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Yanfang Zhang,1,* Jinyan Huang,2,* Shahbaz Hussain,3,* Yaxin Dong2 1Foreign Languages Department, Beijing Union University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Teacher Education, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China; 3School of Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Jinyan Huang, Email huangniagara@hotmail.comPurpose: This study investigated how teaching, social, and cognitive presence within the community of inquiry (CoI) framework impacts Chinese college students’ online learning satisfaction through self-regulated learning and emotional states.Methods: A total of 2608 Chinese college students from 112 universities completed a 38-item Likert scale survey measuring teaching, social and cognitive presence, self-regulated learning, emotional states, and online learning satisfaction after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted on December 7, 2022. The study examined the influence of teaching, social, and cognitive presence on online learning satisfaction, mediated by self-regulated learning and moderated by emotional states using SmartPLS. It also analyzed demographic differences using multi-group analysis in the model.Results: The results indicated a significant positive relationship between a) self-regulated learning and online learning satisfaction, b) teaching presence, cognitive presence, and self-regulated learning, but no relationship between social presence and self-regulated learning. Additionally, self-regulated learning partially mediated the relationship between teaching and cognitive presence and online learning satisfaction. In contrast, self-regulated learning did not mediate the association between social presence and online learning satisfaction. Positive emotional states moderated the relationship between self-regulated learning and online learning satisfaction.Implications: The study advances the knowledge of these factors influencing online learners’ satisfaction, which can help create efficient programs and regulations for students, teachers, and policymakers.Keywords: the CoI framework, self-regulated learning, emotional states, online learning satisfaction, structural equation modeling

Sobia Bilal,1 Snigdha Misra,2 Sumaira Hussain,3 Seok Shin Tan,2,4 Ekta Priya5 1Division of Prevention and Public Health Sciences, Pediatric Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; 2Division of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 3Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 4Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia; 5MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, ScotlandCorrespondence: Snigdha Misra, Division of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tel +603-2731 7608 ; +6016-617 9247, Fax +603-8656 7229, Email snigdha_misra@imu.edu.myAbstract: An inter-professional project with a collaborative endeavor between the programs of Dentistry, Nutrition and Medicine was carried out with the aim to emphasise oral health maintenance, making the right nutritional choices and effective hand washing among pre-school children. The purpose of this paper is to share a detailed description of the design, development process, implementation, and planned evaluation of an interprofessional school-based health promotion intervention model “Do Right, Be Bright”. This model is part of a quasi-experimental study, targeting pre-school children as the “Targets of Change” through the empowerment of school teachers as the “Agents of Change”. The program design was based on Bartholomew’s Intervention Mapping Approach, which proposes a direction for developing a theory-based health promotion intervention and on the most extensively applied theories of health behavior, the Health Belief Model. Therefore, based on a thorough literature review and needs assessment, three key areas of needs were identified for the targeted preschool children: oral hygiene, hand hygiene and nutrition. The efficacy of this model will be pilot tested in a preschool in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.Keywords: oral hygiene, hand hygiene, nutrition, interprofessional education, health-promoting schools

The integration of renewable energy solutions in educational settings can change traditional teaching methods and enhance learning outcomes. This paper examines the creative usage of renewable energy technologies aimed at creating sustainable environments that are conducive to learning and facilitate English language acquisition in classrooms. By looking into case studies and empirical data, this study shows how renewable energy sources like solar energy or wind power may be utilized as a support for digital learning tools such as interactive language software and as a reliable power source for rural and disadvantaged schools. The study found significant increases in student engagement, language skills, overall student performance, stressing the role of sustainable power supply in modern education systems.

Background: Compulsive buying disorder (CBD) is a dysfunctional chronic and extreme consumer attitude that attributes to negative overall impact on psychological and mental wellbeing. Objective: This study was aimed to examine the prevalence of compulsive buying disorder (CBD) among medical college students, particularly from colleges of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. Secondary to this, we also examined (i) the association between sociodemographic factors and CBD; and (ii) the association between the five factors of CBD as per (II) Edward's Compulsive Buying Scale (ECBS) and participants' gender. Method: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 263 college students from the colleges of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy of King Saud University from February till March 2021. Results: The results showed that the majority of participants were male (144, 54.8%) with mean age 20.1 ± 3.1 (range: 17–23); statistically significant difference was observed in compulsive buying disorder with respect to gender (P-value = 0.02), field of study (P < 0.0001) and educational year (P = 0.03). Conclusion: The study concluded that the prevalence of compulsive buying among university students was more frequent among female students in comparison to male students in Riyadh city. This study provided baseline data for the estimation of CBD prevalence among adolescent and youth in KSA, particularly Riyadh city.

