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Lack of access to pediatric medical devices and innovative technology contributes to global disparities in children's surgical care. There are currently many barriers that prevent access to these technologies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Technologies that were designed for the needs of high-income countries (HICs) may not fit the resources available in LMICs. Likewise, obtaining these devices are costly and require supply chain infrastructure. Once these technologies have reached the LMIC, there are many issues with sustainability and maintenance of the devices. Ideally, devices would be created for the needs and resources of LMICs, but there are many obstacles to innovation that are imposed by institutions in both HICs and LMICs. Fortunately, there is a growing interest for development of this space, and there are many examples of current technologies that are paving the way for future innovations. Innovations in simulation-based training with incorporated learner self-assessment are needed to fast-track skills acquisition for both specialist trainees and non-specialist children's surgery providers, to scale up access for the larger population of children. Pediatric laparoscopy and imaging are some of the innovations that could make a major impact in children's surgery worldwide.

Abstract Background Psychiatric mental health nurses often work in highly demanding environments and situations and are exposed to multiple work-based stressors simultaneously. We aimed to explore the influence of self-compassion on fatigue and psychological wellbeing, and to evaluate the possible contributing factors for self-compassion, fatigue, and psychological wellbeing among psychiatric nurses. A descriptive correlational study using a convenience sample was used to employ 50 psychiatric nurses. Participants categorized into three groups based on their scores on The Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-SF): Group 1: low self-compassion, Group 2: moderate self-compassion, and Group 3: high self-compassion. All participants were assessed by socio-demographic data questionnaire, Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), and Psychological Wellbeing Scale. Results Regarding FAS and wellbeing, group 1 had the highest mean of both scores, whereas group 3 had the lowest mean of both scores. Psychiatric nurses with high self-compassion were significantly more likely to be male, have a lower overall fatigue score, and have better psychological wellbeing. Psychiatric nurses with high fatigue scores were more likely to be female, married, have diploma, have less self-compassion, and have poorer psychological wellbeing. Conclusions Psychiatry nurses with higher self-compassion had lower fatigue score and better psychological wellbeing. Gender and education level were significant factors for self-compassion and fatigue.

Background: Since December 2019, when a new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was detected in Wuhan, China, over 774 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and over seven million deaths have been reported globally, as of 7 January 2024 (WHO, 2024). Venous thromboembolism is a recognized complication of COVID-19. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosed by CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in COVID-19 patients and the features of the associated factors. Methods and Results: The study included 162 patients from the Imam Abdulrahman Al-Faisal Hospital who had COVID-19-confirmed infections while hospitalized in the ICU. Patients were diagnosed as COVID-19 positive by RT-PCR and underwent CTPA examination on the Discovery 16-slice CT scanner (Siemens, Germany) following standard protocol. For contrast enhancement, non-ionic, iodinated, intravenous contrast material (Omnipaque 350 mg) was used. PE was detected by CTPA in 87(53.7%) COVID-19 patients. The D-dimer level was significantly higher in the PE group than in the non-PE group. The frequency of renal impairment in the PE group was 2.3 times higher than in the non-PE group. The ICU duration was longer in the PE group than in non-PE group (12.9±11.3 and 8.6±7.2 days, P=0.005). The death rate was 17.2% in the PE group and 1.3% in the non-PE group (P=0.001). The heart and respiratory rates, blood pressure, BMI, BUN, and creatinine levels did not differ in the study groups. The frequency of diabetes, hypertension, asthma, COPD, and smoking were comparable in the groups. Conclusion: CTPA is very important in diagnosing PE in COVID-19 patients. CTPA-diagnosed PE is significantly associated with D-dimer, ICU duration, and death.

