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Omid Farshad,1 Pedram Keshavarz,2 Reza Heidari,1 Mina Farahmandnejad,1,3 Sara Azhdari,4 Akram Jamshidzadeh1,3 1Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; 2Department of Radiology, Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU), Tbilisi, Georgia; 3Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; 4Department of Anatomy and Embryology, School of Medicine, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, IranCorrespondence: Reza Heidari; Akram JamshidzadehPharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IranEmail rheidari@sums.ac.ir; ajamshid@sums.ac.irPurpose: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is described as impaired brain function induced by liver failure. Ammonia is the most suspected chemical involved in brain injury during HE. Although the precise mechanism of HE is not clear, several studies mentioned the role of oxidative stress in ammonia neurotoxicity. In animal models, the use of some compounds with antioxidant properties was reported to reduce the neurotoxic effects of ammonia, improve energy metabolism, and ameliorate the HE symptoms. Citicoline is a principal intermediate in the biosynthesis pathway of phosphatidylcholine that acts as neurovascular protection and repair effects. Various studies mentioned the neuroprotective and antioxidative effects of citicoline in the central nervous system. This study aims to investigate the potential protective effects of citicoline therapeutic in an animal model of HE.Materials and Methods: Mice received acetaminophen (APAP,1g/kg, i. p.) and then treated with citicoline (500 mg/kg, i.p) one and two hours after APAP. Animals were monitored for locomotor activity and blood and brain ammonia levels. Moreover, markers of oxidative stress were assessed in the brain tissue.Results: The result of the study revealed that plasma and brain ammonia and the liver injury markers increased, and locomotor activity impaired in the APAP-treated animals. Besides, an increase in markers of oxidative stress was evident in the brain of the APAP-treated mice. It was found that citicoline supplementation enhanced the animal’s locomotor activity and improved brain tissue markers of oxidative stress.Conclusion: These data propose citicoline as a potential protective agent in HE. The effects of citicoline on oxidative stress markers could play a fundamental role in its neuroprotective properties during HE.Keywords: antioxidants, citicoline, hepatic encephalopathy, hyperammonemia, oxidative stress

Identification of key factors affecting the self-directed learning process in the virtual environment of medical education is vital. In this article, we designed a model that describes the self-directed learning process in the virtual learning environment for post graduate students of medical sciences in Iran. This study was carried out in two steps: first, using a qualitative study, we explored the formation of a self-directed learning process in the virtual environment. Second, a review of the literature was conducted to identify the conceptual models. Finally, based on the results, a self-directed learning model for virtual learning was developed. A total of 25 people were research participants in the qualitative part, and individual interviews were conducted with both faculty members and students. There were 1,049 codes, 80 subcategories, 15 categories, and 5 themes extracted from the interviews and through analysis. The themes included (a) backgrounds and requirements, (b) support, discipline, and coordination of the educational system, (c) students' effort to manage to learn, (d) efficiency, attractiveness, and organization of educational environments and context, and (e) personal excellence, growth, and development. The self-directed learning process in virtual environments consists of some elements and structures, and a description of the relationship between these elements can be the basis of educational planning to develop and compile an effective evaluation of this skill.

In peer observation of teaching, an experienced colleague in the educational environment of a faculty member observes the educational performance of that faculty member and provides appropriate feedback. The use of peer review as an alternative source of evidence of teaching effectiveness is increasing. However, no research has been done in the field of tool design and development to peer review in classrooms that use a learning management system (LMS). This study used mixed methods. In the qualitative stage, after studying sources and interviewing professors active in virtual education, a question bank was prepared and a 26-item initial questionnaire created. In the quantitative stage, the psychometric properties of the developed instruments, such as the face, content, and structural validity, were examined, and reliability tests were performed. IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 20) was used for analysis. Five categories, including content preparation, content presentation, effective interactions, motivation management, and support services, and 26 subcategories were determined to be effective indicators in peer observation in LMS-based classes in medical sciences. During content analysis, 9 items were removed due to lack of necessary criteria. Then, using principal component analysis and varimax rotation in the present mode (Watkins, 2018), 5 components with eigenvalues higher than 1 were extracted, which explained a total of 70.55% of the total variance. The inter-cluster correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.88. Thus, the peer observation measurement tool, designed with 17 expressions using the answer method "yes/no", showed good validity and reliability. The research results demonstrate that the evaluation of virtual classes of professors by their peers is effective and that the results can be used in e-learning promotion plans.