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a urogenital cancer affecting millions of post-menopausal women, globally. This study aims to identify key miRNAs, target genes, and drug targets associated with EC metastasis. The global miRNA and mRNA expression datasets of endometrial tissue biopsies (24 tumors +3 healthy tissues for mRNA and 18 tumor +4 healthy tissues for miRNAs), were extensively analyzed by mapping of DEGs, DEMi, biological pathway enrichment, miRNA-mRNA networking, drug target identification, and survival curve output for differentially expressed genes. Our results reveal the dysregulated expression of 26 miRNAs and their 66 target genes involved in focal adhesions, p53 signaling pathway, ECM-receptor interaction, Hedgehog signaling pathway, fat digestion and absorption, glioma as well as retinol metabolism involved in cell growth, migration, and proliferation of endometrial cancer cells. The subsequent miRNA-mRNA network and expression status analysis have narrowed down to 2 hub miRNAs (hsa-mir-200a, hsa-mir-429) and 6 hub genes (PTCH1, FOSB, PDGFRA, CCND2, ABL1, ALDH1A1). Further investigations with different systems biology methods have prioritized ALDH1A1, ABL1 and CCND2 as potential genes involved in endometrial cancer metastasis owing to their high mutation load and expression status. Interestingly, overexpression of PTCH1, ABL1 and FOSB genes are reported to be associated with a low survival rate among cancer patients. The upregulated hsa-mir-200a-b is associated with the decreased expression of the PTCH1, CCND2, PDGFRA, FOSB and ABL1 genes in endometrial cancer tissue while hsa-mir-429 is correlated with the decreased expression of the ALDH1A1 gene, besides some antibodies, PROTACs and inhibitory molecules. In conclusion, this study identified key miRNAs (hsa-mir-200a, hsa-mir-429) and target genes ALDH1A1, ABL1 and CCND2 as potential biomarkers for metastatic endometrial cancers from large-scale gene expression data using systems biology approaches.

Background: Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis is the least common type of oral candidiasis. The diagnosis, long-term treatment, and prognosis of this potentially malignant oral condition are still currently unclear. Objective: the aim of this study is to analyze the demographic features and clinical characteristics of oral chronic hyperplastic candidiasis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on blocks and case sheets of patients who were diagnosed with chronic hyperplastic candidiasis in the archives of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology at the College of Dentistry/University of Baghdad. Demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed. Results: twenty-one cases with chronic hyperplastic candidiasis were collected and reviewed. Buccal mucosa was the most affected sites. Regarding the clinical features, lesions color frequently presented as white plaque. Regarding clinical diagnosis, leukoplakia was noted the highest one among other previous diagnosis. Conclusions: Older adults are the mostly affected age group by chronic hyperplastic candidiasis with slight male predilection. White plaque is the most presented clinical feature with buccal mucosa being the most affected oral site.

الملخص: أهداف البحث: تزايد انتشار حصى الكلى في جميع أنحاء العالم في العقد الماضي، ويُعتقد أن عوامل الخطر المتعددة تُعزى إلى التغيير في نمط الحياة، والنظام الغذائي، وحتى الاحتباس الحراري. في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة، لم يتم عمل الكثير من البحوث لاستكشاف انتشار حصى الكلى والمعرفة عنها. تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى قياس مدى معرفة المجتمع بحصى الكلى بين البالغين في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة. طرق البحث: في هذه الدراسة المقطعية، تم جمع البيانات باستخدام استبانة ذاتية الإدارة تم توزيعها علىخمسة مائة و خمسة عشر مشارك (٢٠-٤٩ عاما) من أبو ظبي ودبي وعجمان والشارقة. النتائج: من بين ٥٠٠ مشارك، بلغ متوسط مجموع درجات المعرفة ٥٦.٤٪. لم يكن هناك ارتباط بين المعرفة بين أولئك الذين عانوا من حصى الكلى والذين لم يصابوا بها. كان وجود تاريخ عائلي بتشخيص حصى الكلى يزيد من خطر الإصابة بحصى الكلى بمعدل ٢.٢٧. وأظهرت النتائج أن المشاركين الذين كان لديهم علامات وأعراض وتشخيص وعلاج حصى الكلى، كان لديهم مستوى جيد من المعرفة بعد تحليل مصدر المعرفة، ولكن كان هناك مستوى ضئيل من المعرفة بخصوص العوامل الغذائية المتعلقة بحصى الكلى. كان للإنترنت ووسائل الإعلام دور أكبر بضعفين من الأطباء في تثقيف السكّان. الاستنتاجات: استطاعت هذه الدراسة أن توضح أن سكّان الإمارات على دراية ببعض الجوانب المتعلقة بحصوات الكلى ولكن على غير دراية بشأن عوامل الخطر التبعية. وهذا يسلط الضوء على أهمية تعزيز التعليم من خلال الحملات الصحية. Abstract: Objectives: The prevalence of kidney stones is increasing worldwide. Multiple risk factors are believed to contribute to the development of kidney stones such as lifestyle, diet, and global warming. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there has been limited research exploring the prevalence and risk factors of kidney stones. This study attempts to assess the understanding and prevalence of kidney stones among adults in the UAE. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, distributed among 515 participants (20–49 years old) from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, and Sharjah states. IBM SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Results: The mean of knowledge score was 56.4% (n = 500). There was no correlation between the knowledge of those who had experienced kidney stones and those who did not. Furthermore, a family history of kidney stones increased the risk of developing stones by 2.27 times. Among participants reporting signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and the management of kidney stones, the knowledge and understanding about kidney stones was high. However, the perceptions of the same cohort about dietary precautions were limited. While analysing the sources of knowledge, the Internet and mass media were twice as important as physicians in educating the population. Conclusion: This study shows that the study cohort from the UAE population was aware of certain aspects of kidney stones but was quite naïve about its consequential risk factors. This highlights the importance of promoting education about kidney stones through health campaigns.

Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most widespread wild carnivore globally, occupying diverse habitats. The species is known for its adaptability to survive in dynamic anthropogenic landscapes. Despite being one of the most extensively studied carnivores, there is a dearth of information on red fox from the Trans-Himalayan region. We studied the home range sizes of red fox using the different estimation methods: minimum convex polygon (MCP), kernel density estimator (KDE), local convex hull (LoCoH) and Brownian-bridge movement model (BBMM). We analysed the daily movement and assessed the habitat selection with respect to topographic factors (ruggedness, elevation and slope), environmental factor (distance to water) and anthropogenic factors (distance to road and human settlements). We captured and GPS-collared six red fox individuals (three males and three females) from Chiktan and one female from Hemis National Park, Ladakh, India. The collars were programmed to record GPS fixes every 15-min. The average BBMM home range estimate (95% contour) was 22.40 ± 12.12 SD km2 (range 3.81–32.93 km2) and the average core area (50% contour) was 1.87 ± 0.86 SD km2 (range 0.55–2.69 km2). The estimated average daily movement of red fox was 17.76 ± 8.45 SD km/d (range 10.91–34.22 km/d). Red fox significantly selected lower elevations with less rugged terrain and were positively associated with water. This is the first study in the Trans-Himalayan landscape which aims to understand the daily movement of red fox at a fine temporal scale. Studying the movement and home range sizes helps understand the daily energetics and nutritional requirements of red fox. Movement information of a species is important for the prioritisation of areas for conservation and can aid in understanding ecosystem functioning and landscape management.

الملخص: أهداف البحث: هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى التنبؤ بمعدلات الإصابة بحمى الضنك ووفياتها باستخدام السلاسل الزمنية ٢٠٠٦-٢٠١٦. طرق البحث: تم تجميع البيانات من غرفة عمليات حمى الضنك بجدة في مركز الرعاية الصحية الأولية بمدائن الفهد. وتم إجراء تحليل السلاسل الزمنية لجميع الحالات المؤكدة لحمى الضنك خلال الفترة ٢٠٠٦-٢٠١٦. النتائج: أظهرت تحليل السلاسل الزمنية وقوع حالات حمى الضنك ووفيات موسمية قوية، خاصة من شهر مايو إلى شهر سبتمبر، وسلوك متغير بمرور الوقت. وارتبطت درجة حرارة الهواء بشكل رئيس بحدوث حمى الضنك ولكن لم تتوافق مع معدل الوفيات، في حين أن الرطوبة النسبية لم تكن مرتبطة بشكل كبير مع أي حالة من حالات حمى الضنك أو الوفيات. الاستنتاجات: بسبب حالات حمى الضنك والوفيات الموسمية القوية بناء على السلسلة الزمنية من شهر مايو إلى شهر سبتمبر وعلاقتها بدرجة حرارة الهواء، نوصي بنشر هذه البيانات على أصحاب المصلحة لتحسين تدخلات مكافحة حمى الضنك في الفترات التي يتوقع حدوث ارتفاع الإصابات فيها. Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to forecast the morbidity and mortality of dengue fever using a time series analysis from 2006 to 2016. Methods: Data were compiled from the Jeddah Dengue Fever Operations Room (RFOR) in a primary health care centre. A time series analysis was conducted for all confirmed cases of dengue fever between 2006 and 2016. Results: The results showed a significant seasonal association, particularly from May to September, and a time-varying behaviour. Air temperature was significantly associated with the incidence of dengue fever (p

The Trans-Himalayan landscape is an extreme cold desert with limited diversity and a low density of wild prey. The landscape has three widespread carnivores—the wolf Canis lupus chanco, snow leopard Panthera uncia, and red fox Vulpes vulpes—competing for similar prey. We studied predation patterns, dietary competition, and niche segregation of three sympatric carnivores in the Indian Trans-Himalayas. The Himalayan or wooly wolf is one of the oldest lineages and has adapted to extreme cold. We further studied the prey selection of the wolf in the high-altitude environment. We collected 1,600 carnivore scats (wolf = 542, snow leopard = 31, and red fox = 1,027), and additional data on 573 snow leopard scats from literature was used in the analyses. We found that livestock was a major contributor to the wolf (56.46%) and snow leopard diet (30.01%). The wolf consumed blue sheep (8.26%) and ibex (3.13%), whereas the snow leopard subsisted on blue sheep (30.79%) and ibex (17.15%), relatively more frequently. The red fox preyed upon small species like pika and marmots (18.85 %); however, livestock carrions (16.49%), fruits and seeds (15.05%), and human-derived material (11.89%) were also consumed frequently. The dietary niche of three carnivore species highly overlapped (Pianka's index = 0.503, simulated mean = 0.419, p = 0.15) due to livestock. The carnivores segregated their diet in prey items originating from the wild. We tested a relationship between carnivore diet variations and prey/predator functional traits using RLQ ordination. Predator morphology traits like body size, weight, and habitat preference significantly affected the prey selection (p < 0.05). The wolf and snow leopard avoided the competition through habitat selection, while the red fox coexisted by exploiting a broader niche. The wolf showed site-specific variation in prey preferences albeit no prey selection at the landscape level (G2 = 6.79, df = 12, p = 0.87). The wolf preferred wild prey over domestic species at the wild prey rich site. The carnivores in this pastoralist landscape have adapted to exploit livestock resources despite facing persecution. Therefore, managing livestock and simultaneously restoring wild prey is crucial for the conservation of the carnivore guild in the Trans-Himalayan ecosystem.

