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Raising the quality of life of people and depending on this raising the levels of satisfaction is one of the basic goals of all public institutions and organizations. Determination of the needs of the people and elimination of deficiencies in this subject will increase the level of satisfaction of the people. This study, which aimed at determining the extent to which this target could be approached in the southeastern Anatolia provinces, examined the levels of satisfaction with public services for people where live in nine provinces by multidimensional scaling analysis. With the findings of the analysis, comparative inferences have been obtained regarding to social security institution services, health services, education services, judicial services, public order services, and transportation services for provinces of Southeast Anatolia region. When the satisfaction of the public services of the Southeastern Anatolia Region is taken into consideration, it is determined that Şırnak is in a very different position from the general tendency, while the result is that there are significant differences in terms of provinces.

Abstract Corrosive esophageal burn (CEB) is a disease with high mortality and morbidity rates. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of castor oil, in preventing stricture development at the experimental CEB model. In addition to studying standard histopathological damage data, neopterin, IL-33, and ST-2 proteins were also studied for the first time. Fifty Wistar-Albino rats were divided into randomized 5 groups. [Sham group (G1) (n:10), Control group (G2) (n:10), Early Stage Topical Application group (G3)(n:10), Late Stage Topical Application group (G4) (n:10), Oral Application group (G5) (n:10)]. Weight measurement, esophageal length, histopathological damage score (HDS) and total stenosis score (TSS), tissue caspase-3 and VEGF staining, tissue hydroxyproline (HYP), blood TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-33, Neopterin, and ST-2 levels were measured. In the castor oil application groups, weight gain was observed, the acute phase reaction decreased, submucosal/tunica muscularis fibrosis (TMF) and muscularis mucosal damage (MMD) were reduced, and TSS and HDS decreased. While no significant difference was detected in the ST-2 protein, which was used for the first time in this study model, a significant increase in neopterin protein was observed in the application groups. Results indicate the nutritional contribution of castor oil, as well as its tissue healing and esophageal stricture-preventing efficacy at histopathological and immune-histochemical levels.

Purpose: Speech and language disorders can negatively affect preschool children's communicative participation skills. Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six-34 (FOCUS-34) is a valid and reliable scale that evaluates communicative participation in preschool children with speech and language disorders. This study aimed to establish the Turkish version of FOCUS-34 (FOCUS-34-TR) and investigate its validity and reliability. Method: A total of 175 children with language disorders, speech sound disorders, and fluency disorders (aged 20-72 months) and their parents were included in the study. Parents were asked to complete the demographic information form, the FOCUS-34-TR scale, and the Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional (ASQ-SE) Turkish version. The construct validity, convergent and divergent validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability of the scale were investigated. Results: The FOCUS-34-TR had high values for internal consistency ([alpha] = 0.97) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.95). The correlations between the FOCUS-34-TR total score and its subscales were between 0.77 and 0.90. A moderately significant negative correlation was found between the FOCUS-34-TR scale and the ASQ-SE. Conclusion: The Turkish version of FOCUS-34 is a valid and reliable scale that can be used in clinics and for research purposes to evaluate the communicative participation skills of Turkish-speaking preschool children with speech and language disorders.

Sorted flexible polyethylene packaging waste was washed on a laboratory scale at both 25 and 40[degrees]C with water alone, with water and added NaOH, and with water and added detergent. The washed materials were then compounded using a twin-screw extruder and injection molded. The results were compared with those for an unwashed and a large-scale high-intensity sample washed with NaOH at 70-80[degrees]C. An intensive washing combined with high temperature gave a lower extensibility both in the molten and solid states presumably because of a greater degradation of the recycled material. Washing with NaOH resulted in the lowest strain-at-break in both the melt and solid states, whereas washing with water alone or with a detergent gave similar strain-at-break levels. The melt strength, the stiffness and tensile strengths at room temperature, and the thermal properties were less affected by the washing procedure. Although the final properties seem to be useful in general there were still some trade-offs between the washing condition and the degradation. While these results were expected, the influence of washing parameters on final product, for example, injection molded sample, has to our knowledge not been shown before especially regarding the mechanical properties. Highlights * Post-consumer flexible polyethylene packaging waste was studied with a focus on washing conditions. * The influence of washing conditions on thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of recycled samples was investigated. * High-intensity washing at high temperature caused significant degradation of the material, this was to our understanding shown for the first time. KEYWORDS degradation, flexible packaging waste, mechanical properties, melt strength, plastic recycling, washing, 1 | INTRODUCTION Packaging for food, beverages, personal hygiene products, and household goods has for a long time been the largest application sector for plastics, representing about 40 wt.% of [...]

