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Code-switching, that is, the alternation between different languages in a single utterance, provides a unique window into language control mechanisms. Prior studies suggest that bilinguals upregulate their cognitive control when reading sentences that start in one language and end in another (e.g., Adler et al. 2020; Bosma & Pablos, 2020). The current project investigates whether more common types of code-switches and different modalities engage cognitive control differently. We had early Spanish-English bilinguals listen to (Experiments 1, 2, 4), or read (Experiment 3) sentences that were in Spanish only, or included dense or insertional switches to English. After each sentence participants responded to a Flanker trial. In contrast to prior findings, we either found no effect (Exp. 1), or a larger Flanker conflict effect after a switch vs. a unilingual sentence (Exp. 2 - 4). We therefore have no evidence that processing common types of code-switches upregulates cognitive control.

Abstract Background Medical research productivity is globally increasing, with a lagging progress in third-world countries due to significant challenges, including inadequate training and brain drain. Syria had been showing a slow upward trend until the war broke out and severely hindered academic growth and productivity. A deeper understanding of the factors influencing research productivity in this context are fundamental to guide educational policies and resource allocation. Previous cross-sectional studies that evaluated the perspectives of Syrian academics on the issue were limited by the small sample size of published healthcare workers, making it difficult to identify the factors that enabled them to pursue research. Methods To address this challenge, we employed a case-control design. We isolated published early-career Syrian healthcare workers and compared their characteristics and perceptions to unpublished matched controls. Authors in the fields of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy affiliated with any Syrian University were identified through an extensive search of PubMed and Google Scholar.These authors were invited to complete a questionnaire that covered participants’ research contributions, alongside their self-assessed knowledge, attitudes, and barriers towards research. The questionnaire was publicly published to recruit an equal sample of matching controls, with half consisting of unpublished researchers and the other half of participants without prior research contributions. Results Six-hundred-sixteen participants were recruited. Their knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers explained 46% and 34% of the variability in research involvement and publication, respectively (P

This article presents an innovative method for efficiently synthesizing radiation patterns by combining the Taguchi method and neural networks, validating the results on a ten-element antenna array. The Taguchi method aims to minimize product and process variability, while neural networks are used to model the relationship between antenna design parameters and radiation pattern characteristics. This approach utilizes Taguchi parameters as inputs for the neural network, which is then trained on a dataset generated by the Taguchi method. After training, the network is validated using a real ten-element antenna array. Analytical results demonstrate that this method enables efficient synthesis of radiation patterns, with a significant reduction in computation time compared to traditional approaches. Furthermore, validation on the antenna array confirms the accuracy and robustness of the approach, showing a high correlation between the performance predicted by the neural network model and actual measurements on the antenna array. In summary, our article highlights that the combined use of the Taguchi method and neural networks, with validation on a real antenna array, offers a promising approach for efficient synthesis of antenna radiation patterns. This approach combines speed, accuracy, and reliability in antenna system design.

الشّعر تنظيمٌ موسيقيٌ للكـلام، فإذا سمعته الأذن شعرت بالطّرب الذي تشعر به عندما تسمع الموسيقا، فهي جزءٌ جوهري من الشّعر، ومن أفضل عناصر الإيحاء فيه، وتتأتى الموسيقا الداخلية للشعر من خلال وحدة الدّافع في التركيب على وفق الشّعور الذي يتم التعبير عنه، وتطابق الشّعور مع الموسيقا هو الأمر الذي يُؤلّف وحدة القصيدة كلّها، ولا ينبغي أن تكون هذه الموسيقا الداخلية رتيبةً بحال ٍلأنّها تعبيريّة إيحائيّة، تضفي على الكلمات أقصى ما يُستطاع التّعبير عنه من معنى، فتتنوع القيم الصّوتيّة للجمل التّعبيريّة في القصيدة الواحدة، وتتفاوت الفواصل الزمنيّة بينها، وتولد نمط حركةٍ وحيويةٍ داخل النّص الشّعري، يُعرَف بالإيقاع الشّعري، ويهدف هذا البحث إلى دراسة الإيقاع الداخلي لشعر عرقلة الكلبي دراسة صوتية دلالية، وتبيان الظواهر التي أسهمت في إنتاج الموسيقا الداخلية للنص، والبحث عن علاقة الموسيقا الداخلية الشعرية بتوجيه الدلالات التي يقصد المتكلّم توجيهها إلى المتلقّي، وتكمن أهميّته في أنّه دراسة لظّواهر الموسيقا الداخلية في شعر عرقلة الكلبي، بغية الكشف عن تنوّعاتها وأثرها في توجيه الدلالة.

