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This qualitative study sets out to understand the beliefs, functions, and practices of using L1 among EFL learners while they learned new L2 vocabulary. Forty-two Saudi male university students were randomly assigned to 21 pairs and asked to complete three reading comprehension tasks. All pair interactions were audio-recorded. Afterward, interviews were conducted with 21 students. The results suggest that the use of L1 in L2 vocabulary tasks assists students in understanding the meaning of new words. They also revealed the complex sociocultural nature of peer-to-peer collaborative interaction and the role L1 plays in L2 vocabulary learning. The interviews revealed that some participants thought that L1 should not be used in the L2 class, a belief that contradicted their actions. The paper calls for Saudi L2 educational contexts to embrace translanguaging as a beneficial practice that enhances student L2 acquisition and reduces the emotional stress of using L1 in the classroom.

Satellite telemetry is an increasingly utilized technology in wildlife research, and current devices can track individual animal movements at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions. However, as we enter the golden age of satellite telemetry, we need an in-depth understanding of the main technological, species-specific and environmental factors that determine the success and failure of satellite tracking devices across species and habitats. Here, we assess the relative influence of such factors on the ability of satellite telemetry units to provide the expected amount and quality of data by analyzing data from over 3,000 devices deployed on 62 terrestrial species in 167 projects worldwide. We evaluate the success rate in obtaining GPS fixes as well as in transferring these fixes to the user and we evaluate failure rates. Average fix success and data transfer rates were high and were generally better predicted by species and unit characteristics, while environmental characteristics influenced the variability of performance. However, 48% of the unit deployments ended prematurely, half of them due to technical failure. Nonetheless, this study shows that the performance of satellite telemetry applications has shown improvements over time, and based on our findings, we provide further recommendations for both users and manufacturers.

Betta rubra, classified as endangered fish species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has been successfully bred and raised in captivity for two generations under laboratory conditions. This study aimed to provide comprehensive information on the captive breeding of B. rubra, focusing on various parameters crucial for ex-situ conservation and domestication. The research involved breeding trials, embryo and larvae observation, first feeding experiments, larva and fry rearing trials, and the evaluation of growth and reproduction in two generations. The study revealed that the female B. rubra, with an average total length of 5.17 ± 0.15 cm and weight of 1.61 ± 0.06 g, produced an average of 73.67 ± 7.09 eggs, 34.33 ± 5.13 total larvae, and exhibited a hatching rate of 46.67 ± 5.77%. The embryogenesis process commenced on the day of spawning (dps) and continued until the eggs hatched at 6 dps. Larvae development and yolk absorption occurred from 0 to 6 days post-hatching (dph).The study also examined the impact of different initial feeding options, with chopped Tubifex resulting in the most significant increase (p < 0.05) in length. The growth pattern of B. rubra larvae showed slow initial growth during the first seven days, followed by a rapid exponential growth phase from day 8 to day 39. Two generations of B. rubra (G1 and G2) were successfully bred in captivity, with G2 showing a better tendency for growth in length and weight compared to G1. Notably, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in reproductive success between the wild-origin broodstock (G0), G1, or G2. This research contributes valuable insights into the captive breeding of B. rubra and its early life stages, offering critical information for the conservation and sustainable management of this endangered species. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of domestication on behavior, physiology, and phenotypic diversity.

The (4+1)-dimensional Davey-Stewartson-Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation is explored in the present work, revealing its complex dynamics and solitary wave solutions. Modeling ocean and tidal waves, particularly tsunami and long water waves, depends significantly on this nonlinear equation. Additionally, these models can be used to simulate internal and external waves in rivers and oceans as well as wave packets in water with a finite depth. The Sardar subequation method, new Kudryashov's method, and (1ϑ(ζ),ϑ′(ζ)ϑ(ζ)) method are investigated to discover novel solitary wave solutions in the terms of hyperbolic, trigonometric and rational functions. A wide variety of solitons, as dark, bright, periodic, singular, combined dark-singular solitons and, combined dark-bright are obtained by these techniques. By taking accurate parameter values, certain three-dimensional and two-dimensional graphs are plotted to improve the physical description of solutions. The intriguing field of nonlinear waves and dynamic systems is signaled to readers by this work, which suggests a major advancement in understanding the intricate and unexpected behavior of this model.