Objectives: The present study explored the ability of lignin-degrading enzyme-producing fungal isolates, Cladosporium uredinicola GRDBF21 (Accession No. KJ913698) and Bipolaris maydis GRDBF23 (Accession No. KJ913699) in the biodegradation of structurally complex chlorpyrifos (CPS). Methodology: Axenic cultures of the test isolates were acclimatised to CPS in Czapek Dox broth (CDB) containing 50 mgL−1 followed by 100 mgL−1 of CPS and subsequently with 200 mgL−1 of CPS as the only carbon source. A comparative evaluation of biomass production by the isolates in the presence and absence of CPS was made. The biodegradation of CPS by the isolates was evaluated by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Results: The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of CPS against C. uredinicola GRDBF21 and B. maydis GRDBF23 were 700 mg/L and 1300 mg/L, respectively. In the presence of CPS, C. uredinicola GRDBF21 and B. maydis GRDBF23 exhibited biomass production and maximum laccase activity of 4.2 g/L & 5.15 g/L and 290.14 U L−1 & 164.91 U L−1, respectively. The GC–MS analysis proved an effective biodegradation of CPS, as only a negligible and unquantifiable amount of CPS was present after 20 d of incubation. Conclusion: These results are indicative that the test isolates could be effectively used in the bioremediation of recalcitrant environmental pollutants, especially organophosphate pesticides like CPS.

This paper aims to examine the impact of E-learning quality on students' satisfaction and performance before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of gender as a moderating variable. A descriptive and inferential approach was used where a specially designed questionnaire was distributed on a simple random sample of students enrolled in Public Security Training City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were gathered from 352 respondents. The multiple regression analysis was used to justify the proposed hypotheses. The study found that E-learning system quality and E-learning service quality positively impacted student satisfaction, which made a significant and positive impact on student performance. Moreover, gender played a moderating role in the relationship between E-learning system quality, E-learning service quality, and student satisfaction. Finally, it was found that the relationship between all variables during COVID-19 was stronger than relationships that existed before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aim of this paper is to define a Berinde type ($ \rho $, $ \mu $)-$ \vartheta $ contraction and establish some fixed point results for self mappings in the setting of complete metric spaces. We derive new fixed point results, which extend and improve some results in the literature. We also supply a non trivial example to support the obtained results. Finally, we investigate the existence of solutions for the nonlinear fractional differential equation.

AbstractThis study examines a group of women entrepreneurs of small and micro businesses in Hail, Riyadh and Eastern regions of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study aims to identify the particular style of leadership displayed by these women entrepreneurs; and whether all their competencies have the same or different influence on their task-oriented or people-oriented leadership styles. The respondents were initially identified through various organizations such as Wa’ed (Aramco’s entrepreneurship centre), MISK Foundation and Monsha’at. Subsequently, we finalized female-owned small businesses that are operating for minimum two years in their respective business area as our target respondents. The survey questionnaire was sent to 310 women entrepreneurs after obtaining their approval. A total of 211 filled surveys were received. The responses having repetition or missing data were deleted which resulted in 174 surveys which were analyzed using SPSS. Surprisingly, the results indicate that our respondents exhibit a higher score of task-oriented leadership style. The female entrepreneurs who possess high degrees of business and management, relationship, entrepreneurial and human relation skills are found to incline towards task-oriented leadership style. The relationship and entrepreneurial competencies show a positive influence on the people-oriented leadership style. On the other hand, business and management, as well as entrepreneurial and human interactions, show a positive influence on task-oriented style of leadership.

