The Relationship between Learned Helplessness and Social skills among Students with Learning Disabilities in the Primary Stage

  This study aimed to investigate the relationship between learned helplessness and social skills among students with learning disabilities at primary stage in Taif. A random sample of 149 male and 49 female grades four and five students with learning disabilities in reading and mathematics was selected. The researcher used two scales the learned helplessness scale by (Sorrenti, Filippello, Costa and Buzzai, 2014) and the social skills scale by (Danielson and  Phelps, 2003). The results showed that females of learned helplessness (20.40%) were higher than males (12.08%). The results revealed that there is a statistically significant negative correlation between learned helplessness and social skills. There are statistically significant differences between males and females in the degrees of learned helplessness in favor of females. Also, the results show that there are statistically significant differences between males and females in the scores of social skills in favor of females. However, there are no statistically significant differences between those with reading disabilities and those with mathematics learning disabilities in the degrees of learning helplessness. Moreover, there are no differences between those with reading disabilities and those with mathematics learning disabilities in the second dimension of the social skills scale (acceptance and admiration of others) and the third dimension (social naivety). However, there are differences between those with reading disabilities and those with mathematics learning disabilities in the first dimensions and the total score of the social skills scale in favor of those with mathematics learning disabilities

Simulation-Optimization Framework for Synthesis and Design of Natural Gas Downstream Utilization Networks

Many potential diversification and conversion options are available for utilization of natural gas resources, and several design configurations and technology choices exist for conversion of natural gas to value-added products. Therefore, a detailed mathematical model is desirable for selection of optimal configuration and operating mode among the various options available. In this study, we present a simulation-optimization framework for the optimal selection of economic and environmentally sustainable pathways for natural gas downstream utilization networks by optimizing process design and operational decisions. The main processes (e.g., LNG, GTL, and methanol production), along with different design alternatives in terms of flow-sheeting for each main processing unit (namely syngas preparation, liquefaction, N-2 rejection, hydrogen, FT synthesis, methanol synthesis, FT upgrade, and methanol upgrade units), are used for superstructure development. These processes are simulated using ASPEN Plus V7.3 to determine the yields of different processing units under various operating modes. The model has been applied to maximize total profit of the natural gas utilization system with penalties for environmental impact, represented by CO2eq emission obtained using ASPEN Plus for each flowsheet configuration and operating mode options. The performance of the proposed modeling framework is demonstrated using a case study.NSERCQatar Universit

Synthesis and greener pastures biological study of bis-thiadiazoles as potential Covid-19 drug candidates

A novel series of bis- (Abdelhamid et al., 2017, Banerjee et al., 2018, Bharanidharan et al., 2022)thiadiazoles was synthesized from the reaction of precursor dimethyl 2,2′-(1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-diylidene)-bis(hydrazine-1-carbodithioate) and hydrazonyl chlorides in ethanol under ultrasonic irradiation. Spectral tools (IR. NMR, MS, elemental analyses, molecular dynamic simulation, DFT and LUMO and HOMO) were used to elucidate the structure of the isolated products. Molecular docking for the precursor, 3 and ligands 6a-i to two COVID-19 important proteins M$^{pro}$ and RdRp was compared with two approved drugs, Remdesivir and Ivermectin. The binding affinity varied between the ligands and the drugs. The highest recorded binding affinity of 6c with M$^{pro}$ was (−9.2 kcal/mol), followed by 6b and 6a, (−8.9 and −8.5 kcal/mol), respectively. The lowest recorded binding affinity was (−7.0 kcal/mol) for 6 g. In comparison, the approved drugs showed binding affinity (−7.4 and −7.7 kcal/mol), for Remdesivir and Ivermectin, respectively, which are within the range of the binding affinity of our ligands. The binding affinity of the approved drug Ivermectin against RdRp recoded the highest (−8.6 kcal/mol), followed by 6a, 6 h, and 6i are the same have (−8.2 kcal/mol). The lowest reading was found for compound 3 ligand (−6.3 kcal/mol). On the other side, the amino acids also differed between the compounds studied in this project for both the viral proteins. The ligand 6a forms three H-bonds with Thr 319(A), Sr 255(A) and Arg 457(A), whereas Ivermectin forms three H-bonds with His 41(A), Gly143(A) and Gln 18(A) for viral M$^{pro}$. The RdRp amino acids residues could be divided into four groups based on the amino acids that interact with hydrogen or hydrophobic interactions. The first group contained 6d, 6b, 6 g, and Remdesivir with 1–4 hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions 1 to 10. Group 2 is 6a and 6f exhibited 1 and 3 hydrogen bonds and 15 and 14 hydrophobic interactions. Group 3 has 6e and Ivermectin shows 4 and 3 hydrogen bonds, respectively and 11 hydrophobic interactions for both compounds. The last group contains ligands 3, 6c, 6 h, and 6i gave 1–3 hydrogen bonds and 6c and 3 recorded the highest number of hydrophobic interactions, 14 for both 6c and 6 h. Pro Tox-II estimated compounds’ activities as Hepatoxic, Carcinogenic and Mutagenic, revealing that 6f-h were inactive in all five similar to that found with Remdesivir and Ivermectin. The drug-likeness prediction was carried out by studying physicochemical properties, lipophilicity, size, polarity, insolubility, unsaturation, and flexibility. Generally, some properties of the ligands were comparable to that of the standards used in this study, Remdesivir and Ivermectin

