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Effectiveness of flipped classroom pedagogy: A mixed-methods analysis of adult continuing education—Case study, Egyptian context
This mixed-methods study investigated the effectiveness of a flipped classroom model in an adult English as a Foreign Language (EFL) continuing education program in Egypt. A total of 297 learners participated by responding to an online questionnaire, yielding a 72.6% response rate. Learner perceptions were assessed using a Model for Improving Student Learning (MISL) framework across five instructional dimensions, demonstrating strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .72–.93). Quantitative findings indicated positive perceptions across all dimensions (mean scores: 4.30–4.52 on a 5-point scale), with Knowledge Construction rating highest. Multiple regression analysis (R² = .668) identified learner confidence, motivation, engagement, and digital competence as significant predictors of perceived learning. A multivariate analysis (MANOVA) found no significant effect of prior flipped classroom experience. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses revealed increased participation, confidence, and collaboration. The study extends conventional mixed-methods analysis by incorporating sentiment analysis of qualitative responses using Python’s TextBlob library. Sentiment analysis supported these results, with overall positive polarity scores. Findings underscore the role of affective and digital readiness factors in flipped classroom effectiveness, emphasizing the critical importance of well-structured implementation over prior experience with the flipped classroom model, with implications for curriculum design in technology-enhanced adult education, especially in non-Western, resource-constrained settings.
Adsorption behavior of lead and chromium onto MgO impregnated biochar derived from banana peels and rice husk in binary environment
Abstract In current research, raw- and MgO-impregnated biochar derived via (co)pyrolysis of rice husk (RH) and banana peel (BP) in mass ratios (0:1, 1:0 and 1:1) were synthesized and examined for their physiochemical properties and adsorption performance for Cr(VI) and Pb(II) ions removal from synthetic solutions. Owing to excellent removal capability (Cr(VI): 94% at pH 2; Pb(II): 100% at pH 4) of 2 g/L MgO-impregnated biochar with mass ratio 1:1 (MgO@CBC) for 20 mg/L metals ions loading in single solute system with 120 min contact time, removal performance of MgO@CBC was examined under binary environment. Interestingly, binary solute system showed significant MgO@CBC adsorption performance for Pb(II) removal (99%) with slight decrease in Cr(VI) removal (88.5%) at pH 2 under similar boundary conditions. Moreover, increasing metal ions concentration showed improved MgO@CBC adsorption potential for Cr(VI) at pH 4 and Pb(II) at pH 2, due to porous matrix Mg 2+ -mediated compounds and unique surface characteristics. Furthermore, the underlying removal mechanism using MgO@CBC was identified as (Cr(VI): reduction/complexation coupled with electrostatic attraction) and (Pb(II): ligand exchange followed by surface complexation) and in binary system as (Cr(VI) and Pb(II): ligand exchange, electrostatic attraction, bimetallic bonding (Pb–O–Cr) and surface complexation). In addition, MgO@CBC displayed promising recyclability potential for metal ions removal up to five cycles. In general, these experimental and mechanistic insights may provide feasible and ecofriendly solutions to tanneries, when dealing with toxic metal ions from their effluents.