Signature recognition system knows significant attention due to its undeniable importance. For this purpose, a wide-ranged techniques including both statistical and structural approaches, have been introduced. They are both subfields of machine learning that focus on identifying patterns in data.Statistical methodologies are extensively used within diverse domains, providing accurate features and deep understanding of data characteristics. In the proposed system, a statistical framework is adopted, which encompasses three crucial phases: preprocessing, feature extraction, and classification.In the initial stage, a variety of image preprocessing algorithms are employed to segregate signature pixels from background and noise pixels. The second phase consists of extracting the discriminant information based on statistical characteristics, this includes calculating white-black transitions horizontally, vertically, as well as diagonally and antidiagonally. The resulting features are employed as input for the fuzzy min-max classifier (FMMC), which involves iteratively creating hyperboxes. Each iteration comprises three phases: expansion, overlap, and contraction. The primary advantage of applying FMMC lies in its proficiency to handle noisy data and data with overlapping distributions, factors commonly observed in signature images.The proposed method is evaluated with various systems utilizing histogram of oriented gradient, profile projection, convolutional neural network, and Loci as feature extraction techniques, as well as K-nearest neighbors and multilayer perceptron as classification methods. The experimental findings confirm the effectiveness of the proposed framework, demonstrating its ability to achieve a notable accuracy of 99.16 %, along with remarkable average precision, recall, and F1-score values of 99.17 %, 99.24 %, and 99.16 % respectively.

Introduction Prevention of relapse in schizophrenia is a major public health issue. A recent network meta-analysis investigating interventions for relapse prevention in schizophrenia found that the efficacity of family psychoeducation and systemic integrated interventions were superior to treatment as usual at 12 months (Bighelli I, Leucht S et al. Lancet Psychiatry 2021). Other studies also found that multi-family therapies (MFT) were superior to treatment as usual and family psychoeducation in preventing relapses at 2 and 4 years (McFarlane WR, Lukens EP et al. Archives of General Psychiatry.1995). Considering this, we developped in our community center an MFT program based on systemic approach and psychoeducation. Objectives Investigate the subjective experience of participants of an MFT group focusing on schizophrenia. Methods A qualitative study was designed to explore personal experience of participants using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method in order to analyse participant’s feedback during semi-directive interviews. By using IPA, participants are experts of their experience. Eight participants took part in this study: 4 patients and 4 parents. Results Within all participant’s feedback around 10 different themes emerged. We identified three major themes which we have described as: “Affiliation to the group”, “Framework of Discovery”, “Benefits of MFT”. According to “Affiliation to the group”, all participants report movements of adhesion or rejection towards the group. This theme has been subdivided into two sub-themes: “Temporality”, and “Identification/differentiation”. These sub-themes revealed inter-individuals’ differences. According to “Framework of discovery”, the MFT group has been identified as a secure place allowing self and other’s discovery place. This theme has been divided into two sub-themes: “discovering skills” and “improving oneself and relatives’ understanding”. Participants experience taking a step back and decentering oneself from usual personnal position. According to “Benefits of MFT”, participants report the feeling of belonging to a group, the impact on self-esteem, on mentalization skills, and on the reflexion on family members’ experience of the disease. Conclusions This study is, to our knowledge, the first qualitative study examining the subjective experience of members who participated in a psychoeducational and systemic MFT group focusing on schizophrenia. It provides insight into the families’ experience, both from the patient’s and from each family member’s perspective. Results highlight that participants seized the MFT group as a learning space at several levels: personal, intra-family and inter-family. These data could enlighten professionals working with families on the potential apprehensions of participants, their representations of the group and what process MFT could initiate. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Background: Ventricular assist device (VAD) use for failed stage II palliation (S2P) is increasing with limited data on outcomes. Methods: To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a multicenter retrospective review of the Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network registry. We leveraged the registry to analyze data on the clinical course, complications, and survival of systemic VADs (SVAD) after S2P. Results: We identified 34 patients from 15 centers between 2012 and 2022 implanted at median age of 1.8 years [interquartile range (IQR) 0.9-2.7]; 85% had systemic right ventricles and all patients underwent at least one sternotomy. Preimplant, all but 1 patient had an Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support profile of 1-2, with 62% being on ≥2 inotropes, 50% total parenteral nutrition dependent, 38% mechanically ventilated, and 20% on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the week preceding implant. Device strategy was variable with 70% being on continuous flow devices and the remaining on pulsatile support. Multiple device strategies were utilized in 32% of patients. Median time on VAD support was 74 days [IQR 30-186]. Adverse events were frequent and included infection (47%), strokes (29%), bleeding (26%), dialysis (15%), and respiratory failure (9%). Bleeding complications (p = 0.0004), respiratory failure (p = 0.04), and multiple inotropes preimplant (p = 0.046) were associated with in-hospital mortality. Overall survival to transplant/recovery was seen in 76% and to 1-year postexplant in 56%. Conclusion: Encouraging clinical outcomes are seen with SVAD use for failed S2P even in the face of frequent adverse events and wide center variability in device strategy. Ongoing multi-institutional collaboration is required to better understand optimal SVAD support strategies.

