Designing a reading literacy curriculum for secondary school students in Egypt

The key contribution of this research is to produce a proposal for a reading literacy curriculum design (RLCD) for secondary school students (15-17 year-old) in Egypt. This proposal includes four major components: targets, assessment, instruction, and content. Two complementary dimensions are investigated: the theoretical analysis (the researcher’s perspective based upon analysis of reading literacy research) and the fieldwork (the empirical study using a questionnaire for teachers and supervisors and a semi-structured interview for other professionals). Those two dimensions are charted through seven chapters and introduction to and conclusion of these chapters. Following an introduction to the research problem, purposes, questions, structure, rationale, and parameters, the successive focus of these chapters is on: - Clarifying the Egyptian context in terms of education system, culture of learning, critical analysis of the actual reading situation and how all of these elements reveal the gap between 'what is' and 'what ought to be' in RLCD in the secondary school in Egypt (Chapter one);- Reading literacy theory: the concept of reading literacy, dimensions, and models and how these can be used a baseline for RLCD (Chapter two);- Theoretical analysis of reading literacy targets and assessment, the first two components of RLCD (Chapter three);- Theoretical analysis of reading literacy instruction and content, the other two components of RLCD (Chapter four);- Research methodology, where survey design was employed and mixed methods were used: a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. The major aim was to collect data to find out if the practitioners (i.e. secondary school teachers and supervisors) and other professionals (i.e. specialists in curriculum and instruction) in Egypt agree with the reading literacy research (chapter five);- Data analysis, where a descriptive statistical analysis was conducted for data provided by the questionnaire and a cross-sectional or code and retrieve analysis strategy was applied for data provided by the semi-structured interview. Results indicated that the practitioners' perceptions on the questionnaire and the professionals' answers in the semi-structured interview supported what was revealed by the theoretical analysis regarding RLCD. This suggests that the proposed RLCD is a practical proposition and it is timely to do it. It also raises the confidence in RLCD by triangulation of data by using the questionnaire for the practitioners and the semi-structured interview for other professionals and relating all of this to literature analysis (Chapter six);-Developing the proposal (RLCD): its scope, framework, and components: targets, assessment, instruction, and content. The researcher combines all sources of data: the theoretical analysis, the questionnaire data, and the semi-structured interview data (Chapter seven).The conclusion of the research is introduced. It presents a summary of the research and most importantly, it provides a summary of the contribution of the present research to reading literacy curriculum in theory and practice. Deriving from its results, some recommendations for practice and further research are made and a closing reflective epilogue on the research and the researcher is provided

Kisspeptin Hormone: Revolution in Reproductive System Physiology

The control of reproduction has been attributed to the actions and feedforward of the sex steroids gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). However, recent findings, including the identification of kisspeptin neurons and a kisspeptin-GnRH-LH/FSH axis, have prompted a reevaluation of reproductive regulation. At first, the KISS1 gene encoding kisspeptin was thought to belong to a group of genes called metastasis suppressors. Vertebrate and mammalian genomes have been enriched with Kiss and KissR gene variations during the last two decades. In 2003, kisspeptins and their receptor, KISS1R, and their role in the neuroendocrine-reproductive axis were discovered. This finding radically altered our understanding of reproductive physiology. These discoveries support the role of kisspeptins and their receptor as gatekeepers of sexual maturity at the outset of puberty and as key processors in the adult-life dynamic control of the gonadotropic axis. The significance of kisspeptin signaling in spermatogenesis and sperm quality is still debatable, even though Kiss1 and Kiss1R are expressed peripherally in the testes. Numerous processes, including steroidogenesis, follicular maturation, ovulation, and ovarian senescence, are affected by kisspeptin activity. Therefore, kisspeptin analogs (both agonists and antagonists) may be useful as therapies for those with disorders affecting the reproductive system. This overview focuses on the evolution, localization, and reproductive importance of the Kiss–KissR pair

TECHNO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF USING PV CURTAIN WALLS IN HOT ARID ENVIRONMENTCASE STUDY; MIXED-USE BUILDING, JEDDAH, KSA