The population of Xiphinema americanum species group was detected from the soil surronding the roots of peach (Prunus persica) during a survey of plant-parasitic nematodes in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. From the results of the morphological study, the species was identified as X. diffusum. Morphometrics of X. diffusum generally agree with those of the type species and the topotype specimens. Molecular analysis of 18S rDNA of X. diffusum from Pakistan indicated two nucleotide differences and 99 % similarity with the Chinese (AM086669) and the Australian (AM086685) population of X. diffusum. Phylogenetic analysis of 18S rDNA placed the Pakistanis population close to X. diffusum from China and Australia. This species is reported for the first time from Pakistan

Sajid Hussain,1,2 Farhat Ullah,1 Muhammad Ayaz,1 Syed Adnan Ali Shah,3 Azhar-ul-Haq Ali Shah,4 Syed Majid Shah,1,2 Abdul Wadood,5 Waqar Aman,2 Riaz Ullah,6 Abdelaaty A Shahat,6,7 Fahd A Nasr6 1Department of Pharmacy, University of Malakand, Malakand, Pakistan; 2Department of Pharmacy, Kohat University of Science & Technology, Kohat, Pakistan; 3Research Institute of Natural Products for Drug Discovery (RiND), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, Malaysia; 4Department of Chemistry, Kohat University of Science & Technology, Kohat, Pakistan; 5Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan; 6Department of Pharmacognosy (Medicinal Aromatic and Poisonous Plants Research Center), College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; 7Chemistry of Medicinal Plants Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, EgyptCorrespondence: Sajid Hussain; Farhat UllahDepartment of Pharmacy, University of Malakand, Dir (L), Chakdara 18000, KPK, PakistanTel +92 3339178183; +92 3339361513Email hussain77pk2003@yahoo.com; farhataziz80@hotmail.comBackground: Cancer is one of the chronic health conditions worldwide. Various therapeutically active compounds from medicinal plants were the current focus of this research in order to uncover a treatment regimen for cancer. Anchusa arvensis (A. anchusa) (L.) M.Bieb. contains many biologically active compounds.Methods: In the current study, new ester 3-hydroxyoctyl -5- trans-docosenoate (compound-1) was isolated from the chloroform soluble fraction of A. anchusa using column chromatography. Using MTT assay, the anticancer effect of the compound was determined in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG-2) compared with normal epithelial cell line (Vero). DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays were performed to assess the antioxidant potential. The Molecular Operating Environment (MOE-2016) tool was used against tyrosine kinase.Results: The structure of the compound was elucidated based on IR, EI, and NMR spectroscopy technique. It exhibited a considerable cytotoxic effect against HepG-2 cell lines with IC50 value of 6.50 ± 0.70 μg/mL in comparison to positive control (doxorubicin) which showed IC50 value of 1.3±0.21 μg/mL. The compound did not show a cytotoxic effect against normal epithelial cell line (Vero). The compound also exhibited significant DPHH scavenging ability with IC50 value of 12 ± 0.80 μg/mL, whereas ascorbic acid, used as positive control, demonstrated activity with IC50 = 05 ± 0.15 μg/mL. Similarly, it showed ABTS radical scavenging ability (IC50 = 130 ± 0.20 μg/mL) compared with the value obtained for ascorbic acid (06 ± 0.85 μg/mL). In docking studies using MOE-2016 tool, it was observed that compound-1 was highly bound to tyrosine kinase by having two hydrogen bonds at the hinge region. This good bonding network by the compound might be one of the reasons for showing significant activity against this enzyme.Conclusion: Our findings led to the isolation of a new compound from A. anchusa which has significant cytotoxic activity against HepG-2 cell lines with marked antioxidant potential.Keywords: cancer, Anchusa arvensis, 3-hydroxyoctyl-5, trans-docosenoate, cytotoxicity against HepG-2 cell lines, antioxidant

Background and Objectives: In both pandemic and non-pandemic situations, nonpharmaceutical public health measures may offer easy, low-cost, and effective means of reducing the spread and impact of acute respiratory infections. It is unknown whether such measures would be acceptable to the Saudi community beyond the current pandemic. Materials and Methods: A validated survey was used to test community acceptance of the measures. Respondents were asked which infection control practices they planned to maintain and which they believed should be policies for the community as a whole after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. Results: The survey was completed by 2057 people (95% completion rate), 1486 (72%) of whom were female, 259 (12.5%) of whom were current smokers, and 72 (3.5%) of whom had chronic lung disease. The most prevalent age groups were 18–30 years (933; 45.4%) and 31–40 years (483; 23.5%), with 641 individuals over 40 years old. Of the responses, 93% indicated that they would continue washing their hands more often; 92% wanted both clinicians and patients to wear masks in hospitals; 86% would continue avoiding smoking in indoor and outdoor areas; 73% would continue wearing a face covering on public transportation; 70% indicated that they would continue wearing a face covering in indoor public places. Regarding the respiratory virus infection control measures, 85% (11/13) received significant support (≥70% acceptability level) for continuation as policies in the future. Wearing face coverings outdoors and social distancing outdoors received little support (45% and 66%, respectively). Of the respiratory virus infection control measures, 54% received less support from current smokers than non-smokers (acceptability level < 70%). People with chronic respiratory disease supported 77% of the measures being regarded as policies in the future. Conclusion: The Saudi community supports nonpharmacological respiratory infection control measures that reduce the likelihood of infection. Public health campaigns should target smokers to increase awareness of the importance of these measures in lowering infections. Based on the findings of this study, nonpharmacological treatments should be presented and included in future recommendations for both the public and patients diagnosed with chronic respiratory diseases.