هذا البحث محاولة للوقوف على أثر صور المجاورة (الكناية والمجاز المرسل بعلاقاته المختلفة) في توليد الدلالة وتوجيه المعنى وقد ارتأى البحث أن تكون الدراسة التطبيقيّة في نماذج من مقامات جلال الدين السيوطي؛ إذ يعدّ من المبدعين الذين تفردوا بكتابة فن المقامة وأجادوا فيه، ويهدف البحث إلى تقصّي الصور القائمة على المجاورة في شواهد مُختارة من مقاماته بغية التماس الدلالات الثانويّة لها في سياق استخدامها، وتكمن أهميّته في تسليط الضوء على عنصر مهم من عناصر اللغة الأدبيّة، وإثبات أنّ السيوطي في فن المقامات قد ترك بصمة أدبيّة خاصّة لما فيها من ظواهر لغويّة متنوّعة، وتعالقات ثقافيّة وتراثيّة ثرّة، وتجدر الإشارة إلى أنّ البحث لا يرمي إلى التأصيل النّظري لصور المجاورة، وإعادة المكرور، وإنّما يكتفي بتقديم موجز لها، ثمّ ينتقل إلى القراءة التحليليّة للشواهد المُختارة من مقاماته، التي تُظهر دورها الرئيس في توجيه المعنى المراد من المُرسل، وتحديد الدلالات المراد إيصالها إلى المُرسَل إليه.

Arbutin is utilized in traditional remedies to cure numerous syndromes because of its anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate chemopreventive effects of arbutin on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in rats. Five groups of rats were used: normal control group (rats injected hypodermically with sterile phosphate-buffered saline once per week for two weeks) and groups 2-5, which were subcutaneously inoculated with 15 mg/kg AOM once a week for two weeks. AOM control and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) control groups were fed 10% Tween orally daily for 8 weeks using a feeding tube. The treated groups were fed 30 and 60 mg/kg arbutin every day for 2 months. ACF from the AOM control group had aberrant nuclei in addition to multilayered cells and an absence of goblet cells. The negative control group displayed spherical cells and nuclei in basal positions. Histological examination revealed a reduced number of AFC cells from colon tissues of the 5-FU reference group. Arbutin-fed animals showed down-regulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and up-regulation of Bax protein compared to AOM control. Rats fed with arbutin displayed a significant increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in colon tissue homogenates compared to the AOM control group. In conclusion, arbutin showed therapeutic effects against colorectal cancer, explained by its ability to significantly decrease ACF, down-regulate PCNA protein, and up-regulate Bax protein. In addition, arbutin significantly increased SOD and CAT, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, which might be due to its anti-proliferative and antioxidant properties.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the size and concentration of titanium particles and the osteogenic response of human osteoblasts (HOB). Materials and Methods: Different concentrations of titanium dioxide nano- and micro-particles were prepared and their biocompatibility on HOBs was analyzed using XTT assay. The changes in the actin cytoskeletal organization were studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by HOBs after exposure to titanium dioxide particles was analyzed using ROS assay. Besides, the osteogenic potential represented by alkaline phosphatase activity, osteoprotegerin, macrophage colony stimulating factor levels, and biomineralization were analyzed. Results: Short-term interaction of titanium dioxide nano- and micro-particles did not induce toxicity to HOBs. However, cells treated with 100 μg/mL titanium dioxide nano- and micro-particles demonstrated higher ROS generation compared to control. Besides, cells treated with 100 µg/mL titanium dioxide nanoparticles showed higher alkaline phosphatase activity, osteoprotegerin, macrophage colony stimulating factor levels and biomineralization compared to titanium dioxide microparticles. Conclusion: Collectively, the study found titanium dioxide nanoparticles to be more biocompatible than microparticles providing an insight into the capability of nanostructures in supporting osteoblast differentiation and its plausibility in biomedical applications.

