The Influence of Teachers Job Satisfaction on Students’ Academic Performance.

This study assessed the influence of teachers’ job satisfaction on students’ academic performance: a case study of Bagamoyo District secondary schools. Data were collected using the questionnaire and interview schedules. The sample size consisted of 280 respondents, comprising of 210 teachers and 70 head teachers. The study used the random sampling technique when sampling teachers. In the other hand, purposive sampling was used to sample head teachers. Stratified sampling technique was used to select the secondary schools. The findings reveal that teachers work in poor conditions typified with a lack of in-service training, promotion, and necessary facilities like housing, chalks, tables, and chairs. Most of them live long-distance from schools where they teach hence affecting their capabilities to fulfill their daily teaching responsibilities, which results in a reduction in their work morale. This was also seen to result in teacher absenteeism and lateness, which leads to lower students' academic performance. The study recommends that the government should address the problems faced by public secondary school teachers in order to boost students’ academic performance. To achieve this, the study recommends provision of adequate teaching facilities, equal opportunities for growth, in-service training, security, and reasonable payment among many others. Keywords: Teachers’, Job Satisfaction, Students’ Academic Performance, Influence

The Capability Approach: A proposed framework for experiential learning the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

This qualitative case study uses the Capability Approach (CA) as a framework for experiential learning courses in the Faculty of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Windsor, in Ontario, Canada. Specifically, this is a case study of two courses titled Ways of Knowing and Ways of Doing that are offered as undergraduate general credit electives. In this paper, we describe the case study context and provide a brief introduction to the CA. The lead author presents the case study courses\u27 pedagogical framework and describes the materials and methods of the case. Next, we provide a summary of the data collection and analysis alongside thick descriptions of the CA in the context of the case. In the final section, we share reflections for further discussion

Prevalence of Tuberculosis Infection among Patients Attending Consultant Clinic for TB and Chest Diseases at AL Najaf Governorate

Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes TB, a contagious illness. Although the lungs are the main target, the kidneys, spine, and brain are all affected. TB patients cough, sneeze, and talk, releasing droplets carrying tuberculin bacteria. This makes the illness airborne. Research motivation Comorbidities were examined in tuberculosis patients visiting a consultant clinic for chest diseases. Moderating strategy: A cross-sectional study at an Al-Najaf consultant clinic examined TB and other chest illnesses. 118 cases were studied. The study was conducted from January to April 2023. Positive cases averaged 46.5 18.28 years, whereas healthy controls averaged 47.8 16.60 years. Number of windows, exercise, and TB were correlated with p-values of 0.04, 0.02, and 0.01, respectively. This research indicated that four factors occupation, body mass index (being underweight), alcohol consumption, and consuming hot milk predict TB the most

Specific Caleosin/Peroxygenase and Lipoxygenase Activities Are Tissue-Differentially Expressed in Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Seedlings and Are Further Induced Following Exposure to the Toxin 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

Two caleosin/peroxygenase isoforms from date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L., PdCLO2 and PdCLO4, were characterized with respect to their tissue expression, subcellular localization, and oxylipin pathway substrate specificities in developing seedlings. Both PdCLO2 and PdCLO4 had peroxygenase activities that peaked at the mid-stage (radicle length of 2.5 cm) of seedling growth and were associated with the lipid droplet (LD) and microsomal fractions. Recombinant PdCLO2 and PdCLO4 proteins heterologously expressed in yeast cells were localized in both LD and microsomal fractions. Each of the purified recombinant proteins exhibited peroxygenase activity but they were catalytically distinct with respect to their specificity and product formation from fatty acid epoxide and hydroxide substrates. We recently showed that date palm CLO genes were upregulated following exposure to the potent toxin, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) (Hanano et al., 2016), and we show here that transcripts of 9- and 13-lipoxygenase (LOX) genes were also induced by TCDD exposure. At the enzyme level, 9-LOX and 13-LOX activities were present in a range of seedling tissues and responded differently to TCDD exposure, as did the 9- and 13-fatty acid hydroperoxide reductase activities. This demonstrates that at least two branches of the oxylipin pathway are involved in responses to the environmental organic toxin, TCDD in date palm

Assessment of the Cognitive function in the epileptic patients and effect of anti epileptic drugs