Therapeutic potential of flavonoids and rutin against inflammation-induced on a huntington animal model
This study tested the hypothesis that flavonoids (diosmine, hesperidin and rutin®) play a protective role in the brain and duodenum against 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) free radical induced inflammation. This was achieved by measuring the levels of GABA, 5-HIAA, dopamine and some inflammation and oxidative stress markers. Male young Wistar rats (weight 60g) received Salmonella thyphimurium ATCC14028 1x10 6 CFU/g every week, for two consecutive weeks, plus the following treatments: group A, 0.9% NaCl (Control); group B, diosmine (300 mg) + hesperidin (33.3g) + rutin (150 mg/kg); group C, 3-NPA; group D, 3-NPA + mix of flavonoids with 1 ml of rutin® per rat. 3-NPA administration was at 24 mg/kgW by intraperitoneal route and the flavonoids were orally administered at every 48 hours for 15 days. At the moment of euthanasia, the blood was obtained to assess Interleukine-6, glucose, triglycerides and hemoglobin levels. Brain and duodenum were obtained to measure GABA, dopamine, 5-HIAA, lipoperoxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), total ATPase concentrations and catalase activity using validated methods. The brains, stomach and duodenum were dissected for histological analysis. In group A, there is a decrease in interleukine-6 levels (p = 0.009). In the cortex region of animals in group C, dopamine experienced a significant decrease (p = 0.012). GABA increased (p = 0.001) in cerebellum regions of animals in the groups A, B and C. ATPase activity increased (p = 0.013) in cerebellum regions in animals of groups C and D. Lipoperoxidation diminished (p = 0.043) in cerebellum region of group D. Catalase activity diminished (p = 0.043) in Cortex region of animals in groups B and D, and (p = 0.002) in cerebellum region of animals in groups A and B. Besides, histological changes revealed marked lesions of neuronal cells in experimental animals treated with nitro propionic acid. The protective role of flavonoids and rutin compounds on inhibition of the inflammatory response and correction of the fundamental oxidant/antioxidant imbalance in animals suffering from Huntington diseases are important vistas for further research.
Fucoidan-rich Ecklonia radiata supplementation improves growth performance, immune responsiveness, and gut health in pigs
The impact of ethnic self-identity on post-migration social integration of young rural to urban migrants in China: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Background Post-migration social integration is a pressing concern for young ethnic-minority migrants in urban China. This study examines how ethnic self-identity shapes this integration process from the migrant’s own lived perspectives. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, we regard young migrants as subjects of meaning-making rather than objects to be measured. Ecological systems theory, social identity theory, and social cognitive models provide the analytical frameworks for understanding how ethnic identity is negotiated within destination-city contexts. Methods We conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with ethnic migrant youths from Miao, Tujia, and Zangzu (Tibetan) groups who had relocated to Wuhan, Hubei Province. Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, with cross-case patterning organized through thematic procedures. Results Analysis identified five interconnected experiential dimensions of ethnic self-identity that influence social integration: ethnic self-categorization, ethnic versus local language proficiency, ethnic and cultural practices, perceived ethnicity- based discrimination and bicultural identity integration. Conclusion Ethnic self-identity functions as a two-sided mechanism: it simultaneously provides psychological protection against discrimination and sustains ethnic group cohesion, yet also creates social boundaries that complicate host-community integration. These findings highlight the need for policies and interventions that address both identity-based support and structural barriers to integration.
A bench test analysis of semiology of flow signals from built-in software used in home NIV monitoring
Computational and experimental evaluation of Pisolithus arhizus metabolites targeting major efflux pumps of mastitis-associated Staphylococcus aureus
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pathogenic bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus , is an increasing global concern in veterinary medicine. The present study evaluated bioactive metabolites from P. arhizus as potential inhibitors of major S. aureus efflux pumps. The methanolic extracts of P. arhizus were profiled using GC–MS to identify the main constituents, and their antibacterial activity against S. aureus was evaluated using a well diffusion assay. The experimental results showed that the crude methanolic extract exhibited a 20 mm zone of inhibition with a MIC of 30 µg/mL. Furthermore, isolated metabolites, octadecanoic acid and compound tentatively identified by GC-MS as 3-(6-methyl-3-pyridyl)-1,5-diphenyl-2-pyrazoline (a pyrazoline derivative), (tentatively identified) demonstrated zones of inhibition of 19 mm each, with MIC values of 30 µg/mL and 40 µg/mL, respectively . In silico analyses, including molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, were performed to examine the binding and stability of 12 fungal metabolites with the major S. aureus efflux pumps NorA, NorB, NorC, and MepA. Binding-free energy estimation by MM-GBSA supported favorable interactions for selected compounds, with pyrazoline and octadecanoic acid showing the most promising profiles. Principal component analysis (PCA), dynamic cross-correlation matrix (DCCM) analysis, and ADMET predictions further suggested stable complex behavior and acceptable drug-likeness features. In general, these results indicate that the P. arhizus metabolites demonstrated antibacterial activity and showed a high binding affinity to efflux pumps in silico , suggesting that they merit further investigation as potential antibacterial agents with predicted interactions toward efflux pump proteins.