To estimate COVID-19 infections and deaths in healthcare workers (HCWs) from a global perspective during the early phases of the pandemic. Systematic review. Two parallel searches of academic bibliographic databases and grey literature were undertaken until 8 May 2020. Governments were also contacted for further information where possible. There were no restrictions on language, information sources used, publication status and types of sources of evidence. The AACODS checklist or the National Institutes of Health study quality assessment tools were used to appraise each source of evidence. Publication characteristics, country-specific data points, COVID-19-specific data, demographics of affected HCWs and public health measures employed. A total of 152 888 infections and 1413 deaths were reported. Infections were mainly in women (71.6%, n=14 058) and nurses (38.6%, n=10 706), but deaths were mainly in men (70.8%, n=550) and doctors (51.4%, n=525). Limited data suggested that general practitioners and mental health nurses were the highest risk specialities for deaths. There were 37.2 deaths reported per 100 infections for HCWs aged over 70 years. Europe had the highest absolute numbers of reported infections (119 628) and deaths (712), but the Eastern Mediterranean region had the highest number of reported deaths per 100 infections (5.7). COVID-19 infections and deaths among HCWs follow that of the general population around the world. The reasons for gender and specialty differences require further exploration, as do the low rates reported in Africa and India. Although physicians working in certain specialities may be considered high risk due to exposure to oronasal secretions, the risk to other specialities must not be underestimated. Elderly HCWs may require assigning to less risky settings such as telemedicine or administrative positions. Our pragmatic approach provides general trends, and highlights the need for universal guidelines for testing and reporting of infections in HCWs.

This study aims to measure science teachers' perception about their students' practices in science class, and to measure their model of inquiry teaching. The sample consisted of 127 middle school science teachers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 65 males and 62 females, in the school year 2016/2017, and utilized a questionnaire with two parts, 11 items for their students' practices, and 27 items related to model of inquiry teaching. The results showed that the general average of teacher's assessment of their students' practices in science class was "average," except for finding relevant literature was "low." Teachers' perceptions of their degree of practices of inquiry showed that all the three models "structured, guided, and open" rated as "average." In "Structured Inquiry," the means of males' responses ranged between (3.60) and (2.61), while the females ranged between (3.92) and (3.02), indicating that both of them are practicing structured inquiry with a range from moderate to high practice. For the "Guided Inquiry" the means ranging between (3.52) and (2.97) for males, and (3.58) and (2.74) for females, indicating that the range from moderate to high practice. And for the perceptions of practicing "Open Inquiry" the means ranged between (3.38) and (2.42) for males, and (3.34) and (2.13) for females, indicating that they practice "Open Inquiry" between moderate and low practice. There were no statistically significant differences between male and female teachers' perceptions for their students' practices and of the degree to which they exercised all models of inquiry. Based on the findings, the researcher suggests a number of pedagogical implications.

Background: In elderly patients, fracture of the denture is one of the most common problems. Therefore, in this research, a chemical tantalum oxide was added to test its effect on the extent of increasing the strength of the denture and its ability to withstand fracture. Objective: To assess how Tantalum oxide affected heat – cured acrylic s impact strength and hardness. Patients and Methods: The Intention was to create a total of (60) specimens. Twenty samples were made without additives (control), and 40 had made with tantalum oxide at two different amounts ( 1%, 1.5%). Results: The impact strength tests showed highly significant difference among studied groups . The hardness test also showed really significant difference between the two groups, the controls and the experiments. when tantalum oxide had added the impact strength and hardness had increase in all concentration. Conclusion: Denture fracture in elderly patients is the main problem, while when adding this substance, a decrease in the fracture rate was observed when compared with dentures without adding this substance.

Arbitration is the most widespread mechanism for resolving disputes in the modern and Islamic eras. The current global tendency calls for an increase in the integration of disruptive technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), into arbitration. Using doctrinal legal research methodology, this article examines the potential prospect of artificial intelligence (AI) in arbitration from international, national, and Islamic perspectives. To achieve that, several international arbitration laws, such as the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards 1958 and UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration 1985, national arbitration laws, such as Arbitration Act 2005 (Act 646), UK Arbitration Act 1996, and Singaporean Arbitration Act 2011, and the Islamic law were analysed. The collected data was analytically and critically analysed using the content analysis method. It is found that AI technologies would bring added value to arbitration if they are appropriately employed. However, from a legal perspective, arbitration laws are not mature enough to absorb AI technologies. Besides, it has been discovered that Islam does not prohibit AI technologies as long as they can serve humanity. According to the Islamic point of view, an artificial intelligence arbitrator (AIA) cannot replace human arbitrators. Finally, this article provides several recommendations to enhance the use of AI technologies and AIA in arbitration. This, in turn, would help in creating a modern, prosperous, and just world and improving the international relations between nations, international organisations, and individuals from different countries as any of them could resolve their disputes effectively.

