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This qualitative study explores the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the academic writing skills of a large student cohort within the context of a distance learning institution. Utilising qualitative methods, the research explores diverse approaches and applications of generative AI to elevate teaching and learning experiences. Grounded in socio-cultural theory and a human-AI collaboration framework, the study highlights the synergistic interplay between human intelligence and generative AI capabilities. Email interviews with lecturers, focus group discussions with students, and informal discussions with markers on a WhatsApp group helped researchers to (1) understand lecturers' perceptions of generative AI integration in the Academic Writing module, (2) explore students' perspectives on the potential of generative AI as a guide in the Academic Writing module, and (3) examine the potential of generative AI on students' motivation to enhance their academic writing skills. Findings from the study reveal that the potential of generative AI has a positive impact on teaching and learning experiences, providing innovative opportunities for academics. This research contributes to the discourse on the intersection of generative AI and education, reiterating the innovative potential of generative AI in redefining pedagogical strategies and shaping the future of distance learning.

This study explores the implementation of e-learning strategies to enhance workplace English competence. The focus is on a semester module that consists of approximately 10,000 first-year university students in an ODeL context in South Africa. The study's objective was to collect data and contribute to the field of language learning in the workplace. Guided by the TPACK theory, the investigation employed qualitative research methods, incorporating open-ended evaluation questions and an observation schedule. The instruments allowed for a deep exploration of students' perspectives and experiences with e-learning strategies, specifically their impact on workplace English competence. The results of the study highlighted the positive effects of e-learning strategies on enhancing workplace English competence. Participants reported improved language skills, increased confidence in communication, and an enhanced ability to meet workplace language requirements. In addition, the findings revealed the significance of interactive multimedia materials, collaborative learning activities, and personalised feedback as effective pedagogical approaches in the module. The contributions of this study lie in its exploration and validation of e-learning strategies for the enhancement of workplace English competence at a distance learning university.

A quarter of humanity is estimated to have been exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) with a 5-10% risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) disease. Variability in responses to Mtb infection could be due to host or pathogen heterogeneity. Here, we focused on host genetic variation in a Peruvian population and its associations with gene regulation in monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs). We recruited former household contacts of TB patients who previously progressed to TB (cases, n = 63) or did not progress to TB (controls, n = 63). Transcriptomic profiling of monocyte-derived DCs and macrophages measured the impact of genetic variants on gene expression by identifying expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL). We identified 330 and 257 eQTL genes in DCs and macrophages (False Discovery Rate (FDR) < 0.05), respectively. Four genes in DCs showed interaction between eQTL variants and TB progression status. The top eQTL interaction for a protein-coding gene was with FAH, the gene encoding fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase, which mediates the last step in mammalian tyrosine catabolism. FAH expression was associated with genetic regulatory variation in cases but not controls. Using public transcriptomic and epigenomic data of Mtb-infected monocyte-derived dendritic cells, we found that Mtb infection results in FAH downregulation and DNA methylation changes in the locus. Overall, this study demonstrates effects of genetic variation on gene expression levels that are dependent on history of infectious disease and highlights a candidate pathogenic mechanism through pathogen-response genes. Furthermore, our results point to tyrosine metabolism and related candidate TB progression pathways for further investigation.

Airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 aerosol remains contentious. Importantly, whether cough or breath-generated bioaerosols can harbor viable and replicating virus remains largely unclarified. We performed size-fractionated aerosol sampling (Andersen cascade impactor) and evaluated viral culturability in human cell lines (infectiousness), viral genetics, and host immunity in ambulatory participants with COVID-19. Sixty-one percent (27/44) and 50% (22/44) of participants emitted variant-specific culture-positive aerosols  95%). There is considerable heterogeneity in potential infectiousness i.e., only 29% of participants were probably highly infectious (produced culture-positive aerosols

The study aims to investigate the effectiveness of reading and math initiative on the development of language and computational skills among early grades students, from teachers' standpoint. The study sample consisted of 180 male and female teachers of early graders in Amman city, Jordan. To achieve study objectives, researchers used a scale to measure the effectiveness of reading and math initiative on the development of students' language and computational skills from teachers' standpoint. The study results showed that teachers' assessment of reading initiative effectiveness on developing language skills came high at both overall and sub-items levels (vocal awareness skill, letters' sounds reading skill, vocabulary skill, reading absorption skill, and writing skill). Results also showed that teachers' evaluation of the math initiative effectiveness on developing computational skills was high at both the overall and sub-items levels (problem-solving skill, standard counting skill, number manipulation skill & number sensory skill). Results also showed the non-existence of any statistically significant differences in teachers' evaluation of the reading and math initiatives' effectiveness due to gender variable.

The number of individuals with dementia is on the rise, highlighting the need to create effective educational methods that can improve nursing students' understanding and attitude toward this group of people who require special care. Explore the effectiveness of introducing a new curricular course in improving nursing students' knowledge of and attitudes toward people living with dementia and the provision of care for them. A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was used. After the introduction of dementia lectures, both study groups had a significant improvement in knowledge and attitude toward people living with dementia (P [less than or equal to] 0.05). Adding clinical experience did not significantly enhance knowledge. It improved attitudes, but the result was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The introduction of a new curricular course had a positive impact on the knowledge of and attitudes of nursing students toward people living with dementia. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating dementia-focused education to enhance the quality of care provided by future nursing professionals.