Reduced cytokine levels among people living with HIV (PLWH) in ghana co-infected with human coronaviruses
Hematological parameters and associated factors among adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending selected hospitals in Garowe, Puntland, Somalia: A comparative cross-sectional study
Background Diabetes mellitus is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels resulting from inadequate insulin production or ineffective insulin utilization. Type 2 diabetes, the most prevalent form, is associated with alterations in hematological parameters. Notably, there is no evidence addressing hematological parameters and their associated factors among adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Garowe City. Thus, this study aimed to assess hematological parameters and associated factors among adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in comparison to healthy controls attending hospitals in Garowe, Puntland, Somalia, from October 1 to November 15, 2024. Method A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted 266 participants (133 type 2 diabetic patients and 133 comparative groups) using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaires, checklists, and laboratory tests. Hematological parameters, fasting blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin were measured. The collected data were entered into Epi-data v3.1, and exported to STATA v17 for analysis. Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and correlation were used. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to see associations between predictors and outcomes. A p -value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The current study found that the absolute counts of neutrophil, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean platelet volume, and platelet distribution width were significantly different between type 2 diabetic patients and the comparative group ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, the most prevalent hematological abnormalities among type 2 diabetic patients were anemia (31.6%), monocytosis (23.3%), thrombocytopenia (7.5%), and leukocytosis (6.8%). Multivariable analysis indicated that poor glycemic control was significantly associated with anemia (AOR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.06–8.8), while systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg was significantly associated with leukocytosis (AOR = 6.09, 95% CI: 1.09–33.9) in type 2 diabetic patients. Conclusions Absolute neutrophil count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean platelet volume, and platelet distribution width differed significantly between type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and the comparative group. Anemia, monocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and leukocytosis were the most frequently observed hematological abnormalities in both groups. Poor glycemic control was significantly associated with anemia, while elevated systolic blood pressure was associated with leukocytosis among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. The occurrence of anemia in both groups suggests that factors beyond diabetes may contribute to its burden in this population.
CRISPR-Cas9 mediated knockout of the white gene in the bluetongue virus vector, Culicoides sonorensis (biting midge)
Abstract Culicoides biting midges are small blood feeding insects responsible for the transmission of important arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) such as bluetongue virus (BTV), Schmallenberg virus (SBV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV), which cause major losses to livestock production worldwide. Culicoides sonorensis is the primary vector of BTV in North America and one of the few Culicoides species to be colonised and reared in artificial conditions. Gene editing technology has been used to explore virus-vector interactions in other vector groups, particularly within mosquitoes. Despite the availability of a reference genome since 2018, to date there have been no reports of gene editing in C. sonorensis . Here, we report the first instance of gene editing in C. sonorensis , achieved by intrathoracic injection of adult females with Cas9 and sgRNAs targeting the white gene. We generated heritable mutations in the white gene which produced both white eye and red eye phenotypes and went on to establish a homozygous knockout line carrying a single mutation. We observed gene editing efficiencies of up to 12.3%, making this an efficient protocol for genetic manipulation of Culicoides biting midges, opening the door to functional genomics studies and the development of control strategies in these important and understudied disease vectors.