Tiagabine (Tia), a new-generation antiseizure drug that mimics the GABAergic signaling by inhibiting GABA transporter type-1, is the least studied molecule in chronic epilepsy models with comorbid neurobehavioral and neuroinflammatory parameters. Therefore, the current study investigated the effects of Tia in a real-time manner on electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, behavioral manifestations and mRNA expression in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-kindled mice. Male BALB/c mice were treated with tiagabine (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg) for 21 days with simultaneous PTZ (40 mg/kg) injection every other day for a total of 11 injections and monitored for seizure progression with synchronized validation through EEG recordings from cortical electrodes. The post-kindling protection from anxiety and memory deficit was verified by a battery of behavioral experiments. Isolated brains were evaluated for oxidative alterations and real-time changes in mRNA expression for BDNF/TrkB, GAT-1 and GAT-3 as well as neuroinflammatory markers. Experimental results revealed that Tia at the dose of 2 mg/kg maximally inhibited the development of full bloom seizure and reduced epileptic spike discharges from the cortex. Furthermore, Tia dose-dependently exerted the anxiolytic effects and protected from PTZ-evoked cognitive impairment. Tia reduced lipid peroxidation and increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels in the brain via augmentation of GABAergic modulation. PTZ-induced upregulated BDNF/TrkB signaling and pro-inflammatory cytokines were mitigated by Tia with upregulation of GAT-1 and GAT-3 transporters in whole brains. In conclusion, the observed effects of Tia might have resulted from reduced oxidative stress, BDNF/TrkB modulation and mitigated neuroinflammatory markers expression leading to reduced epileptogenesis and improved epilepsy-related neuropsychiatric effects.

There is an increasing demand for the development of catalytic reagents that are nontoxic due to the growing environmental concerns in the present organic transformation. Bismuth(III) compounds have significant potential as catalysts for a range of organic synthesis due to their low toxicity, strong Lewis acid catalytic activity, and great flexibility. In this research work, a series of various chemically and pharmacologically important six‐membered fused nitrogen‐/oxygen‐based heterocycle derivatives were efficiently prepared via a one‐pot multicomponent reaction starting from aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile, and barbituric acid in presence of green and reusable Lewis catalyst bismuth(III) triflate, that is, Bi(OTf)3 in EtOH/H2O (1:1) media. Bi(OTf)3 has the additional benefit of being reusable catalyst, ready availability, eco‐friendliness, and easy to handle to obtain corresponding products in excellent yields (83%–94%). Structure of all synthesized products was characterized on the basis of FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and ESI–MS analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The researcher aims to investigate Saudi science teachers' beliefs about learning and teaching issues. The sample consisted of 247 middle school teachers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study conducted in the academic school year 2014/2015, and utilized a questionnaire and an interview that included 10% of the sample. The questionnaire targeted the teachers' conceptions of learning and teaching issues and examined whether these conceptions fit the transmission, or discovery, of constructivist approaches. The interview focused on "authentic scientific resources", the limitations of the word "science", and the possible conflict between science and Islamic resources. The goal of this study was to draw conclusions and pedagogical implications to contribute to a better understanding of science teachers' beliefs. The results show a significant shift toward the discovery approach. However, teachers address science as an issue separate from historical and cultural aspects. Based on the findings of this study, the researcher suggests a number of pedagogical implications.