IntroductionFluid overload on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is associated with worse outcomes. Previous in vitro studies have attempted to quantify oxygenator-related insensible losses, as failure to account for this fluid loss may lead to inaccurate fluid balance assessment and potentially harmful clinical management, such as unnecessary exposure to diuretics, slow continuous ultrafiltration (SCUF), or continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT). We performed a novel in vivo study to measure insensible fluid losses in pediatric ECMO patients.MethodsPediatric ECMO patients were approached over eleven months in the pediatric and cardiac intensive care units. The water content of the oxygenator inflow sweep gas and exhaust gas were calculated by measuring the ambient temperature and relative humidity at frequent intervals and various sweep flow.Results and discussionNine subjects were enrolled, generating 431 data points. The cohort had a median age of 11 years IQR [0.83, 13], weight of 23.2 kg IQR [6.48, 44.28], and body surface area of 0.815 m2 IQR [0.315, 1.3725]. Overall, the cohort had a median sweep of 2.5 L/min [0.9, 4], ECMO flow of 3.975 L/m2/min [0.75, 4.51], and a set ECMO temperature of 37 degrees Celsius [36.6, 37.2]. The calculated net water loss per L/min of sweep was 75.93 ml/day, regardless of oxygenator size or patient weight. There was a significant difference in median documented vs. calculated fluid balance incorporating the insensible fluid loss, irrespective of oxygenator size (pediatric oxygenator: 7.001 ml/kg/day [−12.37, 28.59] vs. −6.11 ml/kg/day [−17.44, 13.01], respectively, p = 0.005 and adult oxygenator: 14.36 ml/kg/day [1.54, 25.77] and 9.204 ml/kg/day [−1.28, 22.05], respectively, p =

This article aims to explore and examine general soliton solutions within the context of the generalized Benjamin-Bona-Mahony equation. This equation is a significant mathematical tool employed in the study of wave dynamics in ocean physics. In this paper, we investigate and generate new propagating soliton solutions for the above-mentioned equation using the (ϕ′/ϕ) − expansion method, an elegant mathematical approach. Rational, trigonometric, and hyperbolic functions are used to express these solutions. In order to provide a visual comprehension of the complex physical phenomena regulating the system, we additionally demonstrate graphics in two and three dimensions. The study explores a range of parameter configurations that yield distinct soliton solutions. By visually depicting these solutions based on specific parameter choices, a deeper comprehension of the system's complex behavior is achieved. The article sheds light on novel findings concerning soliton solutions for the mentioned equation, unveiling previously unnoticed aspects of this captivating mathematical problem.