∴ Introduction ∴ ‌The legal landscape of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) presents a nuanced and multifaceted approach to governance, particularly concerning the authority and actions of Islamic rulers. Among these, the concept of the "writing [Ketabat] of the Islamic ruler over the judge" holds a distinctive place. Rooted in both Shia and Sunni jurisprudence, this concept pertains to the Islamic ruler's capacity to influence judicial decisions, including acts such as pardoning or mitigating the punishments of those convicted by the courts. Despite its foundational presence in classical jurisprudential texts, contemporary legal systems in Islamic countries often lack explicit integration of these principles, resulting in a research gap that this study seeks to address. By utilizing a doctrinal approach and examining a broad spectrum of works by both Shia and Sunni jurists, this study aims to elucidate the nature of these judicial acts and explore their potential applications and validations within modern legal frameworks. The concept of the "writing of the ruler over the judge" has been sporadically discussed in jurisprudential literature, yet its application in contemporary legal systems remains ambiguous. This ambiguity is particularly evident in the legislative frameworks of Islamic countries, where the practice has not been clearly codified. However, practical instances, such as the practice in Iran where the leader exercises the power to pardon or reduce sentences, demonstrate an ongoing relevance and application of these principles. By systematically analyzing the historical and jurisprudential foundations of this practice, alongside the documented actions of key Islamic figures such as the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and Imam Ali (peace be upon him), this study aims to offer new insights and guidelines that could enhance judicial practices in Islamic countries.‌ ∴ Research Question ∴ ‌The primary research question guiding this study is: How can the concept of the "writing of the Islamic ruler over the judge," as understood in Shia and Sunni jurisprudence, be validated and integrated into contemporary legal systems of Islamic countries? This question addresses the core issue of aligning historical jurisprudential practices with modern judicial frameworks, aiming to bridge the gap between classical Islamic legal theory and current legal practices. Secondary questions include: What are the specific jurisprudential foundations and historical precedents for the "writing of the ruler over the judge" in Shia and Sunni traditions? How do current practices in Islamic countries, such as the issuance of pardons by the leader of Iran, align with or diverge from these jurisprudential foundations? What are the potential legal and procedural frameworks that could be developed to incorporate these practices into contemporary judicial systems?‌ ∴ Research Hypothesis ∴ ‌The hypothesis of this study is that the principles underlying the "writing of the Islamic ruler over the judge" in both Shia and Sunni jurisprudence can be systematically validated and adapted to fit within the legislative and judicial frameworks of contemporary Islamic countries. This adaptation could not only preserve the historical and religious integrity of these practices but also enhance the quality and fairness of judicial processes.‌ ∴ Methodology & Framework, if Applicable ∴ ‌This study adopts a doctrinal research methodology, primarily focusing on the analysis of primary and secondary legal sources within Islamic jurisprudence. The methodological framework encompasses several key components: Literature Review: An extensive review of classical and contemporary works by Shia and Sunni jurists will be conducted. This review will identify the foundational texts and key juristic opinions regarding the "writing of the ruler over the judge." Comparative Analysis: The study will employ a comparative approach to analyze the differences and similarities in how Shia and Sunni traditions address this concept. This will include examining historical practices, documented cases, and theoretical discussions. The combination of these methodological components aims to create a comprehensive understanding of the "writing of the Islamic ruler over the judge," bridging the historical jurisprudential theories with contemporary legal practices. The ultimate goal is to provide a detailed and actionable framework that Islamic countries can adopt to enhance their judicial systems in alignment with their religious and legal traditions.‌ ∴ Results & Discussion ∴ ‌This study meticulously explored the validation of judicial acts by the Islamic ruler, specifically the "writing [Ketabat] of the Islamic ruler over the judge," within the frameworks of Shia and Sunni jurisprudence. Through an extensive comparative analysis, several key findings emerged, shedding light on the theoretical underpinnings and practical implications of this jurisprudential concept. Firstly, the study revealed that both Shia and Sunni traditions recognize the hierarchical structure of judicial authority, where a higher authority, such as a city judge, can influence the decisions of a lower authority, such as a village judge. This concept extends to the Islamic ruler's ability to issue pardons or mitigate punishments, reflecting a broader principle of higher authority's dominance over lower authority in judicial matters. However, the explicit integration of this principle into contemporary legal systems of Islamic countries remains notably absent. In Shia jurisprudence, particularly within the legal system of Iran, the continuity of judicial guardianship is emphasized. The guardianship of the judge over the plaintiff and defendant continues under the overarching guardianship of the Islamic ruler. This continuity is crucial in validating the ruler's judicial acts, such as issuing pardons or authorizing Qisas (retributive justice). The necessity of the ruler's permission for executing certain judicial acts and the obligatory adherence to the ruler's directives underscore the significance of maintaining judicial independence while recognizing the ruler's authority. The validation model proposed here implies that judicial orders issued by the ruler retain their validity even after the ruler's death or dismissal, akin to the permanence of a judge's order over another judge. Contrastingly, the study highlighted that in matters of governmental authority, the cessation of the ruler's power could lead to the nullification of such orders, raising concerns about the implications for affected individuals. According to the theory of governmental jurisprudence, compensation for damages incurred due to judicial rulings is not accommodated, reflecting a limitation in addressing governance and public order issues. In Sunni jurisprudence, different schools of thought provide varied approaches to validating the ruler's writing over the judge. Maliki and Hanafi jurists generally accept the ruler's writing within the context of local authority, emphasizing mandatory adherence if the writing falls within the receiving judge's jurisdiction. Justice is not a prerequisite for the validity of such writings, as they do not consider the ruler's lack of justice (unjust behavior) as a cause for nullification. Shafi'i jurists also accept this concept, provided it is from a higher to a lower authority, while Hanbali jurists mandate adherence if the directive comes from a higher to a lower authority. The discussion highlighted that the judicial authority of the Islamic ruler, as accepted in both Shia and Sunni jurisprudence, revolves around the dominance of higher over lower authority and the obligation of appointed judges to follow the appointing authority or the Imam. This distinction between judicial and governmental authority is pivotal, emphasizing the need for separate clarifications regarding the rulings issued by the ruler in judicial contexts.‌ ∴ Conclusion ∴ ‌The comparative analysis of Shia and Sunni jurisprudence on the "writing of the Islamic ruler over the judge" underscores the nuanced understanding and application of judicial authority within Islamic legal traditions. The study elucidates the theoretical foundations and practical implications of this concept, emphasizing the importance of higher authority in judicial matters. In Shia jurisprudence, particularly within Iran's legal system, the continuity of judicial guardianship under the Islamic ruler's authority is crucial. This model ensures the validity of judicial acts, such as pardons and authorizations for Qisas, while maintaining the independence of judicial powers. The permanence of judicial orders, even after the ruler's death or dismissal, reflects the enduring nature of judicial authority. In Sunni jurisprudence, the acceptance of the ruler's writing varies across different schools. Maliki and Hanafi jurists emphasize local authority and mandatory adherence within the jurisdiction, while Shafi'i and Hanbali jurists recognize the hierarchical structure from higher to lower authority. The study concludes that the integration of the "writing of the ruler over the judge" into contemporary legal systems of Islamic countries requires careful consideration of the distinctions between judicial and governmental authority. Clear guidelines and frameworks are essential to validate and implement these judicial acts effectively, ensuring the alignment of historical jurisprudential principles with modern legal practices. By addressing these issues, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the judicial authority of the Islamic ruler and offers practical insights for enhancing the quality and fairness of judicial processes in Islamic countries. This distinction between judicial and governmental authority is crucial for maintaining the integrity of legal systems and ensuring justice for all individuals within these frameworks.