Although the incidence of chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) is uncommon, it could become life threatening. With improvements in diagnostic imaging and endovascular therapy over the past few decades, the treatment of CMI has evolved. Even though endovascular revascularization for CMI is prominent, it is unclear if the early advantages outweigh the long-term patency rates. This study conducts a systematic review and meta-analysis to present comprehensive insights into the validity of endovascular revascularization versus open revascularization as effective therapeutic modalities. Studies up to 2022 were searched in MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, and Embase. Additionally, references from earlier studies and review papers were manually searched for additional relevant reports. At least two authors examined all the results, making sure they fit the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In the event of disagreement, the authors were able to reach an understanding. Open revascularization is superior to endovascular approaches in maintaining vessel patency and reducing symptoms over the long term. Perioperative problems are more common in patients undergoing open procedures. Each patient's anatomy and physiology call for a different revascularization approach to be applied in treating this condition.

Qualitative Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has long been established and implemented in a wide variety of fields including pharmaceutical, biomedical, and clinical fields. While the quantitative applications are yet to reach their full potential, this technique is flourishing. It is tempting to shed light on modern engaging and the applicability of analytical quantitative FTIR spectroscopy in the aforementioned fields. More importantly, the credibility, validity, and generality of the application will be thoroughly demonstrated by reviewing the latest published work in the scientific literature. Utilizing FTIR spectroscopy in a quantitative approach in pharmaceutical, biomedical, and interdisciplinary fields has many undeniable advantages over traditional procedures. An insightful account will be undertaken in this regard. The technique will be introduced as an appealing alternative to common methods such as high performance liquid chromatography. It is anticipated that the review will offer researchers an update of the current status and prospect on the subject among the pharmacy and biomedical sciences both in academic and industrial fields.

To study phytochemical screening, Antioxidant property, and wound healing and hair growth of Olives tree (wild and cultivars) and Juniperus excelsa are the most important natural sources used to treat many diseases around the sultanate of Oman. Preliminary phytochemical analysis and DPPH method of antioxidant assay was carried out invitro. The experimental plant materials were also used to test their effect on hair growth and wound healing on Swiss albino mice(n = 3). Results of phytochemical study showed that tannins, alkaloid, saponin, terpenes, phenolic were found at high concentration (+++), while the rest of the constituents were found at moderate (++) to low concentrations (+). DPPH free radical scavenging potential of water extract of juniperus excelsa was (50 µg/ml = 83.30 %) found to be more effective, at 200 µg/ml concentration be 64.62 % free radical scavenging percentage was noticed. In the wound healing study, it was observed that juniperus extract showed significant result on the recovery of linear wound. Against the hair growth study, it was observed that the wild and cultivar olive water extracts have the best effect on hair growth. From these findings it is clear that these traditional medicinal plant parts can be effectively used for pharmacological preparations.

The study examines the relationship between doing business factors and tax evasion in Asian countries. To this end, Ordinary Least Square (OLS), along with a fixed and random effect model, was used to analyze the 5-year data (2011–2015) of 35 Asian countries obtained from the global competitiveness report and World Development Indicators. The findings indicated that a high level of corruption, a high tax rate, limited access to finance, strict tax regulation, government instability, and poor ethics promote tax evasion. Extending the socio-economic theory, the findings of the study provide the tax administration and governments of Asian countries with insights into the mechanism by which certain business factors influence tax evasion. Moreover, the study offers some valuable guidelines for formulating suitable economic policies that engender a reduction in tax evasion.

The clinical severity of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection may rise because of acquiring a co-infection during the hospital stay of the patients. The rate of hospital co-infection alongside COVID-19 infection remains low. However, the mortality rates and intensive care unit (ICU) admission remains ambiguous. The present study investigates the implications of COVID-19 hospitalised infected patients with co-infection and the clinical outcomes. In this study, 142 patients were included. The eligible patients who tested positive for COVID-19 infection were hospitalised for more than two days. Each patient’s characteristics and laboratory results were collected, such as who was admitted to the intensive care unit and who was discharged or expired. The results revealed that out of the 142 hospitalised patients, 25 (17.6%) were co-infection positive, and 12 identified types of co-infection: two Gram-positive bacterial infections, one fungal infection and nine Gram-negative bacterial infections. In addition, 33 (23.2%) were ICU admitted, 21 were co-infection negative and 12 were co-infection positive. Among the 12 ICU admitted with co-infection, 33.4% were discharged. The death rate and ICU admission had a p-value < 0.05, indicating statistical significance for co-infected patients compared to non-co-infected patients. It was concluded that co-infection remains very low within hospitalised COVID-19-infected patients but can have severe outcomes with increased ICU admission and increased mortality rates. Thus, implementing infection preventive measures to minimize the spread of hospital-acquired infections among COVID-19 hospitalised patients.