Dysmenorrhea Symptoms Interference Scale (DSI) in Serbian - Translation and psychometric properties evaluation
Background and Objective Dysmenorrhea, painful menstruation, affects 20–90% of women and it can significantly impair their quality of life. To evaluate the severity and consequences of dysmenorrhea specific questionnaires have been developed. The aim of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the Dysmenorrhea Symptoms Interference Scale (DSI) for the Serbian-speaking population and assess its psychometric properties. Materials and Methods This study included 350 Serbian-speaking female students with primary dysmenorrhea symptoms at least once during the past 12 months attending health sciences at the University of Pristina temporarily settled in Kosovska Mitrovica. They completed the general socio-epidemiologic questionnaire, the DSI and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). The DSI was translated according to the recommended methodology for the cultural adaptation of questionnaires, and its psychometric characteristics (internal consistency, validity based on internal structure, discriminant and convergent validity) were tested. Results There were no major changes in the items during the process of translation or validation. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the whole scale was 0.928, whereas if an item was deleted, it was above 0.8 for all items. The McDonald’s omega coefficient was 0.951, indicating good internal consistency. The CI‒TC coefficients were greater than 0.40 for all the items, indicating that all the items were significant elements of the DSI. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed one-factor structure of the Serbian DSI version (total variance explained 64.16%). Confirmatory factor analysis showed adequate values of fit indices (goodness of fit 0.998; root mean square error of approximation 0.032). The DSI significantly correlated (ρ = 0.520; p = 0.001) with DASS-21, confirming its adequate convergent validity. Moreover, DSI scores significantly (p = 0.001) differed between students with mild and severe dysmenorrhea proving good discriminant validity. Conclusions The Serbian version of the DSI showed adequate psychometric properties and it can be applied both in research and in broad clinical use.
In-hospital outcomes of fibromyalgia patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty: a seven-year United States National Inpatient Sample propensity-matched analysis
Synchronized by photoperiod: Shedding light on flowering seasonality in Acrocomia species (Arecaceae)
Interest in the oilseed palm genus Acrocomia has grown due to its potential as a sustainable alternative to the African oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis ). Recent research has focused on genetic resource development, and oil yield and quality, and applying this knowledge toward domestication. However, major knowledge gaps remain regarding yield formation, particularly the understanding of flowering phenology. In addition, the environmental drivers regulating its flowering phenology remain unclear. While flowering is often assumed to be triggered by the onset of the rainy season, evidence from different regions suggests that this cue is unreliable. This study aimed to determine the climatic and photoperiodic drivers of Acrocomia flowering seasonality and to assess variation among accessions of A. totai , A. intumescens and A. aculeata from diverse South American origins. We monitored six Acrocomia accessions cultivated under identical conditions in the Active Germplasm Bank of Acrocomia (BAG-Macaúba) in Araponga, Brazil, over three flowering seasons (2019–2021). Using circular statistics, seasonal decomposition, and moving-window correlations, we analyzed relationships between flowering patterns and temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, and photoperiod. The flowering exhibited strong seasonality from September to January, with synchronous patterns across seasons. Photoperiod was identified as the predominant factor associated with flowering timing, while precipitation and temperature showed weaker and less consistent links, contributing only to minor interannual fluctuations. These results suggest that photoperiod may act as a primary seasonal cue for Acrocomia lowering, while episodic climatic variations act as secondary modukators. This improved comprehension facilitates the formulation of strategies for pollination management, genotype selection, and yield stability in prospective Acrocomia cultivation and breeding programs.
