The Effectiveness of Using a Cognitive Style-based Chatbot in Developing Science Concepts and Critical Thinking Skills among Preparatory School Pupils

The research investigated the effectiveness of using a cognitive style-based chatbot in developing science concepts and critical thinking skills among preparatory school pupils. To achieve the aim of the research, the researchers applied the two groups' quasi-experimental design and utilized three instruments as follows;1) Budner scale to measure the tolerance of ambiguity; 2) Science concepts achievement test developed by the researchers and implemented before and after applying a cognitive style-based chatbot; 3) The critical thinking skills test developed by the researchers to identify four critical thinking skills required for grade 8 level and implemented before and after applying a cognitive style-based chatbot. The participants were chosen randomly from eighth-graders (N=50) at HOIS (Hurghada Official International School), Red Sea Governorate, Egypt. The researchers divided participants into two experimental groups of 25 pupils (EGA) and (EGB) according to their cognitive style as tolerant or intolerant of ambiguity. Quantitative results showed the significant mean differences between the scores of participants at level (0.005 ≥) in the pre-post testing procedures in favor of the post-testing for both dependent variables (science concept and critical thinking skills). Results indicated the positive impact of utilizing a cognitive style-based chatbot in developing science concepts and critical thinking skills for preparatory school pupils. So, the researchers recommended employing chatbots in learning science for their high effectiveness in developing science concepts and critical thinking skills among preparatory school pupils in Egypt

Phytochemicals and protective effects of Moringa oleifera seed extract on CCl4- induced hepatotoxicity and hemotoxicity in rats

Background: Moringa oleifera is high valued plant and used in many countries around the world. The seed of Moringa oleifera (MO) is an important part and has a remarkable medicinal, nutritional and socio-economic values, this study, therefore, was designed to clarify the protective effect of Moringa oleifera hydroethanolic seed extract (MOSE) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatoxicity and hemotoxicity in rats.Methods: A total of one hundred and five male rats were randomly divided into 7 groups of 15 rats each. The hydroethanolic seed extract (30%) was administered orally for one month at 250 and 500mg/kg body weight. Samples were collected after day1,15 and 30 post administration.Results: Phytochemical, biochemical, hematological and hisopathological examinations were utilized to investigate hepatoprotective activity of MOSE. The results obtained demonstrated that, phytochemicals such as alkaloids, glycosides, anthraquinones, tannins, flavonoids, gum, resin, saponins, terponoids, protein and fats were detected in the seeds. Treatment with the MOSE caused a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin, triglyceride and lipid peroxidation (MDA), while total protein and albumin level significantly (P<0.05) increased compared to CCl4 group. Also, treatment with the MOSE showed a significant (P<0.05) increase Hb content and RBCs, whereas WBCs and lymphocyte count significantly (P<0.05) decreased throughout the period of administration when compared to the rats in CCl4 group. The results obtained were comparable to silymarin. Histopathological examination of liver tissues confirmed the biochemical data.Conclusions: It could be concluded that, CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity and hemotoxicity is ameliorated by MOSE especially in high dose of (500mg/kg). This effect is attributed to free radical scavenging activity and potent antioxidant activity of its components (Flavonoid, tannin, alkaloid and saponin)

29. No association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and congenital heart disease in Saudi Arabian population

Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are the most common birth defects in the world. It is a major cause of childhood mortality and morbidity worldwide with about 7 per 1000 live birth. Studies suggest that Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism C667T has been associated with congenital malformation; this common missense mutation in the MTHFR gene may reduce enzymatic action, and may be involved in the etiology of congenital heart defects (CHD), but the evidence remains inconclusive. The aim of this study is to determine whether this association exists in the Saudi Arabian population.MethodDNA sequencing was used to detect genotype MTHFR C677T in 75 CHD patients and 100 ethnically similar controls. The type of cardiac defect was diagnosed by cardiovascular specialist and confirmed by echocardiographic.ResultsThe distribution of the MTHFR 677C >T SNP genotypes and alleles in both CHD and control groups were 70.0% CC, 26.0% CT, 4.0% TT in cases and 70.8% CC, 25.4% CT, 3.8% TT in controls. The T allele frequency was 17.0% in cases and 16.5% in controls. The difference between genotypes and alleles was not statistically significant between controls and the CHD groups.ConclusionWe did not find sufficient evidence for an association between MTHFR C677T genotype and congenital heart disease in Saudi Arabian population. We agree that the sample size is a limitation to our above conclusions

