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This study examines the representation of women living with disabilities in Shahira Al-Hassan's novel Cochlea's Secrets. This is an important endeavor as it highlights fiction's role in advocating for women with disabilities, particularly in the Arab region. Such a study is crucial for increasing awareness and support for women with disabilities, especially in literary writing. Also, worldwide readers can learn about the impact of Arab novelists in supporting women with disabilities. Fiction, like the media, plays a pivotal role in promoting the status of women living with disabilities and enhancing their societal role. By addressing this topic from the perspective of an Arab narrative, the study aims to highlight the contributions of Arab novels in addressing injustices against women living with disabilities and exploring opportunities for their empowerment. The research adopts a structural-formative approach by studying characters' psychological and social relationships within their environment. This approach aligns with the study's emphasis on understanding the portrayal of women with disabilities in the Arabic novel by examining the psychological impact of their interactions within society. The article also integrates a subjective narrative voice an explicit feminist methodology that validates lived experiences as both the personal and the political. Research in the Arab region remains incomplete thus leaving a gap in the understanding of the experiences of women with disabilities and their societal roles. A second feature of the research examines how this topic is portrayed in narratives by offering a fresh yet underappreciated perspective, namely Arab fiction's portrayal of women with disabilities, their psychological worlds, their suffering and obstacles, and their potential for sustainable growth. The paper also seeks to reveal how Arab novelistic innovation bridges the gender gap, eliminates discrimination, and ends violence against disabled women. It stresses the significance of empowering disabled women for Arab societies to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by meeting their psychological and physical needs as one crucial dimension of sustainable development. Rehabilitation and empathizing with disabled women are crucial features of society's growth and in achieving gender justice. Keywords: Women with disabilities, Feminism, Fiction, Gender, Sustainability, Introduction Globally, more than one billion people have some form of disability. Women who are 18 years of age and older have a prevalence rate of 19.2% with 12 %of [...]

Writing apprehension is an overwhelming feeling of stress and anxiety when writing in a foreign language. In the past ten years, it has been a hot topic of debate. Due to its influence on writing quality, this study aimed to investigate this topic among a group of university EFL students, measuring the level of this apprehension and identifying its main factors. To accomplish this objective, 137 Saudi EFL students were given a questionnaire containing 26 statements spanning four essential writing apprehension factors on a five-point Likert scale. The results indicated that Saudi EFL students generally received moderate writing apprehension. Negativity towards writing was the furthermost common factor of writing apprehension. Self-efficacy in writing was regarded as the least apprehensive factor compared to other writing apprehension factors. The potential causes of this apprehension in each factor were addressed. Statistically significant gender and university level differences were found favouring males and beginner university levels for negativity towards writing. Based on these findings, limitations and future study recommendations are suggested.

Research on autistic children who grow up in multilingual environments remains sparse, despite more than half of the global population being multilingual. Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by severe impairments in communication and language skills. Many ASD parents ask specialists for advice about whether their child should study both languages simultaneously in a bilingual environment. The study investigated the challenges faced by teachers and parents in educating children with ASD in learning English as a Second language (ESL). The study sample consisted of nine parents and five teachers of children with ASD who were interviewed using a qualitative approach. According to the findings of the study, teaching English as a Second Language to children with autism spectrum disorders with visual aids, modeling, and repetition has been shown to be an effective method to enhance the language and social abilities of children with autism. While it is difficult to develop teaching strategies that are effective for children with autism spectrum disorders, teachers have found that these children are extremely proficient in acquiring new languages. Additionally, to ensure successful language learning programs for children with ASD, it is essential that educators and parents collaborate in order to make the programs successful. Moreover, this study demonstrates various methods that educators and parents could use in order to assist children in achieving bilingualism. The study recommends that more research is needed to fully comprehend the difficulties that ESL teachers face when they are trying to teach children with ASD how to learn languages.

Introduction. In today's globalized world, the ability to use and understand more than one language, known as multilingualism, has become increasingly prevalent. Studies have demonstrated that children raised in multilingual environments can gain cognitive advantages, including improved problem-solving abilities, creativity, and cognitive flexibility. Objectives. This study aimed to explore the methods used by parents and teachers when teaching English as a Foreign language (EFL) to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as the difficulties they face in this endeavor. Methods. The research methodology involved conducting interviews with a total of 14 participants, including parents and teachers of children with ASD. Results. The study showed that incorporating visual AIDS, repetition, and modeling into EFL instruction had positive outcomes for children with ASD. These strategies resulted in enhanced social skills and language abilities. Teachers faced challenges in creating effective teaching methods for children with ASD, yet they also recognized the impressive ability of these children to learn new languages. In addition, the study highlighted the significance of parents and teachers working together to create language learning programs that are effective for children with ASD. Conclusion. Additional research is necessary to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the difficulties that teachers encounter when instructing children with ASD in EFL. In order to further advance our understanding, it would be beneficial for future research to concentrate on developing and assessing inclusive language learning programs that cater to the specific requirements of children with ASD.

