The Effectiveness of a Training Program Based on Active Learning Strategies and its Relationship to Reading Comprehension in both Critical and Creative Levels

This study aimed to reveal the effectiveness of a training program based on active learning strategies and its relationship to comprehension reading on critical and creative levels among first intermediate students, and to determine whether the effectiveness of the program vary according to gender and the interaction between the way of teaching and gender. To achieve the objectives of the study a test was prepared to measure students' ability to reading comprehension on critical and creative levels, its validity and reliability were verified. a training program based on active learning strategies was prepared, it included cooperative learning and brainstorming strategies, its validity and reliability were also verified. The training program has been introduced during (25) training sessions in addition to a preliminary and other closing sessions each of which lasts 45 minutes. The study sample consisted of 120 students from the first-grade intermediate students in the city of Al-Kharj, aged (14-15 years), a school for males and another for females were chosen randomly. Two sections were selected randomly from each school , then one of the two sections was chosen in each school randomly to be the experimental group and the other control. Each group consisted of 20 students. The results of the analysis revealed that mean of the students of the experimental group in reading comprehension the critical level is higher than the arithmetic mean for the students of the control group at the same level and that the arithmetic mean of the students of the experimental group in reading comprehension at creative level is higher than arithmetic mean for students of the control group at the same level. The results of multiple two-way analysis of variance showed that the average scores of male students at the experimental group in reading comprehension at the critical and creative levels is higher than the control group at the same level. and it is clear from the results of contrast multi-bilateral analysis the lack of statistically significant differences at the level of significance (α ≤ 0.05) attributed to gender variable and the interaction between the way of teaching and gender, not in the level of reading comprehension at critical level, nor in reading comprehension at the creative level. The researcher recommends further studies and research aims to design programs based on international educational programs; for the development of reading comprehension skills at critical and creative levels, and the use of this program in the development of the skills of reading comprehension at critical and creative levels. Keywords: Training Program, Active Learning Strategies, Reading Comprehensio

The role of biomarkers in patients with ischemic heart disease

Introduction. Ischemic heart disease and its complications are the leading cause of death worldwide. The aim of the study. To study the peculiarities of the course of stable angina pectoris (SAP) of different functional classes (FC) with postinfarction and diffuse cardiosclerosis

Analysis of Genetic Variation of Western and Eastern Populations of Socotra Cormorant (Phalacrocorax Nigrogularis) In the UAE

Understanding the genetic structure of threatened and endangered species is important in management and conservation efforts. Measuring the pattern and scale of genetic variation within and among populations is important for understanding population dynamics. It helps us improve our understanding of the ecological and genetic relation between the populations. The current research looks at the population structure of the endemic seabird of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Socotra cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis). The lack of genetic information, increased threats, and small breeding habitats of the Socotra cormorants, makes it important to investigate the genetic population structure in the UAE. The aim of this research is to assess the level of genetic variation and structure within Eastern and Western Socotra Cormorant populations, using descriptive molecular genetic analysis. Using known mtDNA and nDNA primers of avian and cormorant species, we investigated the genetic differentiation and structure of the Socotra cormorants and assessed their genetic diversity. The results revealed that the Western and Eastern populations have low genetic differentiation and high gene flow. Also, they have low genetic diversity across all populations, which might indicate that the UAE population is recovering from a long-term bottleneck or an event of selective sweep. Now we have a closer insight into their genetic diversity, a further study of whole genome sequence (WGS) is required to get a better understanding of the population’s genetic history and dynamics. This will enable us to additionally understand the Socotra cormorant global population and their connectivity

In Vitro Re Generation and Marker Assisted Evaluation of Genetic Fidelity In Endangered Tree Species Moringa Peregrina (Forsk) Fiori