Extent of Lumpectomy for Breast Cancer After Diagnosis by Stereotactic Core Versus Wire Localization Biopsy

Background: Stereotactic core biopsy of mammographically defined breast abnormalities is an alternative to wire localization biopsy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent of lumpectomy in patients diagnosed by stereotactic core versus wire localization biopsy.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/41419/1/10434_1999_Article_330.pd

Predictive risk factors for distant metastasis in pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer from Saudi Arabia

BackgroundDespite their excellent prognosis, children and young adults (CAYA) with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) tend to have more frequent occurrence of distant metastasis (DM) compared to adult DTC. Data about DM in CAYA from Middle Eastern ethnicity is limited.MethodsMedical records of 170 patients with DTC ≤18 years were retrospectively reviewed. Clinico-pathological factors associated with lung metastasis in CAYA, their clinical presentation and outcome were analyzed. Rick factors related to distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) for the whole cohort were evaluated.ResultsDM was observed in 27 patients and all were lung metastasis. Lung metastasis was significantly associated with younger age (≤15 years), extrathyroidal extension (ETE), multifocal tumors, bilaterality, presence of lymph node (LN) disease and high post-operative stimulated thyroglobulin (sTg). Highest negative predictive values were seen with low post-operative sTg (97.9%), absence of LN disease (93.8%), absence of ETE (92.2%) and age older than 15 years (92.9%). Post-therapy whole body scan (WBS) identified most of the lung metastasis (21 of 27; 77.8%). Upon evaluating patients response according to ATA guidelines, excellent response was seen in only one patient, while biochemical persistence and structural persistence were seen in 11.1% (3/27) and 77.8% (21/27), respectively. Elevated post-operative sTg (>10ng/ml) was the only risk factor found to be significantly associated with both biochemical persistence (with or without structural persistence (p = 0.0143)) and structural persistence (p = 0.0433). Cox regression analysis identified age and post-operative sTg as independent risk factors related to DMFS. Based on these two risk factors for DMFS, patients were divided into 3 groups: low risk (no risk factors), intermediate risk (1 risk factor) and high risk (both risk factors). 20-year DMFS rates in the low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups were 100.0%, 81.3% and 23.7% respectively (p < 0.0001).ConclusionHigher suspicion for metastatic pediatric DTC should be considered in patients who are young, have LN disease, extrathyroidal extension and elevated post-operative sTg. Persistent disease, despite therapy, is very common and it appears to be related to post-operative sTg level. Hence, risk adaptive management is desirable in CAYA with DTC

A Comparison of the reactivity of the lattice nitrogen in tungsten substituted Co3Mo3N and Ni2Mo3N

The effect of the partial substitution of Mo with W in Co3Mo3N and Ni2Mo3N on ammonia synthesis activity and lattice nitrogen reactivity has been investigated. This is of interest as the coordination environment of lattice N is changed by this process. When tungsten was introduced into the metal nitrides by substitution of Mo atoms, the catalytic performance was observed to have decreased. As expected, Co3Mo3N was reduced to Co6Mo6N under a 3 : 1 ratio of H2/Ar. Co3Mo2.6W0.4N was also shown to lose a large percentage of lattice nitrogen under these conditions. The bulk lattice nitrogen in Ni2Mo3N and Ni2Mo2.8W0.2N was unreactive, demonstrating that substitution with tungsten does not have a significant effect on lattice N reactivity. Computational calculations reveal that the vacancy formation energy for Ni2Mo3N is more endothermic than Co3Mo3N. Furthermore, calculations suggest that the inclusion of W does not have a substantial impact on the surface N vacancy formation energy or the N2 adsorption and activation at the vacancy site

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication