Developing an Online Pre-service Student Teaching System Using ADDIE Approach in a Middle Eastern University

In this study, an analysis was conducted in order to seek an improvement of a current working student teaching system in a Middle Eastern country university using the instructional design approach ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation) to indicate the need for an online-based system to manage the teacher preparation program in student teaching. The study sample involved twenty-five individuals from college supervisors, cooperating teachers and student teachers who took part in student teaching programs during Fall 2015. Focused group discussion, field notes, document analysis were the main tools used to analyze the status-qua of the system for the need to construct a new instruction. Results revealed several themes in the system based on three phases from the analysis phase of ADDIE approach. Future implications include utilization of current data to complete the next phases of the construction of an effective online system of managing student teaching

Synthesis and DFT Study of Newly Schiff Base and Fused Heterocyclic Compounds as Antibacterial Agent

Treatment of 2,3-di-(4-chlorophenyl) oxirane-2,3-dicarbonitriles(1) with nitrogen nucleophiles, e.g. N2H4, NH2OH afforded pyrazole 2, 1.2oxazole 3 derivatives respectively The 3-amino pyrazole-4-one derivatives 2 can be used as a key starting materials to synthesize some important Schiff base 4 and fused heterocyclic compounds e.g. Imidazolo-[4,5-c]pyrazole 5, Pyrazolo[3,4-e]1,2,4-triazine 6, pyrazol[1,2-a] 1,3,5-triazine 7, 8 and 9. The electromeric effect of the halogen atom in the aryl moieties can be controlled upon the rate of reaction and the yield of the product. The structures of synthesized new compounds were characterized by spectral data and screened for their antimicrobial activities against various bacteria and fungi strains. The heterocyclic compounds 7, 8 and 9 that contained bridgehead nitrogen gave an excellent result.&nbsp

Load Balancing Models based on Reinforcement Learning for Self-Optimized Macro-Femto LTE-Advanced Heterogeneous Network

Heterogeneous Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) network (HetNet) utilizes small cells to enhance its capacity and coverage. The intensive deployment of small cells such as pico- and femto-cells to complement macro-cells resulted in unbalanced distribution of traffic-load among cells. Machine learning techniques are employed in cooperation with Self-Organizing Network (SON) features to achieve load balancing between highly loaded Macro cells and underlay small cells such as Femto cells. In this paper, two algorithms have been proposed to balance the traffic load between Macro and Femto cells. The two proposed algorithms are named as Load Balancing based on Reinforcement Learning of end-user SINR (LBRL-SINR) and Load Balancing based on Reinforcement Learning of Macro cell-throughput (LBRL-T). Both of the proposed algorithms utilize Reinforcement Learning (RL) technique to control the reference signal power of each Femto cell that underlays a highly loaded Macro cell. At the same time, the algorithm monitors any degradation in the performance metrics of both Macro and its neighbor Femto cells and reacts to troubleshoot the degradation in real time. The simulation results showed that both of the proposed algorithms are able to off-load end-users from highly loaded Macro cell and redistribute the traffic load fairly with its neighbor Femto cells. As a result, both of call drop rate and call block rate of a highly loaded Macro cell are decreased

Faculty members’ perceptions about the effectiveness of the procedures for applying the appraisal of academic staff at Sultan Qaboos University

The appraisal of academic staff at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has been in place for many years as a quality assurance measure. Its primary objective is to enhance staff performance by identifying commendable areas and those requiring improvement in daily activities. Over the years, this appraisal has contributed in faculty development and quality assurance as well as in the continuous improvement. This study explores the perceptions of faculty members at the College of Education concerning the procedures for applying the academic appraisal form at SQU. Utilizing a mixed-method approach (quantitative and qualitative), including questionnaire and semi-structured interview, the research examines the faculty members' views on the effectiveness of the appraisal procedures. The sample participating in this study was 54 faculty members. Out of the 54 participants, 48 completed the questionnaire, while 6 were chosen for in-depth semi-structured interviews. The sample included a wide range of participants to reflect the diversity within the academic staff. The findings may offer valuable insights into the current status of these perceptions and potentially assist policy makers at SQU in enhancing the existing procedures and system for applying the academic appraisal. Furthermore, the results may lead to a set of recommendations and directions for future research, helping to improve the robustness and applicability of the appraisal system within the university context

In vivo and in vitro assessment of the anti-mycoplasma activity of Curcumin nanoparticles and their impact on health and performance of broiler chickens

