nanoparticles and nanorods that are 21 nm and 62 nm respectively. Moreover, the electrical and optical properties of the fibrous mesh were determined by using electrical impedance analyzer. The electrical conductivity values were measured in the pure ZnO nanoparticles in contrast to the doped ZnO/PVP. The tangent loss, dielectric constant, capacitance and relaxation time values are revealed in this study. All the characterization has been carried out at room temperature. The relaxation time for 1 %, and 2 % ZnO/PVP is (0.8 ns) and (0.79 ns) respectively which is suitable for the application of trigger using devices. The overall findings of this study implemented in a wide range of technologies i.e. photonics, electronics and super capacitor devices etc.

Demotivating factors are one of the sources that can reduce students' motivation toward language learning. This study investigated language learning demotivating factors among high school EFL students. It also explored the educational implications and recommendations for promoting EFL students' motivation from teachers' perspectives. A total of 365 Saudi high school EFL students and 18 secondary English language teachers from six public schools participated in the study. The data of the study were collected via two research instruments: a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with students and teachers. The results revealed that subject-related and teacher-related demotivating factors were the most reported demotivating factors for Saudi high school EFL students. The results also showed that lack of interesting topics, lack of activities for practicing English, overemphasis on grammar, and incompetence of teachers were the most demotivating factors for EFL students toward English learning. Moreover, several recommendations for promoting students' motivation have been suggested by teachers such as technology use, extrinsic motivation and encouragement, and competitive and collaborative work.

There is limited recognition of the concept of self-determination in Middle Eastern cultures. Consequently, there are no adapted measures of self-determination for Arabic adolescents with intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, or multiple disabilities (intellectual disability and physical impairment). The purpose of this study was to examine the internal consistency reliability and construct validity of a translated and adapted version of the Arc's Self-Determination Scale. The participants in this study were 364 Saudi female adolescents between 14 and 22 years old who had intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, or multiple disabilities and were enrolled in educational organizations in Saudi Arabia. An Arabic version of the Arc's Self-Determination Scale was translated and back-translated by the researchers and then refined and validated by a panel of experts. The translated and adapted Arc's self-determination scale was administered to the participants by their teachers at their schools. Thirty-four items were deleted from the scale, and seven items were modified by the researchers because they were culturally inappropriate. Factorial analysis showed proof of construct validity. The findings of this study showed that the translated and adapted version of the Arc's Self-Determination Scale is a validated assessment within Saudi culture; however, further validation studies with larger samples are needed. This study replicated the findings of previous studies with an international sample and confirmed the universality of the concept of self-determination as well as differences in the operationalization of the self-determination construct across cultures.

This study sought to measure the effect of using augmented reality (AR) on developing language learning. It also explored teachers' perceptions about the use of augmented reality in general, and its effect on students' autonomy. A quasi-experimental research design using a pre-test and a post-test with control and experimental groups was followed to measure the effect of using augmented reality on elementary students' language learning. Further, two questionnaires were designed to explore EFL teachers' perceptions about AR, and its effect on students' autonomy. The sample consisted of 72 Saudi EFL elementary students and 80 EFL teachers. The results revealed that the use of augmented reality enhanced EFL students' language learning significantly. The results also showed that teachers perceived AR technology as valuable and effective. They acknowledged its multiple benefits for EFL elementary students. It enabled better learning of essential skills, increased students' motivation and positive attitudes, and fostered students' autonomy. It is expected that these findings will help learners, teachers, curriculum developers, and administrators.

By utilizing radio-frequency sensed data, this study explores the field of precision agriculture and acknowledges the critical role it plays in improving agricultural operations. Specifically, a moisture estimation framework is proposed that employ different machine learning models and feature selection algorithms to estimate the moisture content in grapes. The results show a 12.12% reduction in RMSE, a 12% reduction in MAE, and a 2.22% increase in $R^{2}$ values compared to a state-of-the-art model utilizing conventional regression-based techniques. These results highlight the superiority of the moisture estimation framework against their regression-based counterparts. Essentially, this work highlights the potential for revolutionizing agriculture through enhanced accuracy and sustainability of agricultural operations by using state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms together with radio-frequency sensed data.

Conclusion: The presented findings suggest that although successful SRRs of deep TESE were higher than that of its superficial counterpart, there was no significant statistical difference. A larger body of evidence is needed to provide a higher grade of recommendation. Objective: The purpose of the study was to compare the outcome of microscopic testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) between superficial and deep dissection on the same testicle in terms of sperm retrieval rate (SRR). Patients and Methods: In a retrospective study from June 2019 to October 2021, 44 patients with nonobstructive azoospermia who underwent micro-TESE with positive results (mature sperm identified) were included. Eight patients were excluded from the study due to deficient documentation on superficial and deep dissection. A total of 36 patients were included; 60 testicles were examined for superficial and deep biopsies. Testicular histopathology was performed in all patients, and a hormonal evaluation was obtained before the micro-TESE attempt. Results: Thirty-six patients and 60 testicles were included in the study. Of them, 47 (78.3%) testicles had positive results. Superficial TESE was positive in 38 (63.3%) testicles, and deep TESE was successful in 45 (75.0%) testicles. An improvement of 13.9% in the SRR was observed, following deep dissection. However, there was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.166). Rates of positive sperm retrieval (from any side) did not differ significantly based on patients' age, microdissection testicular sperm extraction sides, and hormonal concentrations; these differences were not apparent after superficial or deep TESE.