Objectives: KSA has the highest prevalence of diabetes mellitus among Middle Eastern countries with a prevalence range of 21%–24%. Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a well-known risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). GDM is associated with a 7-fold increased risk of T2DM. Thus, this research assessed the prevalence and risk factors associated with the development T2DM in a cohort of patients with GDM in KSA. Methods: The medical records of patients with GDM who visited the outpatient clinics of a tertiary care hospital from 2011 to 2014 were included in this study. Patients with a prior diagnosis of diabetes mellitus before pregnancy and those with GDM who did not have postpartum diabetes screening were excluded. Results: A total of 123 women with GDM and underwent postpartum diabetes screening, 82 (67%) developed T2DM based on follow-up records. Approximately 45% (37/82) of patients who developed T2DM were screened ≤6 months after delivery, whereas 55%(45/82) were screened >6 months after delivery. Older patients, patients who had a higher number of pregnancies (gravidity and parity), and patients with previous GDM were more likely to develop T2DM. Conclusion: In KSA, women who developed GDM, particularly those who are older, multigravid, and multiparous and who have a prior history of GDM, are at an increased risk of developing T2DM. Postpartum diabetes screening of patients with GDM within the recommended period need to be improved. Keywords: Gestational diabetes, Postpartum, Risk factors, Screening, Type 2 diabetes

Dens are crucial for the survival of all canids; however, for meso-carnivores such as Southeast Asian red foxes, denning is of greater importance as they utilize dens throughout the year for protection, resting and breeding. Red fox is known for its adaptability to dynamic anthropogenic changes and is the most widespread and successful wild terrestrial carnivore. With an ever-growing human population, choice of space for wild animals is limited and such adaptability is important for species survival. Food resource availability also plays an important role in choosing den sites. In this study we examined den site selection, den characteristics, seasonal diet variation of red fox and their diet-niche overlap with dog and wolf. Intensive surveys in search of fox dens were conducted across two study sites Chiktan and Changthang, India. Fox dens were found on mountain slopes where human disturbances were minimal. They also chose den sites closer to human settlements, water and road as compared to random points, which are risky and may expose pups to humans, but provide the advantage of procuring anthropogenic food subsidies. In Changthang, foxes preferred to den at a greater distance from human settlements as compared to Chiktan. The foxes of Chiktan showed a large diet overlap with dogs. While humans and wolves may act as facilitators providing additional food to red fox, dogs were the major competitors. The present research is of broad significance, given the increasing presence of human settlements within original animal ranges, even in remote harsh environments like the Trans-Himalaya.

In this paper, we define and investigate soft real point matrices and their operations which are more functional to make theoretical studies in the soft real point set theory. We then define products of soft real point matrices and their properties. Examples are also provided to validate the existence of defined notions.

Waqas Hameed, Muhammad Ishaque, Xaher Gul, Junaid-ur-Rehman Siddiqui, Sharmeen Hussain, Wajahat Hussain, Aftab Ahmed, Asma Balal Strategy Department, Marie Stopes Society, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan Purpose: Despite a general understanding that exit interviews being conducted at service providers’ facilities may influence clients’ responses favorably to health professionals, there is very little evidence available that demonstrates the extent to which this problem exists. This study aimed at assessing and comparing clients’ perceptions of the quality of family planning services and their satisfaction levels between facility- and home-based interviews. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among clients receiving family planning services across three service delivery channels – nongovernmental organization (NGO) clinics, social franchise (SF) centers, and outreach camps. The survey took place from December 2015 to January 2016 in 70 districts across all four provinces of Pakistan. A total of 2,807 clients were interviewed, of whom 1,404 clients were interviewed at health facilities after receiving services and 1,403 were interviewed at their homes within 3 days of method uptake. Results: Overall, we found no significant differences between the characteristics of study participants interviewed at health facilities or at home. The findings suggested that experiences reported in exit surveys at facilities were strongly biased positively. This was true for both experiential (service quality) and perception-based (satisfaction) questions in the context of SF centers, while at NGO clinics the interview location only affected clients’ responses regarding service quality. However, in outreach settings, clients are more likely to share bad experiences in exit interviews than in home-based interviews on objectively asked questions (service quality). Conclusion: Our study indicates signs of courtesy bias and possibly the Hawthorne effect in exit interviews. Program implementers could opt for home-based interviews for women receiving services at NGO clinics or SF center, whereas exit interviews could be used in outreach settings. Keywords: Pakistan, exit interview, contraception, social franchise, outreach camp

