How can technological creativity be taught in the Saudi Arabian elementary school context?

Teaching technological creativity in the Saudi Arabian school context can support the inclusion of technology education in general education. To support this view, the thesis proposes that technological creativity be a topic taught in the elementary school context. The intention is to assist pupils aged six to twelve years to learn how to be creative through planning and carrying out activities. The thesis attempts to introduce the concept of technological creativity to gain insights that can help to enlighten pupils technologically in a way that aligns with Islamic culture. A Critical Interpretative Synthesis (CIS) methodological approach was conducted to identify, select, synthesise, and analyse integrated papers on teaching technological creativity at the elementary school level from 21 developed countries. Papers from a variety of sources, 135 altogether, were selected for the synthesis and to develop a synthesising argument (theoretical framework), derived from constructs generated in the papers included. The text of each of the papers was treated as data and objects of inquiry. This makes CIS different from meta-ethnography (ME) in that it does not aim only at aggregating or summarising findings from studies but rather at developing a clear argument around the chosen topic in order to produce a mid-range theory based on a large, diverse body of literature. The analyses were performed in two major stages: identification, inclusion, analysis and the appraisal of papers; and developing a synthesising argument derived from the synthetic constructs embedded in the integrated papers dealing with the question, how can technological creativity be taught in the Saudi Arabian elementary school context? The synthesising argument provides a new model of interpretation developed from the findings of CIS and the synthesis process. The thesis argues that a true understanding of the benefits of this topic can be achieved through a consideration of the findings of this thesis based on the critique of relevant papers drawn from the research literature of a number of developed countries. The research study seeks to encourage the education of pupils through teaching them creative processes and helping them both appreciate and enjoy technology education. Thus the aim includes developing their personality and sense of self-worth. It is also hoped that this research will be of interest to teachers in elementary education, curriculum developers, Saudi scholars and future researchers of technology education

Notes on the Nesting Biology of the Small Carpenter Bee Ceratina smaragdula (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Northwestern Pakistan

The nesting biology and some foraging activities of the familiar, brilliant metallic green, small carpenter bee Ceratina (Pithitis) smaragdula (F.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) is documented from the northwestern-most extent of its natural distribution, as the species is a potentially important pollinator of leguminous and cucurbit crops in the region. Numerous nests around the village of Ismaila, Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan, were observed and sampled from Jun through Aug 2012. Nest details were recorded and foraging times on various floral species were documented, with bees preferentially nesting in wooden stalks of Ravenna grass (Saccharum ravennae L.; Poales: Poaceae), life cycles lasting 28 to 32 d, and conditions offering the potential for easy management. The importance of such studies on wild bees in Pakistan is stressed, as are the development of biotic surveys on bees and the training of regional melittologists, coupled with outreach activities. Resumen La biología de la anidación y algunas actividades de forrajeo de la pequeña abeja carpintera Ceratina (Pithitis) smaragdula (F.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) de tipo familiar y brillante color verde metálico está documentado desde el punto mas noroeste de su distribución natural, ya que la especie es potencialmente un importante polinizador de legumbres y cucurbitáceas en la región. Se observaron numerosos nidos alrededor del pueblo de Ismaila, Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincia, Pakistán, y se tomaron muestras desde junio hasta agosto del 2012. Los detalles de la anidación fueron registrados y se documentaron los tiempos de forrajeo sobre diversas especies florales, con las abejas preferentemente anidando en los tallos de madera de pasto de Rávena (Saccharum ravennae L.; Poales: Poaceae), los ciclos de vida duran de 28 a 32 dias, y las condiciones que ofrecen el potencial para un fácil manejo. Se destaca la importancia de este tipo de estudio sobre las abejas silvestres en Pakistán, igual que el desarrollo de sondeos bióticos sobre las abejas y la formación de melitólogos regionales, junto con actividades de extensión

A fractal-based authentication technique using sierpinski triangles in smart devices