Nowadays the world no longer has a choice to reduce the dependency of non-renewable energy resources, especially in buildings. This type of energy like fossil fuel is responsible for global warming and the climate change phenomenon. The construction industry has to depend on renewable energy to improve environmental impacts while operating the buildings. The most promising technologies for buildings are photovoltaic panels system which converts solar radiation into electricity without harming the environment. PV system is not only used as top-roof panels but also it can play an important role in the exterior building cladding and in curtain wall system as well. Building-integrated PV (BIPV) system has two functions the first is used as a façade cladding and the second is power generation for building operation. This research studies the PV curtain wall as a BIPV system and explains why this system is better than the traditional curtain wall through its environmental performance and initial, and operation costs. Based on the analysed tabulated feasibility study considering energy savings outcome and system cost, PV curtain walls proved technical, environmental and economic viability. The paper’s case study in Jeddah-KSA provides a real example of how PV curtain wall application plays a fundamental role in achieving high energy performance standards as well as maximize the financial return of investment

Pramipexole protective effect on rotenone induced neurotoxicity in mice

Introduction: 
Pramipexole is a new dopaminergic drug which has been approved for PD treatment. However, we tried to find a new capacity for this drug rather than symptomatic effect. 

Materials and Methods: 
A chronic rotenone model with daily oral dose of 30mg/kg was induced in mice. Pramipexole was tried in a new approach where the treatment began in the middle of rotenone course with oral dose 1mg/kg/day of pramipexole. 

Results: 
Further analysis of behavioral tests and immunohistochemistry revealed success of pramipexole in improving the rotenone intoxicated mice. 

Conclusion: 
These results showed possible beneficial effects of pramipexole against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity

Piriformospora indica modifies cucumber’s tolerance to Meloidogyne incognita by regulating various agro-physiological traits, antioxidant enzymes, and abscisic acid pathway genes

Root knot nematode (RKN), Meloidogyne incognita, is considered a major soil-borne pathogen that can cause severe yield losses for vegetables and diverse crops. Usually, reducing of M. incognita damage is mainly relies on the application of nematicides and good agricultural practices. However, the use of synthetic nematicides is restricted due to concerns about their impact on the environment and human health.  As a result, the use of alternative strategies is becoming necessary to combat RKN resistance. This study evaluates the antagonistic impact of the root mutualistic fungus Pirforomospora indica on M. incognita. It also assesses its influence on the nutritional status, photo-synthesis, antioxidant enzyme activity, endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) levels, and selected ABA related-responsive genes in cucumber plants. Roots of cucumber seedlings were inoculated with P. indica and the second-stage juveniles (1000 J2 per plant). The results demonstrated that P. indica significantly reduced M. incognita invasion in roots, resulting in a 24% reduction in root galling and 42.6% decline in final population. Inoculating plants with both P. indica and RKN increased performance of root fresh and dry weight, as well as improved photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), photosystem II efficiency (PSII), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dis-mutase (SOD). Furthermore, P. indica colonization, either alone or in combination with M. incognita, significantly improved number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, the plant's marketable yield, and leaf nutrient content (N, P, K and Mg), Moreover, there was an increase in IAA content combined with a decrease in ABA content in roots of dual inoculation plants, if compared to M. incognita infested plants. The highest ABA content was recorded in the root of RKN-cucumber plants. The decline in ABA content due to P. indica treatment was consistent with the modulation of ABA pathway genes, specifically PP2C, PYL1, RK2,1, and RK2,2. The mixed of P. indica and M. incognita led to a decrease in the expression of PP2C, PLY1, RK2,1, and RK2,2 in comparison to the control group. These results indicate that P. indica application could help reduce the negative effects of RKN on important crops

Reactive power control to enhance the VSC-HVDC system performance under faulty and normal conditions