Theoretical and experimental study has been used to analysis close type solar collector PTC in south of Kirkuk city in Iraq 43°.53" longitude, 35°.25" width with elevation of 217 m. The mass flow rate of water and concentration ratio are (0.00083, 0.0011, 0.00138, 0.00166 Kg/sec) and (10, 14, 22) respectively. The measurements and calculations were conduct, which lasted for two season winter and summer, from 9AM to 5PM. The experimental study show that the efficiency of PTC in summer increase in winter from (5 - 7)%, the efficiency is increase with increasing of mass flow rate consequently, then the efficiency is a function of mass flow rate. The efficiency of PTC increased with decreasing of concentration ratio. The maximum value of efficiency is 20% in summer decreased to 15% in winter when the mass flow rate 0.00083 Kg/sec with concentration ratio 22 then increase to 33% in summer and 22% in winter at the same concentration ratio with mass flow rate of 0.00166 Kg/sec, also the experimental study show that the efficiency in summer higher than it in winter by about (10 - 15)% is increased with decrease concentration ratio to reach in summer to 27% and 18% in winter when the mass flow rate 0.00083 Kg/sec with concentration ratio 10 while the efficiency is 42% in summer and 29% in winter at maximum mass flow rate of 0.00166 Kg/sec, and the same concentration ratio . The theoretical study has been performed according to ASHRAE 93-1986 (RA-91) for assessment of performance of PTC solar collector. The theoretical results showed that the theoretical efficiency is 50% and increase to reach 63% with increase the mass flow rate from minimum to maximum value when the concentration ratio is constant. The reason of this error because of the necessary assumption are used in ASHRAE 93-1986 (RA-91) such as steady state conditions which are difficult established in solar energy.

This study aims to determine the spectral properties of the trimethyl Aluminum molecule (C3H9Al) using the Semi-empirical quantum programs [HyperChem8.0, WinMopac7.21] by (MNDO-PM3) (Modified Neglect of Differential Overlap-Parameterization Model3). This method characterized by the flexibility, the simplicity and the quick performance. The equilibrium geometry and the potential curve were calculated and then from the curve, the total energy of the molecule at the equilibrium distance was calculated. In addition, the dissociation energy, the energy of electron , the core-core repulsion, the ionization energy, the zero point energy, the energy gap, the frequencies and basic vibrational modes have been calculated. The study’s results were in agreement with the previous research.

Neeraj M Shah,1 Sidra Hussain,2 Mark Cooke,3 John P O’Hara,3 Adrian Mellor3,4 1Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, King’s College London, UK; 2School of Medicine, University College London, London, UK; 3Research Institute for Sport, Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK; 4Academic Department of Military Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK Abstract: Travel to high altitude is increasingly popular. With this comes an increased incidence of high-altitude illness and therefore an increased need to improve our strategies to prevent and accurately diagnose these. In this review, we provide a summary of recent advances of relevance to practitioners who may be advising travelers to altitude. Although the Lake Louise Score is now widely used as a diagnostic tool for acute mountain sickness (AMS), increasing evidence questions the validity of doing so, and of considering AMS as a single condition. Biomarkers, such as brain natriuretic peptide, are likely correlating with pulmonary artery systolic pressure, thus potential markers of the development of altitude illness. Established drug treatments include acetazolamide, nifedipine, and dexamethasone. Drugs with a potential to reduce the risk of developing AMS include nitrate supplements, propagators of nitric oxide, and supplemental iron. The role of exercise in the development of altitude illness remains hotly debated, and it appears that the intensity of exercise is more important than the exercise itself. Finally, despite copious studies demonstrating the value of preacclimatization in reducing the risk of altitude illness and improving performance, an optimal protocol to preacclimatize an individual remains elusive. Keywords: hypoxia, acute mountain sickness, acclimatization, biomarkers, preacclimatization

To study the effect of Nd:YAG laser on the properties of structural and optical values of the energy gap of cadmium oxide (CdO) films, have been prepared using chemical spray pyrolysis and deposited on a glass substrate for concentrations(0.05, 0.1, 0.15)M at temperature (350°C) ,using 6 spray rate during (10) second for each spray . To study the optical properties of the film Prepared (CdO) before and after irradiation Nd:YAG laser with energy (200) mJ at different times (5,10,15)sec and at (1) meter far from the source using a(UV-Visible) spectrometer device and the extent of wavelengths, (300-1100) nm the results showed that the energy gap increased with increasing concentrations and was the ideal value when the concentration of (0.1)M, where the value of energy gap is (2.25)eV, but after laser irradiation redueced to (2)eV. The Atomic Force Microscope(AFM) has been used to study the structural properties of the composition and topography of the surface in two and three dimensions of the films prepared before and after irradiation, the results indicate that the surface rate roughness and the average root of the square less after irradiation, and it is observed ideal value for this property is at a concentration of (0.1)M. The crystalline structures and surface morphology of CdO thin film examined by XRD analysis. The result showed the films are polycrystalline for and crystalline granules prevailing levels of growth are at (220), (200), (111) the irradiation led to a slight change in the angle of diffraction in the lattice constants (a) and a decline in giving the peak tops.

As world become more technologically advanced it become more important to study and forecast solar events which materialize by solar activity, the Sun goes through solar activity cycle, where every 11 year. In this investigation the highest position in the rising phase of solar cycle 24 had been studied by analyzing the photometric observations of coronal mass ejection (CME) for the year 2013 for the months 2,3,4,5that were derived from Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph Experiment (LASCO), which is one of the scientific systems in the spacecraft Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), that was located close Lagrangian point L1. From all previous observations and from the intensity time profile of it, the onset time had been calculated and from it the injection time of CMEhad been measured in order to find the lift of time and the associated flares. And also from the intensity-time profile any clear raising from background give indication for solar event, thus, the roots of the eruption in the sun will be determined.It had been concluded that The important event for this year in March and May also the acceleration of the energetic particle not only in the interplanetary, but also in the location of the event in the corona of the Sun, and it had been found that the event increased gradually with adopted months (2,3, 4, 5). Also it has been noticed that most of solar events have multi eruption phenomena.