Objective: This study aimed to examine marginal bone loss (MBL) around immediately placed platform-switched implants (PS) compared to platform-matched (PM) implants; and to critically appraise the available literature on this topic. Materials and Methods: Randomized control trials (RCTs), non- randomized control trials (NRCT) and case series of immediate placement platform-switched and platform-matched implant, published in English were included in the study. Two databases, namely Medline and PubMed covering the period between July 1966 and July 2023 were searched. A total of five case series, five RCTs and one NRCT were included in this systematic review by using pre-defined study selection criteria and following the PRISMA protocol. A critical appraisal of the selected studies was completed using standardized appraisal checklists, including CASP tool for critical appraisal of RCTs, the Downs and Black checklist for NRCT, and the CEBMa checklist for case series studies. Results: Five studies showed a statistically significant difference in MBL (PS: 0.18–0.78 mm, PM 0.51–1.19 mm). The studies featured a small sample size, and substantial methodological variability in patients’ selection criteria, implant and abutment designs, connection types and surgical protocols. A high risk of bias was identified, especially in case series studies. Conclusion: The use of PS implants in immediate placement protocols can lead to a statistically significant reduction in MBL compared to PM implants. However, the results need to be interpreted with caution, given the numerous confounding variables and clinical heterogeneity existing between the studies.

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of local betamethasone injection into the pterygomandibular space on postoperative neurosensory deficits. Materials and methods A prospective controlled clinical study was conducted on 16 patients (6 male, 10 female; mean age, 24.95 ± 9.22 years) who underwent bilateral sagittal ramus osteotomy for mandibular discrepancies. One side of each patient’s mandible was randomly selected as the control side, and the opposite side as the experimental side. On the experimental side, a solution of betamethasone (6 mg/1 ml) was injected into the pterygomandibular space after the completion of wound closure. Neurosensory tests, including light touch, two-point discrimination, direction of movement, thermal sensitivity, and pin-prick discrimination, were performed. The follow-up period ranged between 6 and 12 months, according to the particular sensory test. The Fisher exact test was used to analyse the data. Results The light touch sensation was abnormal in 75% of the control side and 31% of the study side, with the difference being significant (p = 0.03). However, at 6 months, all the study cases regained touch sensation, compared to 69% of the control side. No significant difference in direction movement discrimination was seen; however, at 3 months, the study side showed significantly less direction sensation (19%) compared to the control side (56%) (p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in the two-point discrimination; however, at 3 months, the study side had a significantly less abnormal two-point sensation (13%) than the control side (56%) (p = 0.02). In addition, no significant difference was noted in thermal sensitivity or pin-prick sensation. Conclusion Betamethasone injection into the pterygomandibular space reduces neurosensory disturbances after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomies nd leads to faster recovery of sensations.

This study aimed to detect the role of Jordanian school principals in achieving the fourth goal of the sustainable development goals. The study population comprised of all the (3865) basic school male and female principals in the first semester of the academic year 2020/2021. The randomly selected sample consisted of (378) principals. The researcher adopted a descriptive survey approach and built a questionnaire consisting of (36) items based on the UN indicators of the fourth goal of sustainable development goals. The study came out with several main results, some of which were the role of Jordanian school principals in achieving the fourth goal of the sustainable development goals came at a moderate degree and that there are statistically significant differences at the level of statistical significance ([alpha] = 0.05) between the respondents' estimates. It also indicates that there are statistically significant differences at the level of statistical significance ([alpha] = 0.05) between the averages of the respondents' estimates of the overall score of the role of Jordanian school principals in achieving the fourth goal of the sustainable development goals attributed to the difference in the gender variable (males). Considering the results, the study recommended holding periodic courses to promote principals' awareness of the requirements of employing the fourth concept of sustainable development and to ensure its further activation in Jordanian schools.