Muscle dysmorphia (MD) is a disorder marked by an obsessive focus on muscularity, often leading to excessive exercise, rigid dieting, and use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). While Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is known to be effective for various body image disorders, its specific effects on individuals with MD have been less studied. This qualitative case series involved seven male participants, aged 35–55, all diagnosed with MD and with a history of anabolic steroid use, undergoing a 12-week manualized CBT intervention. The study aimed to explore how CBT impacts their body image perceptions, exercise behaviors, steroid use, and emotional responses. Data were collected through participant feedback during therapy sessions, with thematic analysis revealing significant shifts in body image perception and reductions in compulsive behaviors and steroid use. Despite these improvements, participants experienced feelings of loss and anxiety as they modified their routines, and some reported relapses under stress, indicating the chronic nature of MD. The findings suggest that CBT effectively reshapes cognitive and behavioral patterns in MD sufferers but also highlight the need for ongoing support to manage the disorder's emotional complexities and prevent relapses. Future research should focus on long-term and individualized therapeutic approaches to better support those with muscle dysmorphia.

Background: Lung separation is the basis of thoracic anesthesia, which is performed by different instruments. Checking probable malpositioning of tracheal tube needs fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The aim of this study was to compare respirator suggested compliance with fiberoptic findings in detecting major tracheal tube malpositioning.Methods: A total of 256 patients undergoing thoracic surgery with double-lumen tracheal tube insertion in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran, during 2010-11 were divided into three groups (n=86). We used left-sided double-lumen tube (DLT) for left or right-sided surgeries (groups 1 and 2), and right-sided DLT for left-sided surgeries (group 3). The position of the tubes was evaluated and compared using bag compliance versus fiberoptic bronchoscopy.Results: The mean age of the study population was 44.7±13.4 (16-73) years, while 155 (59.9%) were male. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and the accuracy of bag compliance test for left-sided DLT in supine position were 40% (95% CI: 20-60%), 99% (95% CI: 96-99%), 84% (95% CI: 54-94%) 92% (95% CI: 88-95%) and 92% (95% CI: 87-95%), respectively. The above-mentioned variables for lateral decubitus position respectively were 27%, 98%, 76%, 89%, and 88%. Malpositioning was more prevalent in right-sided DLTs (P=0.02).Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, and the high specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy of bag compliance test, its use is encouraged as an alternative to fiberoptic bronchoscopy for checking DLT position, specially, in emergent surgeries or when fiberoptic bronchoscopy is unreachable due to lack of expertise or personnel.

"n Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1":*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Background: Acute Necrotizing Mediastinitis (ANM) is a lethal disease that without antibiotic therapy and surgical Intervention has a mortality rate about 40% in best medical centers. With development of imaging technology (spiral CT- Scan) and shortening in time of diagnosis and surgery, the outcome and prognosis of the patients are improved. The surgical modalities are trans- cervical and trans- thoracic approaches. "n"nCase series: We present a series of four patients with acute necrotizing mediastinitis that admitted to thoracic surgery ward in vali-e-asr Hospital in Tehran, Iran, during years 2009 and 2010. A 31years old woman and three male patients with ages 21, 25 and 63 years. Odontogenic infection was the cause in two cases while pharyngeal perforation and cervical esophageal perforation were the causes of acute necrotizing mediastinitis the others."n"nResults: Mean±SD of hospitalization time was 24±6 days. Infection of cervical space (periviceral spaces) and the superior mediastinum were found in all patients while extension of infection below the carina was found in two of them. All patients were operated by trans- cervical approach. One patient was operated by trans- thoracic approach. All patients were discharged with good general condition. "n"nConclusion: Early usage of spiral CT- scan for diagnosis of acute necrotizing mediastinitis and early drainage with trans- cervical approach could be life saving in acute necrotizing mediastinitis patients with good results.