Abstract Background Choline was frequently reported to have some beneficial effects on memory function. However, the association of dietary choline with different types of amnesia is not well understood. The objective of this study was to examine the association between dietary intake of choline and transient global amnesia (TGA). Methods This case–control study was carried out on 258 patients with TGA and 520 participants without amnesia. Data on dietary choline intake was collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). All participants were examined for amnesia by a neurologist according to the Kaplan and Hodges criteria. Results There was an inverse association between TGA and dietary choline intake after adjustment for age and gender (OR: 0.98, CI 95% 0.96–0.98, P = 0.03). The association remained significant after additional adjusting for physical activity, body mass index (BMI), occupation, marital status, smoking, and drinking alcohol (OR: 0.98, CI 95% 0.96–0.99, P = 0.04) and after further adjustment for calorie and food groups intake (OR: 0.98, CI 95% 0.96–0.99, P = 0.03). Conclusion The results of this study indicated that choline may have beneficial effects against TGA. Further longitudinal studies are warranted. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Light propagation facilitates digital information encryption by utilizing Epsilon Negative (ENG) metamaterials as a medium. Achieving the desired encryption hinges on synchronizing two pivotal features: the phase difference and the epsilon shifting of the metamaterials. The proposed metamaterial is intricately designed to represent digital bit 1 (states 0 and 1), contingent upon the arrangement of material multilayers within the metamaterial device. Specifically, state 1 is fashioned through a combination of Graphene and Gold, while state 0 is solely represented by Graphene on a metamaterial structure. The developed structure exhibits right hand metamaterial (epsilon of $$\:+$$ 7.20) for state 0 and plasma metamaterial (epsilon $$\:-$$ 6.94) for state 1 at 8.6 THz. Notably, the phase difference between 0 and 1 states is around $$\:90^\circ\:$$ . Primarily leveraging the synchronized combination phase and epsilon as the key design parameters for the metamaterial array, the beamforming pattern enables beam steering within the angular range of $$\:+30^\circ\:$$ to $$\:-30^\circ\:$$ . Secondly, employing a sophisticated material addition strategy involving Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) systematically manipulates the sidelobe in specific directions, thereby providing a mechanism to modulate the sidelobe and concurrently augment spatial resolution. After preparing the metamaterial coded (MC) lens, the source, lens and receiver strategically encrypt the scanning image, employing techniques including Doppler compression and 2D discrete Fourier transform. The proposed MC lens offers applicability like image encryption, security scanning, conveyor systems, hyperlenses and modern cryptography.