Assessing natural vegetation through conventional methods faces considerable constraints, such as limited geographical scope, reduced precision, a lack of historical data, high expenses and time demands. The study aims to use environmental and spectral data to identify and map natural vegetation and plant species along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. This involves employing spatial analyses and cartographic modeling techniques, marking an initial effort in this endeavor. To fulfill this aim, a total number of 70 wild plant habitats were surveyed and sampled for further laboratory identification of plant species. Multispectral and thermal bands of Landsat imagery were processed to generate land cover map, as well as calculate Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST) to be integrated with the naturally grown plants in a cartographic model to predict the wild plant habitats. Coastal wild plant habitats were sparsely located and associated with a vegetation density ranging from 0.096 to 0.280 with an average of 0.167. Besides, the LST of these habitats fluctuated from 30.559 to 38.652 with an average of 34.361°C. Although the wild plant habitats at the Northern coastal region of Egypt are similar in environmental and climatic conditions, there are variability in NDVI and LST of each single habitat (pure or mixed). On the other hand, the lowest LST were associated with Erodium laciniatum/Rumex pictus and Erodium laciniatum habitats reporting 30.559 and 30.741°C, respectively. However, Lotus halophilus mixed with Ifloga spicata habitats reported the highest LST (38.652°C). The high vegetation density is mainly characterized by low LST which indicates the mixed wild plant habitats. The developed cartographic model showed a narrow strip along the Mediterranean region as highly suitable habitats for wild plant growth. The model can be used to map pure and mixed habitats of various wild plants with an accuracy exceeding 90%. The model was applied for mapping Arthrocnemum macrostachyum showing that the middle coastal region is most suitable for its growth. It’s recommended to integrate remotely sensed data with spatial analyses for the environmental analyses of natural plants. Present findings support researchers and scientists interested in environmental, botanic, and medical studies.

Abstract Antiretroviral therapy is the only treatment option for HIV-infected patients; however, it has certain drawbacks in terms of developing multiple toxic side effects. Thus, there is a continuous need to explore safe and efficacious anti-retroviral agents. Carica papaya Linn and Psidium guajava are known for their various biological activities. In this study, we characterized the bioactive fractions of methanolic leaves extract from both plants using the High-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI–MS) technique, followed by the investigation of their potential as anti-HIV-1 and antioxidant agents through in vitro mechanistic assays. The anti-HIV-1 activity was examined in TZM-bl cells through luciferase gene assay against two different clades of HIV-1 strains, whereas the intracellular ROS generation was analyzed by Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting. Additionally, the mechanisms of action of these phyto-extracts were determined through the Time-of-addition assay. The characterization of Carica papaya Linn and Psidium guajava leaves extract through HR-ESI–MS fragmentation showed high enrichment of various alkaloids, glycosides, lipids, phenolic compounds, terpenes, and fatty acids like bioactive constituents. Both the phyto-extracts were found to be less toxic and exhibited potent antiviral activity against HIV-1 strains. Furthermore, the phyto-extracts also showed a decreased intracellular ROS in HIV-1 infected cells due to their high antioxidant potential. Overall, our study suggests the anti-HIV-1 potential of Carica papaya Linn and Psidium guajava leaves extract due to the synergistic action of multiple bioactive constituents.

Strategies to increase the population and productivity of beef cattle can be implemented through reproductive management, such as artificial insemination (AI) using frozen semen. This study aims to evaluate the characteristics of frozen semen of Limousin bulls of different ages, which can still be used for insemination programs up to 12 years of age. This study used frozen semen of Limousin bulls ages 3, 8, and 12 years produced in 2021 at the Artificial Insemination Center in Singosari, East Java Province, Indonesia. Five bulls from each different age group were used for replication. Computer-assisted sperm analysis was used to determine sperm motility, viability, and abnormalities using eosin–nigrosine staining. Plasma membrane integrity was analyzed using the hypoosmotic swelling test. The acrosomes’ integrity was evaluated using FITC-PNA-PI, protamine deficiency using chromomycin A3, and DNA fragmentation testing using the acridine orange fluorescent technique. The results showed that the parameters of sperm motility, viability, abnormality, plasma membrane integrity, and protamine deficiency showed no significant differences in all age groups. The kinematic parameters (straightness and beat cross frequency) of the 3-year-old group were significantly higher (p

The use of gelatin and gelatin-blend polymers as environmentally safe polymers to synthesis electrospun nanofibers, has caused a revolution in the biomedical field. The development of efficient nanofibers has played a significant role in drug delivery, and for use in advanced scaffolds in regenerative medicine. Gelatin is an exceptional biopolymer, which is highly versatile, despite variations in the processing technology. The electrospinning process is an efficient technique for the manufacture of gelatin electrospun nanofibers (GNFs), as it is simple, efficient, and cost-effective. GNFs have higher porosity with large surface area and biocompatibility, despite that there are some drawbacks. These drawbacks include rapid degradation, poor mechanical strength, and complete dissolution, which limits the use of gelatin electrospun nanofibers in this form for biomedicine. Thus, these fibers need to be cross-linked, in order to control its solubility. This modification caused an improvement in the biological properties of GNFs, which made them suitable candidates for various biomedical applications, such as wound healing, drug delivery, bone regeneration, tubular scaffolding, skin, nerve, kidney, and cardiac tissue engineering. In this review an outline of electrospinning is shown with critical summary of literature evaluated with respect to the various applications of nanofibers-derived gelatin.