"n Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Background: The insertion depth of tracheal tube differs based on sex, age, position of head and neck, type of surgery, and anatomical consideration. The aim of this study was to determine the airway related distances in Iranian patients with a non-invasive, and accurate method, the computerized reconstruction of High Resolution CT (HRCT); Virtual Bronchoscopy."n"n Methods: A total of 140 Iranian patients who became candidate for sinus and chest tomography, were enrolled in a cross- sectional study in Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran, Iran, from 2006 to 2008. After reconstruction of airway related distances, Incisor- Vocal cord (IVD), Vocal cord- Carina (VCD) and Incisor- Carinal (ICD) Distances were determined."n"n Results: A total of 140 patients were evaluated, while 70(50%) were male. There was no statistically significant difference between age groups, sex and BMI in study patients. The measured IVD were 145.5±9.7 (males), 127.29±6.3 (females) and 136.43±12.29mm (total). For VCD, the distances were 131±13.99 (males), 122.59±11.7 (females), and 127.09±13.65mm (total). The measures for ICD in males, females, and total of patients were 277.17±16.63, 249.88±11.54, and 263.52±19.66mm respectively."n"n Conclusion: The insertion depth for fixation of endotracheal tube in Iranian adult patients is the same as that of anesthesia textbooks. There were no statistically significant difference between our study data and previously measured distances using invasive and less accurate methods. Virtual bronchoscopy is a noninvasive and accurate method based on reconstruction of computed tomographic images and the reconstructed images of tomography could be useful in measuring and assessment of airway anatomy.

"n Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Background: Bispectral index (BIS index) shows the depth of anesthesia. The effects of drugs on BIS and amnesia are different. This study was performed to evaluate the association between two different sedative regimens on BIS and amnesia."n"nMethods: In this clinical trial, 60 patients who needed elective orthopedic surgery under regional anesthesia with intravenous sedation were elected. Patients divided in two equal groups based on sedation protocol by block randomization method: midazolam plus fentanyl group (MF group) or propofol group (P group). Dose of sedative drugs were adjusted according to clinical findings of sedation. Depth of sedation in all patients, preserved in four based on modified Ramsey Sedation Score. Patients questioned about spontaneous recall after full awakening in recovery room. Recall of any event during operation considered as failed amnesia. Correlation of BIS index with recall was measured in two different groups separately."n"nResults: The frequency of recall was 2 (6.7%) in P group and 10 (33.3%) in MF group (p=0.01). The mean± SD of BIS in P group was 76±5 (68-91) and in MF group was 93.4±5 (77-98) (p

"n Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Background: The prediction of the probability of difficult intubation and the associated problems before Induction of anesthesia could be lifesaving. The aim of this study was the investigation of association between the stage of thyroid cartilage prominency and laryngoscopic view for predicting the difficult intubation."n"nMethods: Five hundred and thirty five patients aged 18-60 years old, with prominent thyroid cartilage, "Adam's apple", enrolled in a cross -sectional study based on the stage of "Adam's apple" and the relationship with laryngoscopic view. After induction of anesthesia, laryngoscopy performed and laryngoscopic view of larynx was recorded, and analyzed according to Modified Cormack and Lehane's Scoring. "n"nResults: No significant association between laryngoscopic view and thyroid cartilage prominency staging was observed. There was no significant relationship in females and aged under 50 y.o. The relationship in males with poor correlation coefficient was significant. The results are as follows: [male :(p=0.028, r=-0.096), Female: (p=0.821, r=0.082),

"nBackground: Acute hepatitis is upon serious complications of halothane usage, can be associated with 50% mortality in severe cases. Use of halothane as inhalational anesthetic or use of it for maintenance of anesthesia is restricted/ prohibited in USA and most European countries. The occurrence of icterus and elevated liver enzymes after halothane anesthesia may be due to the drug induced hepatitis. "nCase report: we report a 28 year old woman with acute hepatitis after cesarean section under halothane anesthesia, fortunately discharged to home 40 days after that. Other causes of hepatitis became role out in the patient. "nResults: The usage of halothane should be restricted/ prohibited in our country because of its potentially serious and fatal complications and so existence of more safe but expensive alternatives.