© 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. The prevalence of smart devices in our day-to-day activities increases the potential threat to our secret information. To counter these threats like unauthorized access and misuse of phones, only authorized users should be able to access the device. Authentication mechanism provide a secure way to safeguard the physical resources as well the information that is processed. Text-based passwords are the most common technique used for the authentication of devices, however, they are vulnerable to a certain type of attacks such as brute force, smudge and shoulder surfing attacks. Graphical Passwords (GPs) were introduced as an alternative for the conventional text-based authentication to overcome the potential threats. GPs use pictures and have been implemented in smart devices and workstations. Psychological studies reveal that humans can recognize images much easier and quicker than numeric and alphanumeric passwords, which become the basis for creating GPs. In this paper a novel Fractal-Based Authentication Technique (FBAT) has been proposed by implementing a Sierpinski triangle. In the FBAT scheme, the probability of password guessing is low making system resilient against abovementioned threats. Increasing fractal level makes the system stronger and provides security against attacks like shoulder surfing

Robust Navigational Control of a Two-Wheeled Self-Balancing Robot in a Sensed Environment

This research presents an improved mobile inverted pendulum robot called Two-wheeled Self-balancing robot (TWSBR) using a Proportional-Derivative Proportional-Integral (PD-PI) robust control design based on 32-bit microcontroller in a sensed environment (SE). The robot keeps itself balance with two wheels and a PD-PI controller based on the Kalman filter algorithm during the navigation process and is able to stabilize while avoiding acute and dynamic obstacles in the sensed environment. The Proportional (P) control is used to implement turn control for obstacle avoidance in SE with ultrasonic waves. Finally, in a SE, the robot can communicate with any of the Internet of Things (IoT) devices (mobile phone or Personal Computer) which have a Java-based transmission application installed and through Bluetooth technology connectivity for wireless control. The simulation results prove the efficiency of the proposed PD-PI controller in path planning, and balancing challenges of the TWSBR under several environmental disturbances. This shows an improved control system as compared to the existing improved Adaptive Fuzzy Controller

Overview on Epidemiology and Management of Myxedema Coma or Crisis

The most severe type of hypothyroidism is known as myxedema coma, which can quickly lead to death if not identified and treated aggressively. The condition known as hypothyroidism is easily detected and treated. But if ignored, it might eventually progress to myxedema coma, the most serious form of hypothyroidism. Since the majority of patients do not initially appear in a coma, the term "myxedema coma" is usually regarded as misleading. Lethargy usually progresses to stupor, which then becomes a coma with hypothermia and respiratory failure. only clinical criteria are used for diagnosis because thyroid hormone assays are unable to distinguish between simple hyperthyroidism and thyroid storm. Apart from essential medical interventions, the treatment focuses on preventing thyroid hormone production and secretion as antithyroid medications, and preventing the peripheral effects of thyroid hormone as β-blocker, glucocorticoids. The diagnosis of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the blood is the same as that of simple hypothyroidism. As soon as a diagnosis is obtained, treatment should start right away. The majority of hospital and commercial laboratories can turnaround a TSH test in a matter of hours

The Importance of Preventive Medicine in Family Practice: A Review of Current Guidelines and Recommendations

Prevention is seen as a critical topic in family practice. Primordial prevention, primary prevention, secondary prevention, tertiary prevention, and quaternary prevention are all part of this strategy to disease prevention. To avoid the formation and development of risk factors, primary prevention focuses on addressing the fundamental causes and social determinants of disease. Primary prevention is the practice of preventing illnesses before they arise via the use of treatments such as immunizations and health education. Secondary prevention focuses on illness identification and intervention as early as possible to avoid disease development. Tertiary prevention addresses illness outcomes by restoring health and offering rehabilitation. Finally, quaternary prevention seeks to safeguard patients against needless medical treatments and the harm caused by over-medicating. Risks frequently rise in tandem with frailty and comorbidities. In contrast, advantages frequently drop as life expectancy increases. Preventive management strategies should consider the patient's viewpoint and be mutually agreed upon. Healthcare providers must prioritize the deployment of preventive care services, even when clinical treatments are required, in order to overcome preventive care hurdles. Healthcare practitioners may play a critical role in illness prevention and contribute to family well-being by investing in preventive care and executing these measures

Improving agricultural efficiency with solar-powered tractors and magnetohydrodynamic entropy generation in copper–silver nanofluid flow

