Equilibrium Studies of Binary and Ternary Complexes of Cycloserine

The complex-formation equilibria between copper(II), nickel(II), cobalt(II) and zinc(II) and cycloserine (n-s-amino-Svtsoxazolidone, C3H602N2)were investigated potentimetrically. It was found that cycloserine forms 1: 1 and 1: 2 (metal ion: ligand)complexes. The ternary complex of Cu" with nitrilotriacetic acid and cycloserine was investigated potentiometrically and spectrophotometrically. The probable bonding in the chelated compounds formed in aqueous solution was deduced. The formation constants follow the Irving- Williams series

Effect of a Classroom-based Intervention on the Social Skills of Students with Learning Difficulties

Children with learning difficulties often face challenges in social skills, hindering their ability to adjust and interact within society. The present study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a training program designed to enhance the social skills of individuals with disabilities. The quasi-experimental study involved 20 primary school students with learning difficulties exhibiting deficits in social skills in the United Arab Emirates. To evaluate the level of social skills of the sample children, a social skills assessment scale was employed, which was developed by the researchers. The assessment scale consisted of 24 statements that were organized into three dimensions based on previous research and theoretical frameworks. The results of the present study showed that the training program significantly and positively impacted the social skills of these children. There were statistically significant disparities between the mean ranks of the experimental group and the control group's scores on the social skills assessment scale after program completion. In conclusion, the study recommends integrating the developed training and similar programs into the public and private education curricula, including both government and private schools, to improve the social communication abilities of children with learning difficulties. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-SIED2-011 Full Text: PD

Measuring the level of self-awareness among faculty members in universities: demographic factors

This study aimed to measure the level of self-awareness among university faculty members, considering various demographic variables such as gender, academic specializations, and experience. The research was conducted on a sample of faculty members from four universities in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE): two from Jordan and two from the UAE. A sample of 172 faculty members was selected using an appropriate non-probability sampling technique. The researchers invited the entire study sample to participate in the self-awareness scale (SAS), developed using a translated Arabic version. The study found that the level of self-awareness among the sample was moderately average, with a mean score of 3.54. Additionally, according to the survey, there were no discernible gender disparities in self-awareness among university faculty members. However, there were statistically significant differences among faculty members in the sub-dimensions of realistic caution and self-reflection based on the experience variable, favoring faculty members with 11 or more years of experience. Significant differences were also observed in realistic awareness and indifference to external cues among faculty members specializing in humanities and social sciences compared to those in other specializations

The Effectiveness of a Training Program Based on Group Art Therapy in Developing Social Interaction Skills and Increasing the Aesthetic Sense of An Autistic Child

The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a training program based on group art therapy in developing social interaction skills and increasing the aesthetic sense of the autistic child, as well as detecting differences in the levels of the sample members on the two scales of social interaction skills and aesthetic sense in the light of the effect of the training program. The sample of the study consisted of (8) children with autism who were selected from the Al-Irada Center for Autism Disorders in Gaza (Khan Yunis branch), where their ages ranged from (6-8 years). The study used the two scales of social interaction skills and aesthetic sense (prepared by the researchers). The results of the study showed the following: - There are statistically significant differences between the mean scores of the experimental and control group members in the dimensional measurement on the scales of social interaction skills and aesthetic sense in favor of the experimental group due to the effect of the training program. - There are statistically significant differences between the mean scores of the experimental group members in the tribal and remote measurements on the scales of social interaction skills and aesthetic sense in favor of the post measurement due to the effect of the training program. - There are no statistically significant differences between the mean scores of the experimental group members in the post- and follow-up measurement on the scales of social interaction skills and aesthetic sense. In light of the results, the researchers recommend the specialists and researchers to use the techniques, skills and methods included in the current training program in training children with autism, with the aim of achieving social interaction and aesthetic sense for them. Some auxiliary facilities and equipment in the field of treatment

Invasive fungal infections and patients with malignancies in upper Egypt

The incidence of invasive fungal infections has increased considerably in recent years. The aim of this study was to present a suitable early diagnostic procedure in immune compromised patients, using detection of fungal infection of urine samples collected from 33 patients with malignancies (from 2-89 years old), during the period from December 2012 to February 2014, from South Egypt. Fifty-three fungal species representing 14 genera were collected during this investigation from urine samples on Sabouraoud’s Dextrose Chloramphenicol Agar (46 species and 12 genera) and Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol Agar media (41 species and 11 genera). Aspergillus (16 species), Penicillium (14 species), Yeasts (5 species) and Cladosporium (5 species) contributed the broadest spectra of species in all samples tested on two types of media used. Other species were represented by 13 species belonging to 10 genera. The results indicate that immune compromised patient is a suitable habitat for the growth and sporulation of different groups of fungi, both saprophytic and pathogenic. A variety of types of filamentous fungi were obtained from malignancies patients. Immunosuppressant patient’s exposure for fungal infection so should be in especial care from food, drinking and air. Published by the International journal of Microbiology and Mycology (IJMM

Production of Polysaccharides (Xanthan gum) by Xanthomonas campestris pv. Sesame

Many microorganisms and plants were found produce polysaccharides which are widely varying in their composition and structure. The extracellular polysaccharide produced by   Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, is chemically analyzed and used industrially. However, only the xanthan gum which was ranking as the best among the ten polysaccharides was used commercially in large amounts. The xanthan gum has numerous applications in food and other industries. The present study was aiming to investigate the capacity of X; campestris pv. sesami for the production of xanthan gum, using culture media containing different carbon sources. The properties of the produced material were investigated (pH, viscosity, and chromatographic analysis using thin layer chromatography).  The results showed that the weight of the product was increasing with time reaching about 9.8g at the tenth day compared to only 2.1g on the second day. The results of the effect of different carbon sources indicated that sucrose was the best giving 9.0 g in the 7th day compared to only 1.5g by raffinose. The pH was changing from 6.7 at the beginning of the experiment to 4.2 in the tenth day. However, the viscosity of the inoculated sucrose medium was found to increase from 2.4 unit at the second day to 9.7 units after ten days. Analysis on paper chromatography showed that the produced polysaccharide contains mannose, glucuronic acid, glucose, rhamnose but no ribose nor trehalose or fructose were detected. The results indicated that the investigated bacterium was producing large amounts of xanthan gum. Although, Xanthan gum was discovered in 1950s its substantial commercial production began in 1964 and in 1969, the USA, Food and Drug Administration authorized its use in food. Xanthan gum, now has numerous uses in food and other industries. Further studies should be carried on other isolates  of the bacterium   X. campestris pv. sesami and more chemical analysis are needed

Skill components of higher education in the era of sustainable development: an analytical study among university students in Qatar

IntroductionThe present study investigates the status of education for sustainable development (ESD) as an approach applied to higher education. This study proposes cognitive, behavioral, and socio-emotional learning as the three dimensions of ESD. It examines the extent to which the current curriculum and educational structures applied by Qatar University (QU) contribute to sustainable development (SD) skills in students' attitudes.MethodsData from 319 students were collected. Factor analysis was performed to regroup skill items within the consistent dimensions of 16 core skills. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between core skills and the five SD skills.FindingsFive logistic regression models were investigated. Model 1 found two predictors that only increase the odds of innovative thinking skills. Model 2 detected five predictors that increase the odds of critical thinking skills. Model 3 defined three predictors that increase the odds of resolving problem skills. Model 4 mentioned four predictors that increase the odds of communication/coordination skills. Model 5 showed two predictors that increase the odds of decision-making skills.Research implicationsThis study introduces new core skills that have been reclassified based on students' real-world experiences. Such findings may help target specific skills and bring significant changes in higher education outcomes

A New Sutureless Illuminated Macular Buckle Designed for Myopic Macular Hole Retinal Detachment

Purpose. To report the anatomic and visual results of a new sutureless illuminated macular buckle designed for patients with macular hole retinal detachment related to high myopia (MMHRD). Design. Prospective nonrandomized comparative interventional trial. Methods. Twenty myopic eyes of 20 patients (mean age, 51.4 years; range, 35–65 years) presenting with MMHRD with a posterior staphyloma, in whom the new buckle was used, were evaluated. The buckle used was assembled from a 5 mm wide sponge and a 7 mm wide silicone tire; it was fixed utilizing the sterile topical adhesive Histoacryl Blue (B Braun, TS1050044FP) which polymerizes in seconds upon being exposed to water-containing substances. The primary outcomes measured included aided visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings. The mean follow-up period was 6 months. Results. Postoperatively, the MH closure was identified by OCT in 8 (40%) eyes. The mean BCVA increased from 0.11 to 0.21 (p<0.005). The axial length of the eyes included decreased from 30.5 mm preoperatively to 29.8 mm (p=0.002) postoperatively. Conclusion. Preparation of the new sutureless macular buckle is simple and easy. Illumination of the terminal part of the buckle ensures proper placement. Histoacryl Blue is effective in fixing the buckle in its place for at least 6 months with no reported intra- or postoperative complications

Association of monomeric C-Reactive Protein (m-CRP) with hypothalamic neurons after CRP hippo-campal administration in a model of dementia

– OBJECTIVE: The ensuing ischemia due to the disruption of blood supply to the brain is one of the most common causes of stroke. Evidence suggests a clear association of the ischemic injury with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In response to the brain ischemia, a cascade reaction starts leading to neuronal damage due to oxidative stress and other inflammatory mediators. A pilot study was done, which showed that following stroke, monomeric-C-reactive protein (mCRP) is expressed in large quantities around the infarcted zone and this CRP is able to induce neurode-generation and inflammation potentially perpetuating dementia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined both patient brain samples and excised mouse brain tissue, previously injected with 1.75 mg/ mL mCRP into the CA1 area of the hippocampus through the stereotactic surgical procedures and followed them over a period of over 6 months. The distribution of mCRP was examined through immunohistochemistry (mouse anti-human mCRP-specific antibodies 8C10). RESULTS: We observed a novel finding: those micro vessels close to the injection location were strongly stained with mCRP only in the mice that had been injected with mCRP, indicating that this small blood vessel can spread it throughout the brain. CONCLUSIONS: mCRP found in the brain after a hemorrhagic stroke promotes damage over a large area via the induction of inflammation and degeneration of perivascular compartments