The fuzzy technique is an operator introduced in order to simulate at a mathematical level the compensatory behavior in process of decision making or subjective evaluation. This paper introduces such operators on hand of computer vision application. novel method based on fuzzy logic reasoning strategy is proposed for edge detection in digital images without determining the threshold value. The proposed approach begins by segmenting the images into regions using 3x3 binary matrix. The edge pixels are mapped to a range of values distinct from each other. The robustness of the proposed method results for different captured images are compared to those obtained with the linear Sobel Robert and Canny operators. It is gave a permanent effect in the lines smoothness and straightness for the straight lines and good roundness for the curved lines. In the same time the corners get sharper and can be defined easily.

The study carried on 40 women with breast cancer treated by radiotherapy at Atomic medical center(Bagdad/Iraq) and Gülhane hospital (Ankara –Turkey) during 2007 . The data was collected by direct interview with the patients whose age range was (48-75) years . The research done after ( 2-11) years of treatment. Mild to severe type of mouth dryness was noticed in almost all the cases with variety of teeth and gum problems.80% of the patients developed diabetes mellitus, 30% of them were with no family history of disease.Edema of the arm (lymphoedema) in the same side of the affected breast occurred in 25% of the patients. Cardiac manifestations recorded in 15% including dyspnea due to congestion and pericardial effusion (diagnosed by Echocadiography) , cardiacmyopathy due to radiotherapy may cause such manifestations . Fibrosis of the lung causing shortness of breath on exertion and liability to chest infection and allergy diagnosed by chest tomography in 10% of the patients. 10% of the patients developed cataract in one eye (in the same side of the tumor).The ionizing radiation which is used in treatment of malignancy may cause cell damage in healthy tissues exposed to it because of its high energy capable to remove electron from the atoms in the biological molecules of the cells leading to their damage and appearance of some clinical problems in the treated patients.Modern sophisticated methods are designed such as radio-immunotherapy, conformal radiotherapy that match the case precisely, using radio-sensitizer drugs and accurate dosing in order to reduce the unwanted clinical effects of radiotherapy and the doctors have to balance the likelihood of cure with the risk of side effects.

Objectives: This study aimed to collect information on the personal health status of health sciences students in Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. It also aimed to investigate the relationships between levels of physical activity and other behaviours as well as specific health indicators in students attending college. Methods: A convenience sample of 147 college students, ages 18 to 24 years, participated in this research study at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. The data were obtained through interview questionnaire and trained investigators collected weight, height, blood pressure and blood sugar measurements. Results: Forty-five percent of the students were either overweight or obese (21.8% and 23.1%) while 17.0% of the students were current smokers and 7.5% of them were ex-smokers. The majority of the students (91.8%) had fast food (hamburger, French fries, and soft drink) and out of these 62.9% had it three times or more weekly. Furthermore, 35% or more of the students did not have breakfast or drink milk or have vegetables on a daily basis. Also, 22.4% of the students were inactive. Ten percent of the participants were hypertensive while 1.4% had impaired random blood sugar with increased risk for diabetes mellitus. All of these students were unaware that they had hypertension or high random blood sugar. There was a significant statistical relationship between living in-campus at university and frequency of consumption of fast food (p = 0.003). Conclusion: This study shows that there were high rates of risky lifestyles, namely, obesity, smoking, unhealthy diet, and inactivity among health sciences students, while some have health issues such as hypertension and high risk of diabetes.

Ryan J Snyder, Salik Hussain, Annette B Rice, Stavros Garantziotis Clinical Research Unit, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA Abstract: Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have seen increasing application in consumer products over the past decade, resulting in an increasing risk of human exposure. While numerous toxicological studies have been performed using acute high doses of various carbonaceous nanomaterials, the effects of longer-term, low doses of MWCNTs remain relatively unexplored. This study examined bronchoscopy-derived healthy human bronchial epithelial cells exposed in submerged culture to noncytotoxic doses of MWCNTs over 7 days. Under these conditions, doses as low as 3 µg/mL caused altered cell morphology, superficially resembling fibroblasts. Electrical impedance of the epithelial monolayer was greatly reduced following MWCNT exposure. However, Western blot and polymerase chain reaction showed no elevated expression of the fibroblast markers, vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin, or fibronectin, indicating that a mechanism other than epithelial–mesenchymal transition may be responsible for the changes. Phalloidin and tubulin immunostaining showed disruption of the cytoskeleton, and confocal imaging showed a reduction of the tight junction proteins, zona occludens 1 and occludin. We propose that MWCNTs interfere with the cytoskeleton of the lung epithelium, which can result in a harmful reduction in barrier function over time, even at noncytotoxic doses. Keywords: multiwalled carbon nanotubes, bronchial epithelium, transepithelial electrical resistance, cytoskeleton, morphology, human

Background: Proximal humeral fractures are considered the last unsolved fractures in orthopaedics. The treatment is controversial and various operative modalities have been reported in the literature. The aim of the present study was to evaluate functional outcome and complication rate after open reduction and internal fixation of displaced proximal humerus fractures by proximal humerus AO stainless steel Tplate. Twenty-five (25) patients with displaced proximal humerus fractures treated with proximal humerus T-plate between May 2005 and June 2008 were included in the study. Fractures were classified according to the Neer classification into displaced 2-part, 3-part, and 4-part fractures. Patients were followed-up for a minimum period of two years. Functional evaluation was done according to the Neer scoring system. Scores were compared with other studies in the literature using similar implant. Twenty patients had 2-part fracture, four had 3-part fracture, and one had 4-part fracture. Eighty-eight [88% (n = 22)] patients had good to excellent result, eight [8% (n = 2)] had fair, and four [4% (n = 1)] had poor result. Difference in Neer’s score between 2-part and 3-part fractures was not significant. Complications encountered in this series were screw backout in 8% (n = 2), superficial infection in 12% (n= 3), and avascular necrosis in 4% (n = 1) of cases. We conclude that proximal humerus AO T- plate is a cheap and easily available implant, aspects which are particularly relevant in third world countries like India. It gives reliable fixation for 2-part and 3-part fractures. Its use in more complicated fracture patterns of 4-part fractures is not recommended.