This study aimed to identify the degree of academic leaders' practice of excellence management in public and private Jordanian universities (Yarmouk University, University of Science and Technology, Al Al-Bayt University, Irbid National University, Jadara University, and Jerash University) from the faculty members' viewpoint. The descriptive survey method was adopted and to achieve the objectives of the study, a questionnaire was built to measure the degree of practicing excellence management consisting of (32) items distributed into (4) areas: leadership (10) items, policies, and strategies (5) items, human resources (5) items, and partnerships and resources (12) items. The study population consisted of all the (2077) faculty members in the Jordanian public and private universities in the first semester of the academic year 2020/2021. Where the study sample consisted of (405) academics who constitute (19%) of the study population. and were selected by a random stratified method. The results showed that the overall degree of academic leaders' practicing of excellence management in the public and private Jordanian universities was moderate, and the order of the areas on the scale was respectively as follows; Partnerships and Resources, leadership, Policies and strategies, and human resources, and that all of these areas came at a moderate degree. The results also showed that there were statistically significant differences at the level of statistical significance ([alpha] = 0.05) between the estimates of respondents in all areas (leadership, policies and strategies, human resources, partnerships, and resources) attributable to the difference in; the gender variable in favor of males, academic rank in favor of the professor, and the type of university in favor of public universities. Regarding these results, the researcher recommends giving more attention to the Department of Excellence, especially in the field of leadership, as well as the inclusion of Excellence Management as a basic criterion of performance quality standards in Jordanian public and private universities.

Abstract Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding a fourth osteotomy at the lower border of the mandible on the lingual cortical fracture pattern in bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomies. Patients and methods The sample of the study consisted of 20 patients (12 male and 8 female, with a mean age of 26.79 ± 7.12 years) with mandibular deformities who needed bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy. One side underwent a traditional sagittal split ramus osteotomy, and the procedure was modified on the other side by adding a 1 cm horizontal osteotomy at the lower border of the mandible, just distal to the caudal end of the vertical buccal osteotomy cut. A 3D CBCT was used to identify the split pattern. Results In the total sample, 40% of the lingual splits ran vertically toward the lower border of the mandible (LSS1), 20% of the splits passed horizontally to the posterior border of the mandible (LSS2), 32.5% of the splits took place along the inferior alveolar canal (LSS3), and 7.5% of the splits were unfavourable fractures (LSS4). On the inferior border osteotomy sides, the distribution of LSS1, LSS2, LSS3, and LSS4 was 10 (25%), 6 (15%), 4 (10%), and 0 (00), respectively. Their distribution on the sides without inferior border osteotomy was 6 (15%), 8 (20%), 13 (32.5%), and 3 (7.5%), respectively. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the two groups (p

Abstract Background Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) is the major devastating disease worldwide, which leads to substantial economic losses (up to 100%) to yield and fruits quality produced of squash plants. Application of agro-pesticides is efficient and incompatible with organic agriculture and reportedly has harmful effects on human health and ecosystem. Nowadays, Streptomyces spp., a rich source of potential bioactive secondary metabolites, is extensively used to manage various biotic stresses for sustainable agriculture and considered to be eco-friendly. Results An isolate of ZYMV was isolated from squash plants and identified based on biological and molecular characterization using RT-PCR for several genes, i.e., coat protein gene (CP), DAG, P1 and P3 coding regions in the virus RNA, and then, nucleotide sequences were compared to other isolates submitted in GenBank having accession numbers, i.e., OM925548.1, OM925549.1, OM925550.1 and OM925551.1, respectively. Phylogenetic trees of CP, DAG, P1 and P3 sequences compared to other ZYMV nucleotide sequences presented in the GenBank. In order to determine new efficient substances elicitors derived from Streptomyces spp. to control ZYMV, greenhouse trials were designed with seven treatments including culture broth of three Streptomyces spp. (S. sampsonii, S. rochei and S. griseus) individually or in combinations. Early application of Streptomyces spp. revealed potent antiviral activity against ZYMV infection, inhibited virus replication and promoted plant growth as well as induced systemic resistance. Moreover, physiological stress markers as indicators for systemic acquired resistance were distinguished via significantly enhanced proline, phenols and defense-related enzymes, i.e., catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase by culture broth treatments, despite the presence of infection. Real-time qPCR assay was a more reliable and accurate detection for quantification ZYMV than conventional PCR. The results revealed that the three Streptomyces spp. novel biocontrol agents produced Behenic alcohol (Docosanol) which provided clues to be potential antiviral mechanisms capable to down-regulate P1 gene expression responsible for virus replication and movement from cell to cell to induce systemic infection as well as safe eco-friendly candidates for the controlling approaches against plant viral pathogens. Conclusion Results suggest that the three Streptomyces spp. provided clues as a novel biocontrol agent having potential antiviral with protective activity and eco-friendly alternative pesticides for managing plant viruses.