"nBackground: The insertion of endotracheal tube is essential for most surgical operations, mechanically ventilated patient in ICU wards, During cardiopulmonary resuscitation and so for transport of patients. The aim of this study was determination of airway related distances in Iranian patients. "nMethods: In a cross- sectional study during year 2007 in Imam Khomeini university Hospital a total of 75 ASA class I and II patients who were admitted to pulmonary ward evaluated for determination of incisor-vocal cord and incisor- carina distances. The nasal nare- vocal cord distance was determined too. "nResults: A total of 71 patients, 45(63%) male and 26(36.6%) female were evaluated. The Incisor-vocal cord distance in males and females was 16.83±0.75mm against 15.04±1.12mm (P=0.03). The difference of nare-vocal cords and Incisor- vocal cord distances was 2-3Cm "nConclusions: There was direct association between height and tracheal length in the study patients. The tracheal length (suitable insertion depth) in our patients was different from the recommendations (23 & 21 Cm for men and women) for non- Iranian, 25.9 versus 22.6 for Iranian men and women respectively. The difference of nasal nare-vocal cord and upper incisor-vocal cord distances in our patients was 2-3 cm, the lower range of accepted or reported one. We offer to do another experience with larger study group to apply the data to Iranian population. "nKeywords: Trachea, insertion depth, vocal cord, carina, oral, nasal.

Background: The risk of atherosclerosis and cancer is high in hemodialysis (HD) patients. There is evidence that HD causes oxidative stress. However, the causative factors of oxidative stress are unknown. It has been suggested that HD imposes an additional oxidative stress on patients with chronic renal failure by activation of granulocytes on dialyzer membranes resulting in an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. In this regard, a number of reports, either measuring specific analytes or enzymes, or estimating the total antioxidant activity of the plasma have given contradictory and inconclusive results. To investigate the oxidative stress status in Iranian HD patients, in this study, we evaluated GSH and FRAP levels along with Ca and pH in the blood of these patients.Methods: Along with 20 healthy age and gender matched control subjects, 24 patients underwent dialysis, three times per week, for four hours in each session. Before and after dialysis, blood was taken for biochemical and liver function tests and to evaluate oxidative stress markers and measure Ca and pH levels.Results: There was a significant decrease in FRAP and GSH levels after dialysis compared to those before treatment. Dialysis caused an increase in pH and Ca levels compared to levels in control subjects after dialysis. Conclusion: In general, before dialysis, there is a balance between oxidants and antioxidants; however, due to higher levels of oxidants as well as the possible binding of antioxidants to the dialyzer membrane during dialysis, an imbalance occurs. The instability in the balance of oxidants and antioxidants may be the major cause of cellular oxidative damage found in HD patients. This study indicates that there is a significant level of oxidative stress in renal chronic patients and this stress is augmented by dialysis. Antioxidant therapy should be considered in these patients.

Background: Cardiac herniation is a fatal post pneumonectomy complication. We report the signs, clinical findings, diagnosis and management of a patient with post pneumonectomy cardiac herniation.Case report: A 34-year-old man with lung cancer underwent left pneumonectomy with partial pericardiectomy in the right lateral decubitus position. At the end of the surgery, cardiovascular collapse, severe bradycardia, desaturation and elevated airway pressure occurred just after repositioning the patient to the supine position. This patient survived as we returned him to the right lateral decubitus position and avoided the use of positive pressure ventilation.Conclusions: Attention to the acute complications of pneumonectomy, diagnosis and rapid therapeutic interventions is essential in post pneumonectomy care.

Background: Acupuncture is one of the most effective methods of alleviating pain in different situations including chronic and acute pain management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in the reduction of post-operative pain after hernia repair.Methods: In this placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial, we enrolled 60 male patients aged 30 to 60 years old with an ASA physical status of I or II undergoing elective inguinal hernia repair under general anesthesia in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran. All patients experienced standard anesthetic and surgical procedures. After completion of the operation and while the patients were still under general anesthesia, they were randomly assigned to two groups: acupuncture (with stimulation of GV2, GV4 and SP6 points with sterile acupuncture needles), and control (with sham acupuncture stimulation). After termination of anesthesia, during the first six hours, the pain intensity was evaluated hourly. Pethidine (25 mg) was administered for the patients when necessary. Pain intensity and pethidine use were recorded and compared between the two groups.Results: The mean age of two groups did not differ. Pain intensity was significantly lower in the acupuncture group between the second and fifth postoperative hours. Moreover, pethidine use was significantly lower in the acupuncture group versus the control group during the first six hours after surgery (12.07±7.5 mg vs. 12.91±6.5 mg, respectively; p=0.0001).Conclusion: The application of acupuncture in patients is associated with a marked decrease in pain after inguinal hernia repair and does not have any serious complications. Acupuncture is strongly recommended for all post-operative patients."n