The Identification of various mycobacterial species is critical for understanding their pathogenicity and epidemiology. Despite the existence of several established methods for identifying mycobacterial species, each of these methods has several significant limitations, including high costs, substantial time demands, and a restricted ability to detect a wide range of recoverable species. This study presents an in silico method using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) to differentially identify 75 clinically important mycobacterial species.The present investigation employed specific primer combinations to identify and generate a distinct hypervariable sequence across the ribosomal RNA gene. This unique sequence using appropriate restriction enzyme digestion followed by gel electrophoresis enabled the creation of highly precise and distinct patterns or profiles for each of the 75 medically relevant Mycobacterium species, including members of closely related Mycobacterium complex groups. This approach can quickly and reliably identify mycobacterial species, allowing for more timely treatment decisions and contributing to beneficial epidemiological investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the perspectives of English as a Foreign Language Special Education teachers (EFLSE) regarding game-based learning approaches for addressing behavioral disorders in ADHD patients. Method: The study involved a sample (n = 131) of EFLSE teachers who completed a questionnaire to determine how feasible, acceptable, and helpful they found game-based learning. Results: The study revealed that EFLSE teachers perceive game-based learning to be a feasible and acceptable method for engaging ADHD students and helping to maintain their attention during game-based learning activities. Nevertheless, implementation and individualized approaches are cited as challenges. Additionally, EFLSE teachers emphasized the benefits of game-based learning, including improved problem-solving, assessment methods, collaboration, and the acquisition of academic skills. Conclusions: The study contributes insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers that can support the development of evidence-based interventions offering game-based learning for students with ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the integration of English language skills in Saudi Arabian accounting education by employing a quantitative descriptive research design to examine faculty and student perceptions. Data were collected through validated questionnaires, distributed electronically to 18 faculty members using convenience sampling and 167 students using stratified sampling, ensuring diverse representations across gender, academic levels, and professional experience. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate perceptions and identify potential differences across demographic variables. Descriptive statistics provided mean scores and levels of agreement for various aspects of English integration, while independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA assessed differences based on gender, education level, experience, and university level. The findings revealed high faculty satisfaction with English integration but identified moderate perceptions of its implementation, particularly regarding assessment and curriculum design. Students expressed very high appreciation for English language integration, emphasizing the necessity for additional resources and practical applications to enhance their academic and professional preparedness. No statistically significant differences were observed in faculty perceptions across demographic groups or student perceptions across academic levels, suggesting consistent views shaped by institutional policies and practices. These findings reaffirm the importance of English proficiency in preparing students for global business environments, highlighting the need for enhanced instructional strategies and resources. Future research should investigate the long-term impacts of language integration and extend its focus to other business disciplines to provide a comprehensive understanding of its role in education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to evaluate fecal activin-A, in comparison with the currently used calprotectin, as a potential biomarker for early detection of ulcerative colitis (UC). Rats were divided into 4 groups (5 rats each). These included the acute UC group, where rats received 3% dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) for six consecutive days, and the chronic UC group, where rats received 3% DSS for three cycles (each cycle composed of 3 days of treatment and 12 days off). Control groups included animals that received tap water for six days and kept it as a negative control for short-term treatment and those received tap water for 45 days and served as a negative control for long-term treatment. Fecal samples were collected from all animal groups at the end of the study. Activin A and calprotectin levels were measured in collected fecal samples using a commercial ELISA kit for rat Calprotectin and rat Activin-A. The results revealed significant increases in fecal activin-A, and fecal calprotectin in chronic UC and a significant increase in fecal activin-A in acute colitis. It could be concluded that fecal activin-A is a useful biomarker for both acute and chronic UC. However, fecal calprotectin can be used as an indicator for chronic UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore a group of teachers' perspectives on the effectiveness of online professional development programs in the Saudi English context. To achieve this main research objective, a five-point Likert scale with 21 items belonging to four essential dimensions was carried out on 537 English teachers using the snowball sampling method. The data was collected online through a Google Form-generated link. The study's findings revealed that English teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of online professional development programs presented to them during the pandemic of Covid-19 were relatively high. No statistically significant differences were found due to gender, age, experience, or qualifications regarding teachers' perceptions of the effectiveness of online professional development programs. However, there were statistically significant differences in the efficiency of these programs between teachers who have attended these programs and those who have not in favour of the former. On the basis of these findings, limitations and recommendations were put forward? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Induction of labor is a frequent obstetric technique. Mechanical approaches (e.g. Foley's catheter) as well as medications (e.g. prostaglandins) are employed for labor induction in cases with an unfavorable cervix. Aim The aim of this study was to detect the efficacy, the advantages, and disadvantages of using transcervical Foley's catheter balloon and prostaglandins E2 tablet(s) as a preinduction cervical ripening agent for induction of labor. Patients and methods This was a randomized controlled trial, carried out at El Galaa Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, from September 2020 till March 2021. It included 100 women, divided into two groups: group A (included 50 cases that received transcervical Foley's catheter balloon) and group B [included 50 cases that received vaginal dinoprostone E2 (Dinoglandin)]. Results There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding Bishop score preinduction, amniotic fluid index, and time to active labor. However, the duration of active labor was significantly longer in group A compared with group B. Indications for cesarean section were significantly lower in group A compared with group B. Apgar score at 1 min was significantly lower in group A compared with group B. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding Apgar score at 5 min and admission to neonatal intensive care unit. Conclusion The double-balloon catheter is as effective as local prostaglandin E2 agents in cervical ripening and labor induction. It could be a suitable alternative to conventional pharmacological approaches for cervical ripening and labor induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study proposed that previously characterized individual antigenic proteins could represent potential replacement for conventional purified protein derivative (PPD) in tuberculosis skin testing when used in cocktails triggered by suitable TLR-stimulants that would provide the missing pro-inflammatory stimulus. Three different cocktails of previously selected antigens, including C1 (ESAT-6/CPF-10/MPB-83); C2 (ESAT-6/MPB-64/MPB-83); and C3 (CPF-10/MPB-64/MPB-83), were evaluated in vitro using lymphocytic proliferation and IFN-γ production assays, as well as mRNA and protein expression levels of TNF-α, IL-12p40, and IL-2 as pro-inflammatory molecules. C1 showed the highest significant induction of pro-inflammatory molecules as compared to other cocktails, yet still significantly lower than that induced by conventional PPD. Interestingly, inclusion of the synthetic Mycobacterium tuberculosis 19-kDa lipoprotein (Pam3Cys-SSNKSTTGSGETTTA) as a TLR-stimulant resulted in obvious augmentation of C1-induced pro-inflammatory molecules to levels comparable to that of PPD. In addition, skin testing using sensitized guinea pig model revealed comparable significant reaction to that of conventional PPD. ESAT-6/CPF-10/MPB-83 cocktail is suggested as a potential alternative skin-testing reagent when used in combination with the M. tuberculosis 19-kDa lipoprotein as a TLR-stimulant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Threat to blood transfusion-transmitted dengue virus (DENV) and its antibodies has recently emerged worldwide. Dengue fever is an endemic disease in Saudi Arabia, particularly in its Western region. The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of asymptomatic DENV infection and its antibodies among eligible Saudi blood donors. METHODS: Serum samples from 910 healthy/eligible adult male Saudi blood donors, who reside in Holy Makkah City of Saudi Arabia, were collected between March 2015 and August 2016 and screened for the detection of DENV nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) antigen and anti-DENV IgM and IgG antibodies using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits (Panbio, Brisbane, QLD, Australia). RESULTS: Among the tested donors, 48 (5.3%) were seropositive for DENV-NS1 antigen, whereas 50 (5.5%) and 354 (38.9%) were seropositive for anti-DENV IgM and IgG antibodies, respectively. Seropositivity for DENV-NS1 antigen and/or anti-DENV IgM antibody among the tested donors reflects their ongoing asymptomatic viremic infectious stage with DENV during their donation time, whereas high prevalence of anti-DENV IgG seropositivity reflects the high endemicity of dengue disease in this region of Saudi Arabia. CONCLUSIONS: These results show high prevalence of asymptomatic DENV infection and its antibodies among Saudi blood donors, raising the importance of establishing blood screening for dengue disease at different blood donation services and units in Saudi Arabia to improve the guarantee of blood transfusions and to control DENV dissemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prevention of colon cancer among high-risk group has been long lasting research goal. Emerging data have evidenced the anticancer activities of Vitamin D3 (Vit.D) and Thymoquinone (TQ). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the synergistic potential of Thymoquinone and Vitamin D3 in the control of colon cancer progression using azoxymethane-induced rat model. Vit.D and TQ were given individually or in combination 4 week prior to induction and continued for a total of 20 week. At the end of the study, all animals were euthanized and their resected colons were examined macroscopically and microscopically for tumor growth. Colonic tissue preparations were used for measuring gene expression and/or protein levels of selected pro and anti-tumor biomarkers using quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Compared with their individual supplementation, combined Vit.D/TQ showed prominent anti-tumor effect manifested by significant reduction (P < 0.05) of the numbers of grown tumors and large aberrant crypts foci. Mechanistically, gene expression and/or protein quantification studies revealed that combined Vit.D/TQ supplementation induced significant reduction (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05) of pro-cancerous molecules (Wnt, β-catenin, NF-κB, COX-2, iNOS, VEGF and HSP-90) as well as significant increase (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) of anti-tumorigenesis biomarkers (DKK-1, CDNK-1A, TGF-β1, TGF-β/RII and smad4) as compared to un-supplemented or individually supplemented groups, respectively. In conclusion, TQ augmented the chemopreventive effect of Vit.D during the initiation phase of colon cancer in rat model, with the potential to suppress progression of pre-neoplastic lesions in colon carcinogenesis.