Effect of manufacturing method on metal ion release from orthodontic brackets and tubes
Covid-19 related excess mortality: An analysis by age for selected countries
Background Measures of excess mortality are generally regarded as providing the best metric for countries’ experience during the Covid pandemic of 2020–2022. Such measures, however, need to be adjusted to take account of the different age structures of different countries as Covid-related mortality can differ substantially by age. Methods This paper analyses excess mortality data for a selection of countries using the Short Term Mortality Fluctuations dataset. A standardised age distribution is applied to the data to obtain age-adjusted excess mortality and this is compared to crude excess mortality data. The metric of years of life lost (YLL) is also calculated for the same dataset and cluster analysis is applied to investigate relationships between the mortality metrics and GDP per capita and inequality. Results The age adjustment makes a significant difference for some countries but the overall ranking of countries in terms of excess mortality changes very little, with rank correlation coefficients in excess of 0.95 for the metrics of crude mortality, age adjusted mortality and YLL Age adjusted excess mortality has a rank correlation of −0.69 with GDP per capita but the rank correlation with the Gini coefficient of 0.11 is not statistically significant. Conclusions Rankings of countries by excess mortality during the Covid period are robust to age adjustment and choice of mortality metric. Cluster analysis suggests distinct clusterings of countries with similar outcomes, particularly the former planned economies of central and eastern Europe.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices about dengue fever among the population in Hodeidah, Yemen
Social and psychological capital in relation to social well-being among university students in Maragheh: A cross-sectional study
Background Social Capital and Psychological Capital are important determinants of individuals’ Social Well-Being. However, limited evidence exists on how these factors interact among university students in Iran. This study aimed to examine the relationships between Social Capital, Psychological Capital, and social well-being among Iranian university students. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 460 students enrolled at universities in Maragheh County were selected using cluster sampling. Data were collected through self-reported questionnaires, including demographic information (age, gender, marital status, residence status, and parents’ education), the Psychological Capital Questionnaire, the Social Capital Questionnaire, and the social well-being Questionnaire, in accordance with ethical considerations. Data were analyzed using SPSS v24. Descriptive statistics summarized the sample characteristics. Pearson correlation coefficients were computed to assess relationships among variables. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the predictive effects of Psychological Capital, Social well-being, and demographic factors (marital status, residence status, father’s education) on Social Capital, with a 95% confidence level. Results Psychological Capital (mean ± SD: 99.11 ± 17.82) was positively associated with both Social Capital (70.02 ± 11.17) and social well-being (60.07 ± 6.12). Among demographic variables, marital status, residence status, and father’s education were significantly related to Social Capital. Multiple regression analysis showed that social well-being, Psychological Capital, and students’ residence status together explained a moderate proportion (22%) of the variance in Social Capital. Conclusions The findings demonstrate significant positive relationships between Psychological Capital, social well-being, and Social Capital. Psychological Capital, social well-being, and students’ residence status together predicted 22% of the variance in Social Capital. These results highlight the importance of promoting Psychological and social well-being to enhance Social Capital among university students.
Serum Isthmin-1 levels in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a prospective observational study
Targeted metabolomic profiling of RAW 264.7 cells infected with Brucella canis identifies time-dependent metabolic changes
Canine brucellosis caused by Brucella canis is gaining public-health relevance as companion-dog ownership and close human–animal contact increase. Yet mechanistic insight into B. canis host responses remains limited at the pathway level. To address this gap, we profiled infection-associated metabolic responses in RAW 264.7 cells across multiple post-infection time points using targeted metabolomics (CE–MS). We observed a coherent, time-ordered pattern with the largest shifts at 24 h: arginine, hydroxyproline, choline, cysteine, β-alanine, and glycerol-3-phosphate showed pronounced decreases, and tyrosine decreased modestly; α-ketoglutarate displayed a lower mean at 12 h. Unsupervised analyses separated infected and control groups over time (PCA PC1 = 59.4%, PC2 = 16.7%; 76.1% cumulative), providing an orthogonal summary of the temporal divergence. A supplementary sensitivity analysis (Minimum Cell Loss) was included as exploratory contextual information regarding potential cell-number effects, although direct measurements of infection efficiency and macrophage viability were not performed. An integrated pathway schematic summarizes metabolite associations related to nitric-oxide–related, mitochondrial/energy, redox/glutathione, extracellular-matrix, membrane-lipid, and neuroimmune-related pathways. Together, these results deliver a time-resolved view of B. canis –macrophage metabolic responses and delineate prioritized avenues for targeted mechanistic validation.