This study is a prospective study that aimed to evaluate cognitive function in newly diagnosed epileptic patients before and 3 months after taking an antiepileptic drug by doing Wechsler IQ for patients before and 3 months after treatment and for their parents . the study included 40 patients. Divided into 4 groups  (each containing 10 patients ) and subjected to one of the following AEDs  for  3  months : 1. group A : receiving Carbamazepine (Tegretol)  in a dose of 10-20 mg/kg/day,2. group B receiving Na valproate (Depakine) in a dose of 20-40 mg/kg/day,3. group C : receiving Lamotrigine (Lamictal)  in a dose of 3-5 mg/kg/day,4. group D : receiving Topiramate in a dose of 3-6 mg/kg/day.Taking into consideration other factors that may be of Significance in affecting cognitive functions as seizure frequency ,age at onset of seizures and EEG abnormality. The results of the study were as following:1-There are statistically significant differences between IQs before and after treatment in the 4 groups. 2-there is +ve correlation between IQs before and after ttt in all groups.3- there is -ve correlation between IQs after ttt and frequency of seizures in group (B).4- There is +ve correlation between IQs of parents and patients? IQs before ttt in all groups.5-there is +ve correlation between IQs after ttt and parents' IQs  in all group,From these results we can conclude that  heredity is the main factor responsible for most of the decline in cognitive functions seen in epileptic patients after  treatment with AEDs and other factors as   seizure frequency, age at onset of seizures and EEG  abnormalities may also  play  a role,  By comparing the four groups we found that the impairment in cognitive function is mainly related to the impairment in cognitive function already present in those patients before the start of treatment. which were correlated and inherited in all groups. Keywords: Epilepsy,Cognition,Antiepileptic drug

The peroxygenase activity of the Aspergillus flavus caleosin, AfPXG, modulates the biosynthesis of aflatoxins and their trafficking and extracellular secretion via lipid droplets

Aflatoxins (AF) are highly detrimental to human and animal health. We recently demonstrated that the Aspergillus flavus caleosin, AfPXG, had peroxygenase activity and mediated fungal development and AF accumulation. We now report the characterization of an AfPXG-deficient line using reference strain NRRL3357. The resulting fungal phenotype included a severe decrease in mycelium growth, failure to sporulate, and reduced AF production. Increasing cellular oxidative status by administration of hydrogen peroxide and cumene hydroperoxide did not restore the AfPXG-deficient phenotype, which suggests that AfPXG-deficiency is not directly related to oxidative stress. To investigate possible alternative roles of AfPXG, a gain of function approach was used to overexpress AfPXG, with the reporter gene Gfp, in an AfPXG-deficient line, termed AfPXG+. The resulting phenotype included elevated numbers of stable lipid droplets (LDs) plus enhanced AF production. Highly purified LDs from AfPXG+ cultures sequestered AF and this ability was positively correlated with overall LD number. Site-specific mutagenesis of AfPXG to delete Histidine 85 (AfPXGHis85), a residue essential for its catalytic activity, or deletion of the putative LD targeting domain (AfPXGD126-140), showed that AfPXG-peroxygenase activity was required for AF biosynthesis and that integration of AF into LDs was required for their export via a LD-dependent pathway. Ectopic expression in fungal cells of the plant LD-associated protein, oleosin, also resulted in both additional LD accumulation and enhanced AF secretion. These results suggest that both fungal LDs and their associated caleosin proteins are intimately involved in the biosynthesis, trafficking, and secretion of AF

EFFECT OF IN VITRO PRESERVATION ON THE RAPD PROFILES IN "KORONAIKI" AND "KALAMATA" OLIVE CULTIVARS (OLEA europaea L.)