We report on the generation and transmission of 30 GHz millimeter-wave (MMW) beat-tone signals employing external- (EIL) and self-injection-locked (SIL) InAs/InP quantum-dash based dual-wavelength laser (QD-DWL) sources emitting in mid L-band. Later, successful transmission of 2 Gbps quadrature phase-shift-keying (QPSK) signal over clear weather conditions on 2 m wireless (WL), and hybrid channels consisting of 20 km single-mode fiber (SMF) and 2 m WL, and 20 km single-mode fiber (SMF), 5 m free-space-optics (FSO) and 2 m WL, are demonstrated employing both MMW sources, with a slight ∼1.4 dBm extra received optical power requirement from SIL QD-DWL. Lastly, examining the effect of dusty weather conditions on the MMW transmission over 20 km SMF, 0.9 m FSO and 1 m WL hybrid channel, considering both EIL and SIL sources, showed maximum visibility range (V) of 12 ± 2 m and 16 ± 2 m for successful transmission, respectively. These investigations reinforce the simple, cost-effective, and energy-efficient SIL QD-DWL as a candidate L-band millimeter-wave (MMW) source compared to the EIL counterpart in 5G and next-generation radio-over-fiber wavelength-division multiplexing networks.

Introduction: Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease characterised by intermittent nervous system derangement due to sudden excessive cerebral neuron discharge that results in almost instantaneous sensation disruption and loss of consciousness. There is a clear lack of epilepsy information among the general population. This study was carried out with an aim to examine the knowledge, attitude and practice of schoolteachers towards epilepsy. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey was administered to 433 schoolteachers working in the Al-Qassim region of Saudi Arabia from October to December 2020. A 20-item pretested validated questionnaire was distributed as a Google survey link, and the data collected were analysed using SPSS version 22. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The Chi-square test was used to evaluate the categorical variables. Results: Around two-thirds of the teachers (35.2%) gained their information about epilepsy from public resources such as newspapers, television and the internet, and around half of them (53.1%) gained their information about epilepsy from multiple resources, namely from doctors, public resources and parents of students with epilepsy. Almost all teachers (99.3%) acknowledge that epilepsy is not a contagious disease, and more than half of the participants (58.4%) believed that there are multiple causes of epilepsy, including genetics, head trauma, infection, brain tumour and insanity. Conclusion: The study showed that teachers' knowledge of epilepsy was promising, but still, there are gaps in knowledge and attitude towards first aid management. There is a need to address this issue with the training of schoolteachers with the cooperation of local health professionals.

Background and objectives: Aspergillus keratitis are in the increasing trend and reported as the second most common cause of mycotic keratitis in developing countries. The present study was designed to isolate, identify Aspergillus spp. from the keratits/corneal ulcer patients attending a tertiary care eye hospital, Coimbatore, South India and to assess the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against ten clinically used first-line antifungal drugs. Methods: A total of seventy-three Aspergillus strains isolated from corneal scrapings were included and assessed for a period of one year. All isolates were identified up to the species level by morphological observations. Antifungal drug susceptibilities were determined against a standard panel of antifungal agents. Conclusions: Five different species of aspergilli, A. flavus (n=53), A. fumigatus (n=14), A. terreus (n=9), A. tamarii (n=6) and A. niger (n=3) were identified based on morphological features. Minimum inhibitory concentration analyses indicated that, voriconazole, natamycin, itraconazole, clotrimazole, econazole followed by ketoconazole shall be the order of choices for the effective treatment for Aspergillus keratitis.