This study examines the impact of solar-powered tractor on agricultural productivity and energy efficiency. The implementation of solar energy in tractors has the potential to reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources, minimize carbon emissions, and promote sustainable farming practices. This research investigates the reduction of energy consumption and enhancement of productivity by evaluating magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) entropy production through the flow of nanofluids containing copper-engine oil (Cu-EO) and silver-engine oil (Ag-EO). The study also evaluates the effectiveness of thermal transport in solar-powered tractors through several properties such as solar thermal radiation, viscous dissipation, slippery velocity, and porous media. The investigation analyzed the thermodynamics of entropy generation in a non-Newtonian Williamson nanofluid, with the aim of assessing its energy equilibrium and the effects of diverse physical parameters. In order to enable numerical investigation, similarity variables were implemented to transform partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations, and the Chebyshev collocation spectral method was applied to solve the governing equations. It has been revealed that the Williamson nanofluid have a smoother flow compared to the mixture fluid. Furthermore, Williamson-nanofluid demonstrate superior thermal conductivity and heat transfer characteristics compared to the base fluid, making them appropriate for utilization in cooling systems and heat exchangers in various industries. The boundary layer exhibits the maximum temperature while employing lamina-shaped particles, whilst the lowest temperature is shown when utilizing spherical-shaped nanoparticles. The Ag-EO nanofluid an efficiency rate of approximately 2.64 % with a minimum efficiency rate of 3.22 %. The findings will help develop eco-friendly agricultural methods that promote economic development while mitigating harm to the environment

Social and Economic Factors that Influence Health Outcomes in Family Medicine

Over the last twenty years, the social determinants of health (SDOH) have gained more and more attention in the public health community. SDOH are non-medical elements that may be significantly impacted by social policies and have an impact on health. The increasing variety that exists within our societies makes it absolutely necessary for us to incorporate into undergraduate medical education social determinants of health such as racial factors, financial instability, partner violence, insufficient accessibility to transportation, and inadequate social supports, as well as the crucial role of health education.  Nonetheless, a growing body of research indicates that a variety of health outcomes are fundamentally caused by socioeconomic variables including wealth, income, and education together. In this review we highlight the influence of socio-economic factors on health outcomes, approaches to incorporate social determinants of health in family medicine practice, and we also talk about challenges and solutions in addressing social determinants in family medicine. The objective of this research was to assess the impact of social determinants of health on family medicine practice in which socioeconomic determinants of health might have an effect on health outcomes and healthcare delivery within the context of a family medicine clinical environment

Assessment and Management of Scabies in Primary Care Settings

Scabies is an overlooked tropical illness that yet has significant worldwide effects and lasting health repercussions. The condition is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabei var. hominis, which is a parasitic organism that dwells on the outer layer of the human skin. Scabies is prevalent in impoverished neighborhoods as a result of the high population density in locations such as nursing homes, correctional facilities, and among homeless and displaced children. Nevertheless, modern nations are also prone to scabies infestations, particularly in cases of institutional outbreaks or mini epidemics occurring after conflict or natural calamities. Scabies diagnosis can be aided by both invasive and noninvasive techniques. This paper reviews assessment diagnosis, and management of scabies in primary health care settings

A population-based study of 15,000 people on Knowledge and awareness of lung cancer symptoms and risk factors in Saudi Arabia

Background: Lung cancer is currently the most fatal form of cancer worldwide, ranking as the fourth most prevalent type in Saudi Arabia, particularly among males. This trend is expected to increase with growing population, lifestyle changes, and aging population. Understanding the awareness of the Saudi population regarding the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer is necessary to attenuate the predicted increase in cases. Method: A cross-sectional, population-based survey was performed using a previously validated questionnaire (Lung CAM). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess variables associated with deficiency in knowledge and awareness of risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer. Results: Majority of the 15,099 respondents were male (65%), aged between 18 and 30 years (53%), 50% of which were educated up to a bachelor’s degree level. Overall awareness of lung cancer signs and symptoms was 53%, with painful cough and coughing up blood being the best-known symptoms. Conversely, persistent shoulder pain (44%) and clubbing fingers (47%) were the least known lung cancer symptoms. Also, 60% of the respondents showed low confidence in identifying the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. The overall awareness of the risk factors for lung cancer development was 74%, with first-hand (74%) and second-hand (68%) smoking being the most known risk factors. However, only ≤ 62% know the other non-smoking risk factors. Awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer depended on age, gender, education, marital and employment status (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Public awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer in Saudi Arabia is inadequate and heavily dependent on education and socio-economic status. Awareness can be improved through campaigns to raise awareness about other lesser-known lung cancer risk factors and symptoms