The present work aimed to establish a protocol to minimize the potential effect of in-vitro preservation for 8 months of the two olive cultivars i.e Koronaiki and Kalamata. Three culture conditions (treatments) were chosen to investigate the most suitable one for minimizing somaclonal variations after the process of in vitro preservation. The conditions include MS medium plus mannitol, MS medium plus low temperature and MS medium plus naphthaline acetic acid. RAPD-based finger-printing was employed to determine the effects of the different chemical constituents and other culture conditions on the extent of somaclonal variations after 8 months of in vitro preservation at the DNA level. Four arbitrary primers (OPA-04, -07, -14 and -16) were successfully utilized to achieve such goal. The obtained results showed that Mannitol has more pronounced effect than the other investigated preservation culture and conditions for decreasing DNA alterations

Evaluation of Cerebral Hemodynamics in Cirrhotic Patients by Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography and its Relation to Hepatic Encephalopathy

The study aimed at Aim evaluation the cerebral hemodynamics in cirrhotic patients by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography and its relation to hepatic encephalopathy. This study is a prospective study , 50 subjects attended El Hussein university hospital, inpatient and outpatient clinic are classified into three groups, group I(10 subjects as a healthy control),group II (20 subjects with liver cirrhosis without hepatic encephalopathy) and group III(20 subjects with liver cirrhosis with hepatic encephalopathy). All patients included in the study underwent a full history taking,complete physical examination, liver functions tests,blood ammonia level,C.B.C,blood urea and serum creatinine and pelvi-abdominal ultarasonography. Transcranial Doppler done for all patients participated in the study using a 2 MHz transducer. The results showed that as regard Trans cranial Doppler ultrasound parameters, we found a statistical significant difference between the three groups as regard Pulsatility Index (P ˂ 0.001), Breath-Holding Index (P ˂ 0.001) ) , Maximum Flow Velocity(P ˂ 0.001) and Mean (P ˂ 0.001), whereas Pulsatility Index, , Maximum Flow Velocity and Mean are higher in patient with Hepatic Encephalopathy, but Breath-holding index is low, there is no statistical significant difference (P > 0.05) between them as regard Minimum Flow Velocity. Conclusion: Transcranial doppler ultrasonography is easy, rapidly done not invasive method for evaluation of cerebral hemodynamic in cirrhotic patient and predection of hepatic encephalopathy. Keywords: Transcranial doppler, Hepatic encephalopathy, Cirrhosis

Salivary composition and dental caries among children controlled asthmatics

AbstractBackground and objectiveAsthma patients can be effectively treated and controlled with currently available medications, inhaled ß2-agonists and corticosteroids have harmful effects on dentition. Therefore we aimed to investigate the influence of exposure to inhaled ß2-agonists and corticosteroids on the composition of saliva as a risk factor to increase the incidence of dental caries among children aged 8–14years old. The study group is compared with a control group of healthy children of the same age group.Patient and methodsIn a triple-blind analytical case–control study, children were selected according to inclusion criteria, divided into asthmatic group1 (n=60), who were controlled by ß2-agonists and corticosteroids for at least six months. Control group (group II) was first-degree relatives (n=60) matched for age. DMFS and DMFT index scores were recorded in both groups. Saliva samples were collected from each child for testing electrolytes, pH, and cariogenic bacteria.ResultsThe results showed higher prevalence of caries among asthmatics (group I) than controls (group II). As well as a positive correlation between, duration of asthma and the caries indices, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacilli colonies bacteria count in asthmatic were higher than in controls. Salivary electrolytes were significantly elevated in asthmatics with caries.ConclusionPrevalence of dental caries was higher in asthmatics than controls. High caries incidence in asthmatics related to salivary acidic pH, increase S. mutans, Lactobacilli count and medication. There is a need to create awareness among dental practitioners and pulmonologists regarding the increased caries risk in asthmatics

Characterization of the performance of aluminum oxide nanoparticles modified asphalt binder

This study investigates the physical and rheological properties of asphalt binders modified by nano aluminum oxide (AL2O3). Several conventional tests were conducted, including penetration, softening point and ductility, rotational viscosity and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). Based on the results of the tests, it was found that the hardness of modified asphalt binders increased with the addition of nano AL2O3 up to 5%. As a result of the increased hardness, the softening point of modified asphalt improved compared with base asphalt binders. The rheological property of modified binders was enhanced at low and high temperatures. The results of a DSR test revealed that the G* were improved, whereas the δ decreased slightly. The addition of a different percentage of AL2O3 to base binder had a remarkable influence on resistance to permanent deformation (high temperature rutting and low temperature fatigue). Results recognize 5 wt.% as the optimum content of the modifier. Therefore, nano AL2O3 can be considered as a proper alternative additive to modify the properties of asphalt cement