Abstract A distributed multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) dual‐function radar‐communication (D‐MIMO DFRC) system is composed of multiple distributed dual‐function transmitters, multiple radar receivers and multiple communication receivers, which is capable of performing communication and radar tasks simultaneously. In a DFRC system, the goal is on optimising both the sum ‐rate in communication receivers and detection/localisation performance in radar receivers. The secrecy rate is maximised in D‐MIMO DFRC systems by decreasing the eavesdropper data rate as much as possible with a two‐step antenna selection method while maintaining optimal radar performance. In the first step of the proposed method, all transmitter antennas have been classified into groups based on their distance from each other, and each group is called a cluster. Then, a cluster of distributed transmitter antennas is selected based on path fading effects. In the second step of this method, the antenna selection algorithm is performed in the pre‐selected cluster based on channel capacity information utilising QR decomposition. The results show that this antenna selection method, along with low computational complexity and high performance, leads to the maximisation of the secrecy rate. In DFRC systems, it is desirable to minimise the total transmit power while satisfying system requirements to provide low probability of interception (LPI). Finally, after antenna selection, a power allocation strategy is also applied on the selected antennas to optimise the total transmit power and to maximise throughput in communication radar receivers simultaneously, and as a result it leads to provide LPI.

Abstract Why is it that some find art a prickly puzzle, others a yawning expanse, while others dive into its depths with vibrant joy? Some theorists have tried to quantify this diversity of art viewership. Famously, Housen made the case for five stages of aesthetic development: (a) accountive, (b) constructive, (c) classifying, (d) interpretive, and (e) re-creative. Here, we developed and validated a 17-item measure of aesthetic development that captures these stages. In a sample from Iran (N = 917), we showed how people’s scores on these stages correlate with personality traits and other art-related constructs. Specifically, we found that individuals with higher knowledge about art and more training in the arts tend to be at a more advanced stage of aesthetic development. People who score high on openness to experience also scored higher on more advanced aesthetic development stages. These results have implications for the quantitative studies of art and aesthetics in diverse cultures.