The objectives of this work are to design, simulate and analyze the operation of an intelligent lead-acid battery charger supplied from two (250W) nominal power, Photovoltaic (PV) panels in parallel to charge two (200Ah) capacity lead-acid batteries in parallel. The storage battery's effectiveness depends on the charging process. Hence, this research deals with the study, simulation, and design of an intelligent charger fed by the solar system due to the latest technologies. The developed charging method entitled "the decreased charging current based on SOC" is adopted in this research to charge a lead-acid battery. The principle of decreased charging current is to make the real charging current as close as possible to the maximum acceptable current. The advantage of this technique is to mix the rapidity of charging and prevents overcharging and generating gases. Also, the design considers different operating conditions of load, battery state of charge (SOC), and ambient effect in order to achieve the best charging condition of the batteries and to be compatible with the user requirements. Therefore, this technique of charging can be considered intelligent charging compared to traditional charging ways, which are often either a constant charging current or a constant charging voltage. The flexible, simple, and cheap design is the objective of this research. The obtained results agree with the research objective.

In the present study, Toxoplasma gondiiwas isolated and diagnosed from human as first attempt, and then the infection was created in laboratory mice as an essential step for growing the parasite. The second step was studying the effect of some selected drugs on the experimental treatment for disease of toxoplasmosis created in the mice. The drugs are: Pyrimethamin ,Clarithromycin , Spiramycin, Ivermectin .The results of the study showed the effects of these drugs on the tissue cyst formed in the brain and lungs. The number of tissue cysts in the brain of the mouse treated with pyrimethamin was 14.8 ±1.067 after 28 days. Significant differences appeared when this result compared with the control group in which it was 27.4±1.029.The number of tissue cysts formed in lung, tissue in the mouse treated with the same drug after the same period of the time was 6.2±0.583.This showed a significant differences as compared with the control group in which it was 10.2±0.583.No significant differences appeared between both groups as for the treatment by Clarithromycin antibiotic as far as the number of the tissue cysts formed in the brain after 28 days is concerned. The number was 23.8 ±0.86 as compared with the control group 38.6±1.029.The same compared is true of the lungs, tissue. The number of the tissue cysts was 23.8±0.86 as compared with the control group 28.4±1.805.Concerning the antibiotic Spiramycin ,the results showed the effectiveness of it in decreasing the tissue cysts formed in the brain .The significant differences were (p

Salik Hussain1,*, Faris Al-Nsour1,*, Annette B Rice1, Jamie Marshburn1, Zhaoxia Ji2, Jeffery I Zink2, Brenda Yingling1, Nigel J Walker3, Stavros Garantziotis11Clinical Research Unit, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/National Institute of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, 2UC Center for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 3Division of National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/National Institute of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA*Both are principal authorsBackground: Cerium dioxide (CeO2) nanoparticles have potential therapeutic applications and are widely used for industrial purposes. However, the effects of these nanoparticles on primary human cells are largely unknown. The ability of nanoparticles to exacerbate pre-existing inflammatory disorders is not well documented for engineered nanoparticles, and is certainly lacking for CeO2 nanoparticles. We investigated the inflammation-modulating effects of CeO2 nanoparticles at noncytotoxic concentrations in human peripheral blood monocytes.Methods: CD14+ cells were isolated from peripheral blood samples of human volunteers. Cells were exposed to either 0.5 or 1 µg/mL of CeO2 nanoparticles over a period of 24 or 48 hours with or without lipopolysaccharide (10 ng/mL) prestimulation. Modulation of the inflammatory response was studied by measuring secreted tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, macrophage chemotactic protein-1, interferon-gamma, and interferon gamma-induced protein 10.Results: CeO2 nanoparticle suspensions were thoroughly characterized using dynamic light scattering analysis (194 nm hydrodynamic diameter), zeta potential analysis (-14 mV), and transmission electron microscopy (irregular-shaped particles). Transmission electron microscopy of CD14+ cells exposed to CeO2 nanoparticles revealed that these nanoparticles were efficiently internalized by monocytes and were found either in vesicles or free in the cytoplasm. However, no significant differences in secreted cytokine profiles were observed between CeO2 nanoparticle-treated cells and control cells at noncytotoxic doses. No significant effects of CeO2 nanoparticle exposure subsequent to lipopolysaccharide priming was observed on cytokine secretion. Moreover, no significant difference in lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine production was observed after exposure to CeO2 nanoparticles followed by lipopolysaccharide exposure.Conclusion: CeO2 nanoparticles at noncytotoxic concentrations neither modulate pre-existing inflammation nor prime for subsequent exposure to lipopolysaccharides in human monocytes from healthy subjects.Keywords: cerium dioxide, nanoparticle, nanomedicine, inflammation, human monocyte, lipopolysaccharides