The Degree of Practicing the Principles of Active Learning in Teaching of English Language from the Perspective of Its Teachers in the Schools of Education Directorate of ‘Bani Obaid’ District in Jordan

The present study aimed at identifying the degree of practicing the principles of active learning in teaching English language from the perspective of its teachers in the schools of the Education Directorate of ‘Bani Obaid’ District in Jordan. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher developed a questionnaire consisting of (40) paragraphs. The study sample consisted of (130) (males and females) teachers teaching the English language in the public schools of the Education Directorate of ‘Bani Obaid’ District in Jordan. The results of the study showed that the degree of practicing the principles of active learning in teaching of English language from the point of view of its teachers in the schools of the Education Directorate of ‘Bani Obaid’ District in Jordan was large and with arithmetic mean of (3.79). The results also showed statistically significant differences due to the gender variable, as well as the variable of the experience years. The study recommended the necessity of working on training teachers of English language during service in a manner that ensures the effective exercise of their roles in active learning, as mentors. Keywords: Degree of Practice, Principles of Active Learning, English Language.

Atualização de virtualidades identitárias e a imanência de um idioma informe no espetáculo Verbi – O Idioma do Caos

Este artigo faz uma análise do espetáculo cênico Verbi – O Idioma do Caos, a partir de um diálogo entre a visão de uma antropóloga espectadora e do ator-dançarino, criador e performer da obra. A análise propõe a desterritorialização dos campos teóricos na composição dos olhares acerca de uma obra cênica que produz identidade pela atualização de virtualidades, ocorrendo muito mais na dimensão das intensidades do que das significações. Verbi transita por um processo que envolve estranhamento e rompimento de barreiras linguísticas, linguagem artística, gênero e nação. Cria-se uma paisagem cartográfica em cena, onde vetores estéticos atravessam o performer, o espaço e o público comportando-se como uma máquina performativa. Sugere a imanência de um idioma caótico capaz de constituir um ser humano múltiplo, plural e em um estado de consciência aberto para múltiplas possibilidades identitárias

Epidemiology of Status Epilepticus

The incidence of status epilepticus has varied between studies because of the evolving definition of status epilepticus, variable populations, variable methodology, and improved diagnosis over time. The annual incidence range in early studies was 1.3-27.2 per 100,000. The incidence increased after introduction of diagnostic EEG criteria and an updated definition of status epilepticus. The highest incidence was just over 80 per 100,000 in a prospective Finnish study. The incidence varies with age and is consistently higher in the elderly, as well as in the first year of life. Most studies suggested the incidence to be higher in males. Convulsive is more common than nonconvulsive status epilepticus, but it is likely that the latter is underdiagnosed. While etiology of status epilepticus varies by age, most patients do not have prior epilepsy. Febrile status epilepticus is the most common etiological category in young children, while cerebrovascular disease is the most common in adults

Pulmonary metastasectomy from soft tissue sarcomas

INTRODUCTION: Isolated pulmonary metastases from soft tissue sarcomas occur in 20-50% of these(the issue is about metastases, not lung cancer )patients, and 70% of these patients will present disease limited only to the lungs. Surgical resection is well accepted as a standard approach to treat metastases from soft tissue sarcomas isolated in the lungs, and many studies investigating this technique have reported an overall 5-year survival ranging from 30-40%. The most consistent predictor of survival in these patients is complete resection. The aim of the present study was to determine the demographics and clinical treatment-related variables associated with long-term (90-month) overall survival in patients with lung metastases undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy from soft tissue sarcomas. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients admitted in the Thoracic Surgery Department with lung metastases who underwent thoracotomy for resection following treatment of the primary tumor. Data regarding primary tumor features, demographics, treatment, and outcome were collected. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two thoracotomies and 273 nodules were resected from 77 patients with previously treated soft tissue sarcomas. The median follow-up time of all patients was 36.7 months (range: 10-138 months). The postoperative complication rate was 9.1%, and the 30-day mortality rate was 0%. The 90-month overall survival rate for all patients was 34.7%. Multivariate analysis identified the following independent prognostic factors for overall survival: the number of metastases resected, the disease-free interval, and the number of complete resections. CONCLUSION: These results confirm that lung metastasectomy is a safe and potentially curative procedure for patients with treated primary tumors. A select group of patients can achieve long-term survival after lung resection

Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy

Abnormalities of muscle tone, movement, and motor skills are the hallmark of cerebral palsy (CP) which results from injury to the developing brain. Clinically, the syndrome evolves over time and may only be apparent after 3–5 years of age, although suggestive signs and symptoms may be present at an earlier age. Epilepsy is common in CP and occurs in about 30% of patients. Generally, the onset is within the first 2 years of life. Epilepsy is commonly observed in children with spastic hemiplegia, followed by quadriplegia and diplegia. Significant risk factors for the development of epilepsy in patients with CP are family history, neonatal seizure, structural abnormalities, low Apgar scores, and mental retardation. Focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures are the most prominent seizure types, followed by focal aware or impaired awareness seizures, while infantile spasms and myoclonic jerks are seen in 25% of cases. Mental retardation is a predisposing factor for early onset of seizures and more severe epilepsy. The overall outcome of seizures in children with CP is generally poor, requiring prolonged course of antiepileptic medication, usually polytherapy with higher incidence of refractory seizures, side effects, comorbidities, and hospital admissions for drug-resistant seizures or status epilepticus

Neurocysticercosis in non-endemic regions: The experience of Qatar

ObjectiveTo describe the occurrence and features of Neurocystircercosis (NCC) in Qatar.BackgroundQatar has a mixed population of natives and expats. NCC is not endemic to the region, but clinical practice suggests its occurrence in large numbers.Design/ methodsA database was created to summarize information retrospectively collected on patients with NCC seen through the national health system (HMC) between 2013 and 2018. We identified demographic and disease related variables (clinical manifestations, investigative findings, treatment and outcome) for all patients.ResultsOut of 420 identified NCC patients, 393 (93.6%) were men, and 98.3% were immigrants from NCC endemic countries such as Nepal (63.8%) and India (29.5%). Eighty percent of patients presented with seizures, with the majority (69%) experiencing generalized tonic–clonic seizures. Five percent presented with status epilepticus. Headaches, the second most common complaint, were reported in 18% of subjects. On imaging, 50% had a single lesion while 63% included pathology at the calcified stage. The lesions were parenchymal in 99.5% of cases, predominantly in the frontal lobe (59%). Thirteen percent were diagnosed incidentally on imaging, mainly in the form of isolated calcified non enhancing lesions. Albendazole was received by 55% of patients, and phenytoin was the most prescribed anti-seizure drug (57%). When long term follow up was available, 70% of the patients presenting with seizures were completely seizure free.ConclusionNCC is prevalent in Qatar, mainly within the large Southeast Asian immigrant population. NCC is currently a significant contributor to the epilepsy burden in Qatar, often with a good outcome regarding seizure control. NCC with intraparenchymal single lesion shares a large proportion of our cohort

Advances in the Treatment of Status Epilepticus

The management of status epilepticus (SE) emphasizes early identification, support of vital functions, quick implementation of pharmacotherapy, and recognition of acute etiologies. Prompt administration of a benzodiazepine, often followed by an intravenous antiseizure medication, has been supported by multiple high-quality studies. SE evolving into a refractory stage may require the initiation of anesthetic agents, such as midazolam or propofol. The contribution of autoimmune encephalitis to the burden of refractory SE cases has led to the introduction of immune-modulatory agents, such as steroids and IVIG, in the treatment protocols for refractory SE appearing de novo without prior history of epilepsy. This chapter summarizes the pharmacological agents proposed in the treatment of SE and the stepped approach to their implementation

Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus in Patients with Altered Mental Status Admitted to Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar

This is a prospective, hospital-based study reporting an update and the prevalence of nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) in patients with altered mental status (AMS) in Qatar. Patients presenting with NCSE are compared to controls. Two-hundred and fifty patients with AMS are involved. Patients with NCSE are: 65 (12–79 years, m, 37, f, 28); controls: 185 (12–80 years, m, 101, f, 84). Occurrence of NCSE in patients with AMS was 26%. NCSE patients were younger than controls (p < 0.001). Deaths in the NCSE group occurred in 31% and 19% in controls (p < 0.0007). Hospitalization length was longer in NCSE proper and in comatose NCSE compared to controls (p < 0.02, p < 0.03). Recovery occurred in 40% of NCSE patients and 53% of controls (p < 0.08). About 31% of patients (n = 21) had refractory NCSE and 9 died. This is the first study reporting the prevalence of NCSE in Qatar. This prevalence (26%) is in the middle range. NCSE did not do better than the controls, result being disappointing regarding comatose NCSE. NCSE is an emerging condition requiring rapid diagnosis and rapid treatment. Regarding the optimal duration of continuous EGG (cEEG) monitoring to diagnose the majority of NCSE cases, 3 days of cEEG monitoring could accomplish this task

Many Faces of Entropy or Bayesian Statistical Mechanics

Some 80-90 years ago, George A. Linhart, unlike A. Einstein, P. Debye, M. Planck and W. Nernst, has managed to derive a very simple, but ultimately general mathematical formula for heat capacity vs. temperature from the fundamental thermodynamical principles, using what we would nowadays dub a "Bayesian approach to probability". Moreover, he has successfully applied his result to fit the experimental data for diverse substances in their solid state in a rather broad temperature range. Nevertheless, Linhart's work was undeservedly forgotten, although it does represent a valid and fresh standpoint on thermodynamics and statistical physics, which may have a significant implication for academic and applied science.Comment: submitte