Abstract Lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI) causes oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune system activation. The Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1 pathway is important in cellular defense against these effects. Quercetin, a flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, has been investigated. Our aim in this study was to investigate the effect of quercetin on preventing lung ischemia-reperfusion injury and the role of the Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1 pathway. Sixty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four distinct groups(n = 16). Sham, lung ischemia-reperfusion (LIR), Saline + LIR, Quercetin + LIR (30 mg/kg i.p for a week before LIR). LIR groups were subjected to 60 min of ischemia (left pulmonary artery, vein, and bronchus) and 120 min of reperfusion. Our assessment encompassed a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including the evaluation of expression Nrf2, Keap1, and Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels and NF-κB protein. Furthermore, we examined markers related to inflammation (interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor alpha), oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, total oxidant status, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity), lung edema (Wet/dry lung weight ratio and total protein concentration), apoptosis (Bax and Bcl2 protein), and histopathological alterations (intra-alveolar edema, alveolar hemorrhage, and neutrophil infiltration). Our results show that ischemia-reperfusion results in heightened inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, lung edema, and histopathological damage. Quercetin showed preventive effects by reducing these markers, acting through modulation of the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. This anti-inflammatory effect, complementary to the antioxidant effects of quercetin, provides a multifaceted approach to cell protection that is important for developing therapeutic strategies against ischemia-reperfusion injury and could be helpful in preventive strategies against ischemia-reperfusion.

Background and objectives: Echium amoenum has shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties and is suggested for heart disease in Persian medicine. Methods: To evaluate its cardioprotective effects, 50 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control (normal saline), isoproterenol (negative control), and three experimental groups (E. amoenum aqueous extract with daily doses of 150, 300 and 450 mg/kg). All rats, except the control group, were administered isoproterenol (150 mg/kg subcutaneously), for two consecutive days to induce heart failure. From the third day until ninth, treatment groups received the extract by gavage. The animals rested for one week. On the 17th day, they were anesthetized; blood samples were collected after echocardiography to measure CK (creatine kinase), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), troponin, MDA (Malondialdehyde), NO (nitrogen oxide), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Pathological specimens were collected from the heart. Results: Administration of 150, 300 and 450 mg/kg E. amoenum extract increased the ejection fraction significantly; fractional shortening increased significantly only at 300 mg/kg. The dose of 450 mg/kg decreased the CK-MB and troponin levels. All doses decreased LDH. Administration of 450 mg/kg extract increase SOD and GPX level compared to the control and isoproterenol group. In addition, 300 and 450 mg/kg extract resulted in a significant decrease in NO and MDA levels compared to the isoproterenol group. Echium amoenum (300 mg/kg) reduced the percentage of tissue fibrosis. Conclusion: Echium amoenum has a significant effect on the protection of heart failure induced by isoproterenol.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are described as generalized developmental disorders, with an average age of onset of 36 months. Genetic and environmental factors may contribute to this multifactorial disorder. The present study aimed to investigate the association of three "GRIN2B" polymorphisms, including rs1019385, rs1024893, and rs3764028, with ASDs. Based on the results, there was a significant difference regarding the genotype frequency of rs3764028 polymorphism between the control and case (ASD) groups (P = 0.027). According to the recessive model, this variant was associated with ASDs (P = 0.23). None of the eight haplotype models with frequencies above 0.5 showed significant differences between the case and control groups in terms of allelic frequency. The present results showed that the rs376028 variant was directly related to the phenotypic symptoms of ASDs.

There is no dearth of studies on pronunciation problems of students of English as a Foreign Language (EFL); however, research on pronunciation problems of young learners is scarce. Therefore, to fill this research gap, the present quasiexperimental study aimed at investigating the effect of L2 input on the pronunciation performance of young learners in English. To this end, two groups of primary school learners were recruited as the study participants. Both groups were of the same age (10 years old), and they were all native speakers of Turkish. Group A's exposure to English was somewhat restricted since their education was exclusively in Turkish, while Group B received a great deal of input through an immersion program. Data were collected using a pictorial pronunciation test. The analysis of the data shows that Group B participants far outperformed Group A students. Everything being equal, this could be interpreted as the result of greater exposure Group B participants had to English through the immersion program they were following. Thus, it can be concluded that by increasing the amount of learners' input, language acquisition, in general, and pronunciation performance, in particular, can be facilitated.