This paper studied the reactive power control of the voltage source converters based high-voltage direct current system (VSC-HVDC). PI (proportional & integration) controller was used in this work to enhance the dynamic response of the system. Gravitational search algorithm (GSA) and sine cosine algorithm (SCA) are used to get optimal parameters of the PI controller. GSA algorithm is based on the gravity law for Newton while SCA depends on mathematical model based on cosine and sine functions. These algorithms have an efficient global Search capability. The VSC-HVDC is exposed to different disturbances for checking the controller robustness. First disturbance was applying three phase faults on the system. While the second one was applying a step change in AC voltage. Finally, Applying step change in regulators reference values. Simulation results proved the controller superiority also verified the enhancement of the system dynamic response

Biocontrol of Fusarium wilt disease in pepper plant by plant growth promoting Penicillium expansum and Trichoderma harzianum

Plant growth promoting fungi (PGPF) were employed in the present study to biocontrol Fusarium wilt disease in pepper plants. Two of the five fungal isolates were chosen based on biochemical characteristics such as their production of hydrocyanic acid, siderophores, and IAA, phosphate solubilization, and in vitro antifungal activities. The most potent fungal isolates were identified as Penicillium expansum (P. expansum) and Trichoderma harzianum (T. harzianum). Using GC-MS, it was found that PGPF extracts contain compounds with antifungal activity, antioxidants, and plant growth stimulators. The combined effect of T. harzianum and P. expansum increased the protection against fusarial wilt by (76.74%), followed by T. harzianum by (50%), then P. expansum by (17.64%). Significant improvement because of using the mixture (T. harzianum and P. expansum) showed an increase in shoot length (59.4%), root length (129%), and number of leaves (52.6%). Chlorophyll A and B levels in infected plants were consistently raised by 28.71% and 67.58%, respectively; as a result of application the mixture (T. harzianum and P. expansum). Also, there was an increase in soluble proteins and carbohydrates in infected plants treated with (T. harzianum) by 25.42% and 31.78% over untreated infected plants, respectively. It could be recommended that the use of targeted PGPF strains, especially a mixture of T. harzianum and P. expansum could be commercially used as therapeutic nutrients against Fusarium wilt of pepper plants

Enhancing the evaporative cooling performance of fan-pad system using alternative pad materials and water film over the greenhouse roof

Greenhouse technology is a viable option for sustainable crop production in the regions of adverse climatic conditions.  During hot seasons the heat input to a greenhouse causes the internal temperature to exceed its optimal value.  The present study was devoted to construct an evaporative cooling system to reduce heat stress inside a greenhouse.  Two identical small-scale greenhouses were designed, constructed, and installed on an open roof of a domestic house.  The two greenhouses were cooled using fan-pad system.  In addition, a thin water film was applied on the roof of one greenhouse to study the effect of roof water film and fan-pad (combined system) on the cooling performance.  The two cooling systems were compared under the same condition.  Three new evaporative cooling pads represented by Cryperus Alopecuroides Rottb (Samar), Cyerus Alternifolius (Purdy) and Cyperus Rotundus l (Nut-grass or Se'd) were adapted and evaluated.  Three pad face air velocities ranged between 0.45 and 1.01 m s-1 and two thicknesses of 10 and 15 cm were used in the investigation of the cooling performance criteria.  Results showed that the proposed cooling pads in the suggested evaporative cooling systems were able to maintain acceptable microclimatic conditions for greenhouse models.  Se'd pad material proved more efficiency in temperature reduction.  It was revealed that the temperature inside the greenhouse operated under the combination of roof water flow and fan-pad system was less than that for fan-pad greenhouse by about 1.1 to 5.44° C in the morning and afternoon respectively.  The air relative humidity was increased due to humid effect provided by cooling system which protects crops from excessive transpiration and crop damage.  The daily average cooling efficiencies of 88.4, 83.1 and 79.6% were obtained for Se'd, Purdy and Samar, respectively during testing days inside the combined system at 15 cm pad thickness and 0.45 m s-1 pad face air velocity.  The Se'd pad material showed the highest efficiency as compared to other pad materials and could be used as an alternative pad material.   Keywords: greenhouse, evaporative cooling, fan-pad system, pad material, roof water flo