The article presents the results of studies of the effect of fenbenzyl and fenbendazole on the antioxidant status in dogs under the experimental infection with a causative agent of toxocariasis. Experiments were performed on 18 dogs, two and four months old. Three groups of six animals in each were formed: control and two experimental. Puppies in all groups were experimentally infected with causative agent of toxocariasis at a dose of 5.000 embryonated Toxocara canis eggs per kg of body weight. The control group of dogs was as untreated control. Puppies of the first experimental group were fed with the drug fenbendazole at a dose of 150 mg per 3 kg of body weight once a day for three days in a single dose. Puppies of the second experimental group were fed with the drug fenbenzyl at a dose of 350 mg per 3 kg of body weight once a day for three days. While studying the activity of the enzymatic part of the antioxidant defense system, namely catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, as well as a non-enzymatic part: the level of reduced glutathione, an increase in the activity of these indicators was found in animals of experimental groups. It should be noted that the application of the drug fenbenzyl in infected dogs contributed to a better normalization of the antioxidant system in animals than the use of the drug fenbendazole. The use of fenbenzyl in infected dogs contributed to a more likely increase in the antioxidant status in dogs of the second experimental group, as this drug includes milk thistle that exhibits antioxidant properties due to the presence of silymarin, which restores damaged liver cells. Studies confirm the effectiveness of the use of milk thistle in drug fenbenzyl in dogs with the development of toxocariasis infection to activate the protective systems of their body

The increasing incidence of erythromycin and erythromycin-induced resistance to clindamycin among Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a serious problem. Patients infected with inducible resistance phenotypes may fail to respond to clindamycin. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of erythromycin and erythromycin-induced resistance and assess for potential inhibitors. A total of 99 isolates were purified from various clinical sources. Phenotypic detection of macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB)-resistance phenotypes was performed by D-test. MLSB-resistance genes were identified using PCR. Different compounds were tested for their effects on erythromycin and inducible clindamycin resistance by broth microdilution and checkerboard microdilution methods. The obtained data were evaluated using docking analysis. Ninety-one isolates were S. aureus. The prevalence of constitutive MLSB, inducible MLSB, and macrolide-streptogramin (MS) phenotypes was 39.6%, 14.3%, and 2.2%, respectively. Genes including ermC, ermA, ermB, msrA, msrB, lnuA, and mphC were found in 82.6%, 5.8%, 7.7%, 3.8%, 3.8%, 13.5%, and 3.8% of isolates, respectively. Erythromycin resistance was significantly reduced by doxorubicin, neomycin, and omeprazole. Quinine, ketoprofen, and fosfomycin combated and reversed erythromycin/clindamycin-induced resistance. This study highlighted the significance of managing antibiotic resistance and overcoming clindamycin treatment failure. Doxorubicin, neomycin, omeprazole, quinine, ketoprofen, and fosfomycin could be potential inhibitors of erythromycin and inducible clindamycin resistance.

Kefir is a fermented milk product. The kefir grain starter consists of lactic acid bacteria and yeast that produce lactic acid and alcohol. The quality of kefir is strongly influenced by the type of milk used, the amount of kefir grain, kefir grain microorganisms, and the incubation period. The characteristics of goat-milk kefir with the addition of different amounts of kefir grain were studied by measuring pH value, ethanol content, and percentage of lactic acid. The experimental design was a completely randomized design (RCD) with three treatments and five replications. The treatments were performed by using different amounts of kefir grains i.e., 2%, 4%, and 6%. Goat-milk kefir was pasteurized at 105oC for 5 minutes, cooled at room temperature (37oC), and then kefir grain was added at different levels and incubated for 12 hours. The results showed that the amounts of kefir grain had a significant effect (p