Moringa peregrina is a native plant in the United Arab Emirates; it is called “Shua”.It is an endangered species with important nutritive and medicinal properties. It shows high adaptability to the arid condition with short germination time after irrigation. Unmanaged grazing and slow regeneration rate after browsing leads to the endangerment of the species causing erosion in biodiversity. One way to protect these rare species is by multiplying the planting material through tissue culture system and re-introducing at the habitat. Micro propagation is an in vitro method used for plant clonal multiplication under controlled condition. This technique allows conserving the genetic characteristics of the plants, which are usually affected by environmental restrictions. In the present study different parts of M. Peregrine, explants will be used for standardizing the mass propagation. Direct organogenesis of nodal explants collected from the in vitro germinated Seedlings were inoculated in MS media supplemented with different hormone treatment (TDZ, BA and NAA) with several concentrations. Thidiazuron treatment in the media observed to be better than BA and NAA combinations. It has been observed that media supplemented with TDZ 1 µM induced an average of 2.4 axillary shoots per explant. For callusing the results show that MS media supplemented with 2, 4-D 2 μM/l and TDZ 0.5 μM/l found to have the highest callusing percentage and size. The rooting of in vitro developed plantlets obtained from nodal ex plants were induced through media supplemented with BA in combination with NAA and IBA. The number of roots was high in BA and NAA medium compare to BA and IBA. The genetic fidelity of the clones produced from the in vitro protocol was assessed using molecular markers. The similarity index between the progenies and parent was above 94.9%.This shows that in vitro developed plantlets are identical with its mother plant. This will facilitate standardizing future conservation programs to limit the erosion of the genetic biodiversity in Moringa peregrina and similar species

The Effectiveness of an Educational Program Based on Drama in Improving Scientific Concepts among Kindergarten Children

The study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of an educational program based on the drama in improving Kindergarten children's scientific concepts. The current study followed the experimental approach with a quasi-experimental design with two experimental and control groups, with a pre and post-test. The research personnel was selected from kindergarten children in the age group of (4 6) years. Their number was (39) children in Baraem Al Shifa Kindergarten of the University Brigade Directorate in the capital Amman. They were distributed into two groups (experimental and control) (19) children in the experimental group and (20) children in the control group; the researcher prepared an educational program based on drama after referring to the previous educational literature that was applied to the experimental group. The researcher prepared the scientific concepts test consisting of (24) questions that were applied in the pre and post-test to the study groups. And after making sure of the suitability of its psychometric properties. The study results found that there is a difference between the mean scores of the members of the research group in the pre and post applications, to test social scientific concepts in a statistically significant manner and favor the post-application. It is evident that the educational program based on drama has contributed to developing scientific concepts among the research group members. In light of this, the study recommended that kindergarten teachers pay attention to developing scientific concepts in children. And the necessity of training kindergarten teachers to use the drama method to achieve kindergarten education goals. Keywords: educational program - drama - scientific concepts - kindergarten children

The Effectiveness of Using the Cooperative Learning Method to Develop Social Skills among Kindergarten Children

The study aimed to identify the effectiveness of using the cooperative learning method to develop social skills among kindergarten children, as the study relied on. The study sample consisted of (34) kindergarten children at Al Sabeel School in Amman, where a training program based on the cooperative learning method for kindergarten children was applied to them, prepared by the researcher in addition to a notecard aimed at measuring the development of social skills among kindergarten children. The card included (30) skills; it was formulated in phrases that express simple behavioral actions that can be observed from the researcher's preparation and after making sure of their psychometric properties' suitability. The study results found a difference between the mean scores of the research group members in the pre and post applications of the social skills observation card has a statistically significant manner and in favor of the post-application. Using the cooperative learning method has contributed to the development of social skills among the research group members. In light of this, the study recommended that kindergarten teachers should pay attention to developing children's social skills. And the need to train kindergarten teachers to use the cooperative learning method to achieve kindergarten education goals. Keywords: cooperative learning - social skills anxiety - kindergarten childre

ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN IEQ AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN UAE UNIVERSITY BUILDING: IMPACT OF THERMAL AND LIGHTING COMFORT ON ENERGY USAGE

The Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) of buildings becomes increasingly critical as people spend more than 90% of their time inside buildings based on the National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS) (Klepeis et al., 2001). The quality of the indoor environment in a building has been shown to have a significant impact on users\u27 productivity and energy consumption. Further, if tenants are working in a comfortable indoor environment, absenteeism rates and incidental expenses, such as medical expenses, will be reduced. For instance, a comfortable workplace increases productivity by 10-15% and reduces absenteeism by 2.5% (Leyten & Boerstra, 2003). According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recent climate report, UAE residents are experiencing higher temperatures and harsher weather conditions (UAE MOCCAE, 2021). Research over the last years concluded that the longer people stay inside buildings, the more likely they are to be exposed to unhealthy environments. Which means more physical and psychological problems such as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). The overtime spent inside also means more demands for energy inside the buildings.This thesis studied the relationship between Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and energy use in a UAE university building. To assess IEQ levels, one of the university buildings was selected, and several IEQ parameters such as temperature, Relative Humidity (RH), Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), and illuminance were monitored. An online occupancy survey was distributed to users of the case study building to conduct a Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) study. Dynamic simulation methods were applied to validate proposed changes based on monitoring and POE findings to improve comfort and energy efficiency, especially lighting and temperature.The main results of the survey can be summarized as follows: over 40% of students feel neutral on most parameters and are satisfied with their overall IEQ. However, students feel uncomfortable with the dry, stuffy air and the cold room temperature. When considering lighting comfort, 49% of students complain of too much artificial lighting and 32% complain of not enough daylight, and 51% are uncomfortable with glare and reflections. Regarding the results for Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), some students showed symptoms such as a runny nose, dry skin, headache, and fatigue. These symptoms are related to low room temperature, relative humidity, airflow from the AC system, and poor lighting.As a result of the monitoring experiment, lighting and temperature were found to be the most noticeable issues, which supports the results of the survey. The temperature in most classrooms was below 24 °C. Although most classrooms have plenty of natural light from morning to noon, daylight is not well utilized, resulting in the need for artificial lighting. It has also been observed that in most classrooms with tables and smartboards that are perpendicular to windows, factors such as glare and reflection arise. These factors reduce reliance on daylight and increase the use of artificial light.Simulation studies results show that the optimal solution to reduce energy consumption and improve occupant comfort is to increase the room temperature based on standards, change the classroom layout, increase daylight use and create artificial lighting zones. These changes result in saving 39% of the cooling load, 92% of artificial lighting, and 51% of total energy consumption.All the research findings are discussed in full detail in this thesis. The findings could be implemented in other UAE university buildings to improve IEQ, user comfort, and energy consumption

Kindergarten Teacher Perceptions of the Quality and Impact of Mentors in leading Instructional and Professional Development in AI Ain - United Arab Emirates

Mentoring is an important teacher professional development strategy that can produce a pool of quality early childhood educators. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perception of Kindergarten teachers participating in the mentorship program implemented by Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) on value of mentorship practice, quality of mentor and mentor’s impact on their teaching and professional development. The study was completed at ten Kindergarten schools in Al Ain educational zone. The subjects of 150 teachers participated in a survey to determine if they perceive the mentorship practice and to examine how they perceive the quality of mentors and their impact on improving teaching practices professional development for teachers in Kindergarten schools. The findings of the study indicated that most of Kindergarten teachers in the sample perceive mentorship process as tool to positively impact their teaching. The findings on the mentee’s perception of the personal attributes and quality of their mentor indicated that mentors in Kindergarten schools demonstrate quality and personal attributes that are associated to the effective mentorship. The findings of the study also indicated a significant impact of mentors and mentorship practice on teaching practices and teachers’ professional development in Kindergarten schools as most participants believe that mentorship process has made them better teachers

Impact of Treating Maternal Periodontal Disease on the Risk of Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews

Pregnancy involves complex physical and hormonal changes that significantly impact almost every organ system, including the oral cavity. The presence of oral disease in women has consequences for both their child and their health. The two main oral conditions linked to pregnancy are gingivitis and periodontal disease. Several studies have demonstrated that there is a positive association between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW). PTB and LBW are among the leading causes of perinatal mortality and morbidity. It has been hypothesized that periodontal disease may cause PTB and/or LBW either directly through the presence of gram-negative anaerobic bacteremia originating in the gingival biofilm or indirectly through the production of pro-inflammatory markers which enter the bloodstream from the gingival submucosa. The ultimate result of both pathogenic pathways is the same, the development of an immune inflammatory response and/or the local suppression of growth factors in the fetal–placental unit (including the myometrium, membranes, amniotic fluid, placenta, circulation, and fetal tissues), which in turn shortens gestational age and triggers labor. Overall, the impact of treating maternal periodontitis on the risk of PTB or LBW remains unclear despite numerous observational studies reporting that periodontal disease is positively associated with adverse birth outcomes. Despite that umbrella reviews of systematic reviews have been published on this topic, recent high-quality systematic reviews have been published and thus, there is a need for updated umbrella reviews that includes evidence from multiple sources. In the present umbrella review, we aim to review the evidence of the impact of treating maternal periodontitis on the risk of PTB and LBW, which is a prerequisite to formulating guidelines regarding this issue.https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/gradposters2023_healthsciences/1015/thumbnail.jp