Internal Insulation of Historic Buildings: A Stochastic Approach to Life Cycle Costing Within RIBuild EU Project

The application of internal insulation is a widespread and effective solution for energy renovation of historic buildings.However, it entails quite high installation costs and a certain risk of failure due to moisture-related problems. A probabilistic risk assessment of both hygrothermal performance and life cycle costs can be used to address internal insulation issue, in order to support riskmanagement and decisionmaking. This paper presents the application of a probabilistic approach to Life Cycle Costing developed within the EU project RIBuild (Robust Internal Thermal Insulation of Historic Buildings), to five internal insulations solutions widely used in Italy. The method provides estimates of the range and likelihood of global costs and payback periods, also considering alternative energy and future economic scenarios. The impact of insulation systems service life on global costs is also addressed, in order to highlight the possible connection of the method to a stochastic estimation of insulation systems durability based on hygrothermal and damage assessments

Zicam-Induced Damage to Mouse and Human Nasal Tissue

Intranasal medications are used to treat various nasal disorders. However, their effects on olfaction remain unknown. Zicam (zinc gluconate; Matrixx Initiatives, Inc), a homeopathic substance marketed to alleviate cold symptoms, has been implicated in olfactory dysfunction. Here, we investigated Zicam and several common intranasal agents for their effects on olfactory function. Zicam was the only substance that showed significant cytotoxicity in both mouse and human nasal tissue. Specifically, Zicam-treated mice had disrupted sensitivity of olfactory sensory neurons to odorant stimulation and were unable to detect novel odorants in behavioral testing. These findings were long-term as no recovery of function was observed after two months. Finally, human nasal explants treated with Zicam displayed significantly elevated extracellular lactate dehydrogenase levels compared to saline-treated controls, suggesting severe necrosis that was confirmed on histology. Our results demonstrate that Zicam use could irreversibly damage mouse and human nasal tissue and may lead to significant smell dysfunction

Mycoplasma hominis deep wound infection after neuromuscular scoliosis surgery: the use of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Mycoplasma hominis is a commensal of the genitourinary tract. It mostly causes infections to associated structures of this system; however, occasionally it is a pathogen in nongenitourinary tract infections. Since, M. hominis strains require special growth conditions and cannot be Gram stained, they may be missed or delay diagnosis. This report describes a deep wound infection caused by M. hominis after neuromuscular scoliosis surgery; M. hominis was recovered by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). An awareness of the role of M. hominis as an extragenital pathogen in musculoskeletal infections, especially in neuromuscular scoliosis, being a high-risk group for postoperative wound infection, it is necessary to identify this pathogen. Real-time PCR for postoperative deep wound infection, in patients with a history of genitourinary infections, decreases the delay in diagnosis and treatment. In these cases rapid real-time PCR on deep cultures should be considered

Preparation and Application of Electrodes in Capacitive Deionization (CDI): a State-of-Art Review

As a promising desalination technology, capacitive deionization (CDI) have shown practicality and cost-effectiveness in brackish water treatment. Developing more efficient electrode materials is the key to improving salt removal performance. This work reviewed current progress on electrode fabrication in application of CDI. Fundamental principal (e.g. EDL theory and adsorption isotherms) and process factors (e.g. pore distribution, potential, salt type and concentration) of CDI performance were presented first. It was then followed by in-depth discussion and comparison on properties and fabrication technique of different electrodes, including carbon aerogel, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphene and ordered mesoporous carbon. Finally, polyaniline as conductive polymer and its potential application as CDI electrode-enhancing materials were also discussed