Background: We report a case with apparent resistance to local anesthetics. While regional anesthetics failure are often attributed to technical failure, the clinical presentation and medical history of this patient suggests a true resistance to local anesthetics. Case report: A 28 years old man was scheduled for elective orthopedic surgery for right sided tibial bone fracture, and decision of spinal anesthesia was made. There was a questionable history of multiple prior episodes of local anesthetic unresponsiveness (Interscalan block, local infiltration for lipoma resection and dental surgery). Spinal anesthesia was performed and sensory or motor blockade was not obtained despite any evidence of technical problems. The surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia and skin analgesia (local infiltration of lidocaine 2% and bupivacaine 0.5% to forearm), did not achieve, the day after surgery. Conclusion: While the failure rate of spinal anesthesia has been shown range from 4 to 13% and is often attributed to technical failure, this particular case showed a true resistance to local anesthetics.

The van der Waals material hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) has emerged as a promising candidate for hosting room temperature single-photon emitters (SPEs) for next-generation quantum technologies. However, the requirement of a high temperature anneal (850 °C or higher) to activate the SPEs in hBN makes it difficult to integrate into hybrid structures that cannot tolerate such temperatures, including all silicon-based circuits. In this work, we present a method to deterministically activate quantum emitters in multilayered hBN on a process substrate, followed by a zero thermal budget transfer to a target substrate. This technique does not lead to any degradation or loss of photon purity in the hBN emitters and provides a procedure for combining high-purity emitters with other exciting photonic, magnetic, or electrical properties to explore new physical phenomena. The ability to transfer hBN emitters onto arbitrary substrates creates new technological possibilities to incorporate these quantum photonic properties into photonic integrated circuits and plasmonic devices.

In the face of increasing global disruptions, the cybersecurity field is confronting rising threats posed by offensive groups and individual hackers. Traditional security measures often fall short in detecting and mitigating these sophisticated attacks, necessitating advanced intrusion detection methods. The goal of our study is to develop robust network intrusion detection methods using machine learning techniques. In addition, we evaluate the effectiveness of various machine learning models in detecting network intrusions. Model performances are optimized through hyperparameter tuning and feature selection. A range of classification and clustering models have been employed. Data from SIEM systems capturing real-time statistics from cloud-hosted Windows virtual machines has been gathered and augmented with web attack logs from CICIDS2017, each comprising approximately fifteen thousand rows. Hyperparameter tuning, data normalization, standardization and feature selection techniques for model optimization have been used in our study. The research showcases the potential of machine learning in enhancing network intrusion detection capabilities. The findings underscore the effectiveness of the Random Forest Classifier (0.97) and highlight the importance of utilizing diverse datasets and advanced optimization techniques. This study offers valuable insights and sets a foundation for future advancements in cybersecurity strategies and intrusion detection systems.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) engagement, as a multidimensional construct, plays an increasingly important role in education. The main purpose of this research was to explore the effects of ICT engagement factors on science performance across Singapore and Turkey conditional to the sufficient degree of measurement invariance of ICT engagement scale. The multigroup confirmatory factor analysis results demonstrated strong factorial invariance of ICT engagement scale across Singapore and Turkey, so we were able to use ICT engagement scale to meaningful and valid comparisons between these countries. After obtaining measurement invariance, a multi-group structural equation modeling was used for the comparison of the effects of ICT engagement factors on student's performance of science between these two countries. While interest in ICT, perceived ICT competence and perceived autonomy in using ICT have significant positive direct effect on science performance in both countries, the direct effect of social relatedness in using ICT on science performance is negative in both Singapore and Turkey. Also, when compared with Singapore, the effects of all ICT engagement constructs on student's performance are higher in Turkey.

Foreign language learning has been found effective in helping older people improve cognitive functioning and provide opportunities at psychological and social levels. This study examines the difficulties older adult English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners and their instructors encounter within the online learning and instruction framework. To achieve this objective, seven EFL learners over 60 and two English teachers were included as participants in the study. The collection of qualitative data occurred over six weeks during an English course. The objective was achieved by submitting participants' weekly self-reflection reports, interviews with learners and instructors, and the researchers' observations. A content analysis was conducted to examine the qualitative data. The study's findings indicate that learners aged 60 and over have several cognitive and physical obstacles when participating in online English courses. Additionally, they rely on their previous learning habits, potentially impacting their overall learning experience. This study provides insights into the pedagogical implications of teaching English to older adults and recommendations for traditional face-to-face classroom instruction and online learning modalities.