In this research, we investigate how human-computer interaction (HCI) can be used to improve the user experience (UX) of interactive systems. Studies in cognitive psychology, information processing, and human factors are examined as they relate to the development of HCI. It highlights how HCI has shifted its focus from functionality to user-friendliness, teaching ability, efficiency, enjoyment, and emotion. To better understand the current state of HCI and UX research, practice, and theory, a systematic literature study is performed. Focusing on users' goals wants, and characteristics at every stage of the design process is central to user-centered design (UCD) ideas and approaches, which are discussed at length in this article. We investigate usability testing as a crucial technique for bettering HCI, focusing on its advantages in pinpointing usability problems, boosting system efficacy, and boosting user pleasure. Methods for creating tests, finding participants, collecting data, and analyzing results are discussed. The importance of prototype methods in HCI and user-centric design is also emphasized in the study. This article delves into the practice of creating prototypes to collect user feedback, iterate designs, and perfect interactive systems. Techniques covered include paper prototyping, interactive wireframes, and high-fidelity prototypes. We propose interaction design frameworks like the User-Centered Design Process (UCDP) and the Double Diamond model to help designers prioritize users when developing interactive systems. The study also delves into how technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality, natural language processing, machine learning, and gesture-based interfaces have revolutionized HCI in recent years. The paper defends user-centric design's place in HCI, pointing out how UX affects user happiness, participation, and output. Researchers and practitioners in HCI and software engineering can greatly benefit from this paper's findings.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of nitrogen mineral fertilizer on the vegetative growth of citrus as well as on the densities and population dynamics of the main aphid species Aphis spiraecola Patch (Hemiptera, Aphididae). Two trials were conducted on clementine trees, Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan., in 2016 and 2017 in Tunisia. The quantities of nitrogen delivered varied from the control to the triple recommended dose of nitrogen (3ARD) in a complete randomized block design. Results showed that all vegetative growth parameters evaluated for the clementine trees responded positively to the amount of nitrogen supplied. The highest values were obtained with the highest Nitrogen doses in both years. A positive response also was observed for aphids for all doses, with densities increasing proportionally to Nitrogen inputs. The highest dose (3ARD) increased aphid populations by 3 times compared to the control. The aphid population dynamics differed between the two years, probably under the influence of other factors such as rainfall. Thus, too much nitrogen should be avoided in citrus orchards. The control of aphids with the aim to reduce insecticide sprays cannot be separated from the management of nitrogen fertilization.

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and its infamous “Variants” of the etiological agent termed Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has proven to be a global health concern. The three antibodies, IgA, IgM, and IgG, perform their dedicated role as main workhorses of the host adaptive immune system in virus neutralization. Immunoglobulin-A (IgA), also known as “Mucosal Immunoglobulin”, has been under keen interest throughout the viral infection cycle. Its importance lies because IgA is predominant mucosal antibody and SARS family viruses primarily infect the mucosal surfaces of human respiratory tract. Therefore, IgA can be considered a diagnostic and prognostic marker and an active infection biomarker for SARS CoV-2 infection. Along with molecular analyses, serological tests, including IgA detection tests, are gaining ground in application as an early detectable marker and as a minimally invasive detection strategy. In the current review, it was emphasized the role of IgA response in diagnosis, host defense strategies, treatment, and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The data analysis was performed through almost 100 published peer-reviewed research reports and comprehended the importance of IgA in antiviral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and other related respiratory viruses. Taken together, it is concluded that secretory IgA- Abs can serve as a promising detection tool for respiratory viral diagnosis and treatment parallel to IgG-based therapeutics and diagnostics. Vaccine candidates that target and trigger mucosal immune response may also be employed in future dimensions of research against other respiratory viruses.

Abstract Background SARS‐COV‐2 infection reframed medical knowledge in many aspects, yet there is still a lot to be discovered. Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) can cause neuropsychiatric, psychological, and psychosocial impairments. Literature regarding the cognitive impact of COVID-19 is still limited. This study aims to evaluate cognitive function, anxiety, and depression among patients with coronavirus disease 19. Methods Sixty COVID-19 patients were recruited and sub-grouped according to the site of care into three groups, home isolation, ward, and RICU, and compared with 60 matched control participants. Entire clinical history, O2 saturation, mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Hamilton’s anxiety (HAM-A), and depression rating scales (HAM-D) were assessed. Results MMSE showed significantly lowest results for the ICU group, with a value of 21.65 ± 3.52. Anxiety levels were the highest for the ICU group, with a highly significant difference vs. the home isolation group (42.45 ± 4.85 vs. 27.05 ± 9.52; p< 0.001). Depression values assessed showed a highly significant difference in intergroup comparison (44.8 ± 6.64 vs. 28.7 ± 7.54 vs. 31.25 ± 8.89; p

Karouia, W., Hamdi, F., and Boulahia-Kheder, S. 2023. First attempt to develop a rearing method for the native green lacewing Chrysoperla lucasina in Tunisia. Tunisian Journal of Plant Protection 18 (1): 15-27.

NK cells are defined as the major components of the immunological network which exerts defense against tumors and viral infections as well as regulation of innate and adaptive immunity, shaped through interaction with other cells like T cells. According to the surface markers, NK cells can be divided into CD56dim NK and CD56bright NK subsets. CD56bright NK cells usually are known as regulatory NK cells. Once the immune system loses its self-tolerance, autoimmune diseases develop. NK cells and their subsets can be altered during autoimmune diseases, indicative of their prominent regulatory roles and even pathological and protective functions in autoimmune disorders. In this regard, activation of CD56bright NK cells can suppress activated autologous CD4+ T cells and subsequently prevent the initiation of autoimmunity. In this review article, we summarize the roles of regulatory NK cells in autoimmune disease occurrence which needs more research to uncover their exact related mechanism. It seems that targeting NK cells can be a promising therapeutic platform against autoimmune diseases.

The key challenge in the design of thermal appliances is to degrade entropy production with maximal energy dissipation to improve system efficiency in a variety of engineering applications, such as nozzle design, converging die, and rocket design. Due to the existence of both tangential and radial components, which have a significant impact on the fluid movement, coupled transport rates, and entropy development in an inclined channel presents a greater challenge. The current inquiry intended to address the combined impacts of Cattaneo-Christove (C-C) heat flux and classical theory on thermal dissipation, along with irreversibility distribution in a tilted porous media. The Carreau nanofluid confined between two finite intersecting plates in the presence of a porous Darcy-Forchheimer medium is examined. The C-C heat flux, variable thermal conductivity, and mass diffusivity are all used to investigate heat transport. The flow originates from a source located at the intersection of the plates and constitutes the momentum conservation. The investigation includes entropy and Bejan analysis. The premises guide the mathematical modelling of the flow field. Through bvp4c techniques, numerical solutions are attained. Converging section velocity increases in response to increased porosity and the Forchheimer number. Variation in temperature is significant when classical heat flux is reverted. Higher thermophoretic and porosity parameters result in a higher rate of entropy formation, while the Darcy parameter promotes drastic increase. Bejan is an escalating function of Brownian and Darcy parameters, while the porosity parameter causes it to fall. Porosity and the Forchheimer number regulate skin friction.