Globally, the poultry production industry is growing at a rapid pace. Mycoplasma is a disease that causes an enormous financial loss to the poultry farming industry. Lately, there have been reports of avian mycoplasmosis resistance to multiple antibiotics especially macrolides. Thus, the purpose of this work was to assess the antibacterial activity of curcumin nanoparticles (Curcumin-NPs) against Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) and Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) in vitro and in vivo as a possible alternative for antibiotics. In vitro investigations were used to determine the curcumin-NPs' minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) versus MG and MS. To conduct in vivo research, 216 birds were divided into nine groups, each consisting of 24 birds in triplicate and 8 birds apiece. The groups were as follows: G1 was given an MG challenge; G2 received an MG challenge and 0.5% curcumin-NPs; G3 received an MG challenge and 1% curcumin-NPs; G4 MG challenged and treated with tilmicosin, G5 challenged with MS; G6 infected with MS and supplied with 0.5% curcumin-NPs; G7 infected with MS and supplied with 1% curcumin-NPs; G8 received an MS challenge and treated with tilmicosin and G9 were the control negative group. The conclusion is that Curcumin-NPs demonstrated in vitro anti-mycoplasma activities; adding 1% curcumin-NPs to the drinking water for five days was a much more potent treatment than adding 0.5% curcumin-NPs and tilmicosin for the control of MG and MS infections in broiler chickens; the treated birds showed improved lipid profiles, better FCR, body weight gain, and a noticeable decrease in the sternness of clinical manifestations as well as lesions score. Additionally, a notable enhancement in renal function (urea & creatinine), hepatic enzymes (ALT & AST), and antioxidant status (Catalase, GSH, and MDA). There has also been a notable advancement in lipid profile. For five days, the use of 1% curcumin-NPs in the drinking water is advised as a secure and efficient treatment for avian mycoplasmosis in broiler chickens

Indications and surgical management for movement disorders

Background: Movement disorders encompass a heterogeneous group of neurological conditions affecting motor control. These disorders are broadly classified into hypokinetic (e.g., Parkinson’s disease [PD]) and hyperkinetic (e.g., dystonia, essential tremor). While pharmacological treatment remains the mainstay, stereotactic neurosurgical procedures, including lesioning techniques such as thalamotomy and pallidotomy, offer an effective alternative for medically refractory cases. Despite the high success rate of deep brain stimulation (DBS), financial constraints in developing countries necessitate more cost-effective approaches like lesioning procedures. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of lesioning procedures in patients with movement disorders, specifically Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and essential tremor. The study also sought to establish a standardized protocol for surgical management, considering economic constraints, and to enhance collaboration between neurology and neurosurgery departments for optimal patient care.Patients and Methods: A prospective clinical study was conducted at Cairo University Hospitals from May 2022 to February 2023, enrolling 21 patients diagnosed with movement disorders. Patients underwent stereotactic lesioning procedures, including thalamotomy and pallidotomy, based on clinical symptomatology. Preoperative and postoperative assessments utilized standardized scoring systems such as the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), TETRAS (essential tremor rating scale), and the Unified Dystonia Rating Scale (UDRS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with significance set at P < 0.05.Results: Among the 21 patients, 16 had Parkinson’s disease, 3 had essential tremors, and 2 had dystonia. Postoperative assessments showed significant improvement across all groups. In Parkinson’s disease patients, UPDRS III scores improved by 46.3% in the off-medication state and 57.7% in the on-medication state (P < 0.001). Tremors decreased by 60% in the off state and 75% in the on state. Essential tremor patients exhibited a 41.5% improvement in TETRAS scores (P = 0.011), while dystonia patients showed a 41.5% improvement in UDRS scores (P = 0.033). Mild dysarthria was reported in 18.75% of Parkinson’s patients, with one case of postoperative subdural hematoma.Conclusion: We conclude that lesioning procedure should be revisited globally using the modern techniques of targeting and controlled thermal lesion protocols guided by capsular somatotopy and intraoperative EMG monitoring, that will improve the outcome dramaticall

Level of including the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) in the Omani Science Curricula content for Grades 5-8

This study aimed to determine the level of including the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) in the Omani science curricula content for Grades 5-8. To achieve the objectives of the study, a content analysis card was prepared by using the educational literature of previous studies and research. It consisted of six main areas with (34) indicators. To ensure the content analysis card\u27s validity, it was presented to a group of experts specialized in the field of education. Cohen Kappa equation was used to ensure the instrument\u27s reliability, which was (0.87) across individuals and (0.92) over time. The results showed the level of inclusion of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) content in Omani school science curricula for grades 5 to 8. The total percentage was (37.83%), with a medium inclusion level, with a variation in the level of inclusion of these fields. The results also showed differences in the inclusion of STEAM fields in the Omani science curricula content for grades 5 to 8 according to the different grades. These differences were between (41.87%) for the fifth and (36.18%) for the eighth grades. The study recommended enhancing the level of inclusion of STEAM fields in the Omani science curricula content for grades (5-8) from an average inclusion level to a higher-than-average inclusion level, and not only paying attention to one domain of the STEAM curricula to the exclusion of other domains

Investigating the tradeoff between transparency and efficiency in semitransparent bifacial mesosuperstructured solar cells for millimeter-scale applications

This article thanks to recent advancements in nanofabrication and 3-D packaging, typical Internet of Things devices can now be wirelessly controlled using millimeter-scale sensors known as Internet of Tiny Things devices. Since these low-power devices may be exposed to low and indirect solar irradiation, we demonstrate a novel mesosuperstructured solar cell (MSSC) that allows low flux light to be harvested from both its top and bottom sides. Our cell is based on either a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) or a perovskite solar cell (PSC). The active layer in the proposed MSSCs was tuned to allow semitransparent behavior. Moreover, we developed an experimentally validated model that enables optimization of the active layer thickness for different semitransparent MSSC applications. In MSSCs, such optimization is necessary to balance the tradeoff between transparency and efficiency for various active layer thicknesses. Fabricated DSSCs and PSCs cells were used to validate the simulation results. The fabricated DSSC achieved a harvesting ratio of 1:10 with a conversion efficiency of around 2% at one Sun. We demonstrate that the optimum thickness of the mesoporous TiO 2 active layer in DSSCs was 800 nm, enabling a maximum power density of 7 mW/cm 2

Hydrolysis, Microstructural Profiling and Utilization of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba in Yoghurt

The present study investigates the hydrolysis, microstructural profiling and utilization of guar gum (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) as a prebiotic in a yoghurt. Guar galactomannans (GG) was purified and partially depolymerized using an acid, alkali and enzyme to improve its characteristics and increase its utilization. The prebiotic potential of hydrolyzed guar gum was determined using Basel and supplemented media. Crude guar galactomannans (CGG), purified guar galactomannans (PGG), base hydrolyzed guar galactomannans (BHGG), acid hydrolyzed guar galactomannans (AHGG) and enzymatic hydrolyzed guar galactomannans (EHGG) were analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Yoghurt was prepared with a starter culture and incorporating guar gum, its hydrolyzed forms (0.1, 0.5 and 1%) and Bifidobacterium bifidum. The results showed that PHGG significantly improved the viability of B. bifidum. SEM revealed a significant change in the surface morphology of guar gum after acidic and enzymatic hydrolysis. Enzymatic hydrolysis developed a well-defined framework within guar gum molecules. The XRD pattern of CGG, PGG and AHGG presented an amorphous structure and showed low overall crystallinity while EHGG and BHGG resulted in slightly increased crystallinity regions. FTIR spectral analysis suggested that, after hydrolysis, there was no major transformation of functional groups. The addition of the probiotic and prebiotic significantly improved the physiochemical properties of the developed yoghurt. The firmness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness and syneresis were increased while consistency and viscosity were decreased during storage. In sum, a partial hydrolysis of guar gum could be achieved using inexpensive methods with commercial significance

Optimization of organic meso-superstructured solar cells for underwater IoT² self-powered sensors

The effectiveness of the mesoporous TiO₂ layer, which acts as an active n-type semiconductor layer in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), was investigated by varying AgVO₃ doping. To optimize the meso-superstructure, the doping concentration was varied from 0% to 25% using experimentally validated simulations. Moreover, performance comparisons between the experimentally fabricated DSSCs based on natural beetroot dye and the commonly used N719 dye were made. A 15% doping concentration was found optimum for our DSSC, which delivered an output power of 19.24 mW, 6.1% power conversion efficiency, and an open-circuit voltage, Voc , of 0.5 V and a short-circuit current density, Jsc , of 21 mA/cm² in diffused light conditions. Based on these performance results, we integrated our optimized DSSC in an underwater sensing unit as a light harvester