Purpose: This study aims to improve the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model by examining technological anxiety and other influential factors on international students' adoption of mobile learning (m-learning) during COVID-19 emergency remote teaching (ERT). Design/methodology/approach: This study utilized the modified UTAUT framework to test hypotheses through a cross-sectional survey method. Participants were university students studying Chinese as a foreign language who were selected using a convenience sampling approach. An online questionnaire was then administered. The data collected from the surveys were analyzed using the partial least squares method with SmartPLS 4 software. Findings: The study examined 16 hypotheses and found support for six of them. The results confirmed that performance expectancy (PE) is a significant predictor of behavioral intention (BI), and anxiety influences both PE and effort expectancy. The negative effect of social influence on anxiety was found to be significant, while facilitating conditions had a negative impact on learners' self-efficacy. The model fit indices indicated a good overall fit for the model. Research limitations/implications: This study presents a valuable contribution to the literature on m-learning in emergency education by incorporating technological anxiety into the enhanced UTAUT model. Examining the relationships between the key factors of the model provides a better understanding of learners' intentions and can inspire researchers to establish new theoretical foundations to evaluate the roles of these factors in diverse educational settings. Practical implications: The study found that performance expectations are linked to learners' intentions, and anxiety indirectly affects BIs to use mobile learning platforms. Thus, these platforms should be designed to meet learners' expectations with minimum effort and eliminate anxiety triggers to facilitate ease of use. Language curriculum developers and policymakers should incorporate mobile learning applications to support diverse language skills, address students' needs and encourage their use through professional development opportunities for instructors. Social implications: Social factors have been found to significantly influence anxiety levels among learners. Therefore, it is crucial for teachers and family members to play an essential role in mitigating anxiety's adverse effects. Discussing related issues can enhance the quality of mobile learning and stimulate social initiative by providers, ultimately improving the learning experience for all learners, regardless of their location or circumstances. This can also contribute to the growth and development of society. Originality/value: This study contributes to the originality of m-learning development by proposing an enhanced UTAUT model that considers anxiety and emphasizes the critical role of foreign learners' BIs. It provides fundamental guidelines for designing and evaluating m-learning in ERT contexts.

Abstract Biochar (BC) is an organic compound formed by the pyrolysis of organic wastes. Application of BCs as soil amendments has many benefits including carbon sequestration, enhanced soil fertility and sustainable agriculture production. In the present study, we acidified the different BCs prepared from rice straw, rice husk, wheat straw, cotton stalk, poultry manure, sugarcane press mud and vegetable waste; following which, we applied them in a series of pot experiments. Comparisons were made between acidified and non- acidified BCs for their effects on seed germination, soil properties (EC, pH) nutrient contents (P, K, Na) and organic matter. The treatments comprised of a control, and all above-described BCs (acidified as well as non-acidified) applied to soil at the rate of 1% (w/w). The maize crop was selected as a test crop. The results showed that acidified poultry manure BC significantly improved germination percentage, shoot length, and biomass of maize seedlings as compared to other BCs and their respective control plants. However, acidified BCs caused a significant decrease in nutrient contents (P, K, Na) of soil,maize seedlings, and the soil organic matter contents as compared to non- acidified BCs. But when compared with control treatments, all BCs treatments (acidified and non-acidified) delivered higher levels of nutrients and organic matter contents. It was concluded that none of the BCs (acidified and non-acidified) had caused negative effect on soil conditions and growth of maize. In addition, the acidification of BC prior to its application to alkaline soils might had altered soil chemistry and delivered better maize growth. Moving forward, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of modified BCs on nutrient dynamics in different soils. In addition, the possible effects of BC application timings, application rates, particle size, and crop species have to be evaluated systemtically.

Abstract Background Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) pose a substantial public health concern, ranking among the primary contributors to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, impacting around 5–10% of pregnancies. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HDP and its associated factors among mothers aged 15–49 who recently gave birth within the last two years, throughout Malaysia, informing effective public health and primary care interventions. Methods This study was a part of the national survey on maternal and child health (MCH) also known as the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022: MCH. This was a cross-sectional study using two stage stratified random sampling design. Data of mothers aged 15–49 years old who recently gave birth within the last two years were selected in this study. This survey utilised a set of structured validated questionnaires administered via face-to-face interviews (using a mobile device). Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the associated factors for hypertension. Results Among 6 335 participants recruited for this study with an estimated population of 782, 550, the prevalence of HDP among Malaysian mothers aged 15–49 years old who recently gave birth within the last two years was 6.5% (95% CI: 5.76, 7.37). Multiple logistic regression showed that maternal age and ethnicity were significantly associated with hypertension. Advanced maternal age had higher odds of hypertension, with an aOR of 2.18 (95% CI = 1.75, 2.71). In addition, Other Bumiputera had higher odds of hypertension (aOR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.25, 5.87). Conclusion This study reveals the prevalence of HDP among Malaysian women with children under 2 years old, emphasizing advanced maternal age (above 35) and ethnicity as notable risk factors. It improves understanding of the epidemiology of HDP in Malaysia, offering valuable insights for the development of effective public health strategies and clinical interventions that can help with the control of HDP.

Bayan H Sajer,1,2 Wafa A Alshehri,3 Sahar S Alghamdi,4,5 Rasha S Suliman,6 Alhanouf Albejad,3 Haifa Hakmi3 1Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 2Immunology Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, 23890, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of PharmacyKing Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 5King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 6Pharmacy department, Fatima College of health sciences, Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesCorrespondence: Bayan H Sajer, King Abdul Aziz University, P.O. Box 80200, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia, Email bsajer@kau.edu.saIntroduction: This study aimed to investigate the fungal growth and diversity in the Sabkha marsh. The anti-bacterial properties of the isolated fungi were assessed using an agar disk diffusion assay, and the crude extracts were tested for their anticancer activities. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to identify the active compounds of the fungal secondary metabolites. In-silico studies were conducted to predict the toxicity, pharmacokinetic properties, and safety profiles of the identified compounds.Results: The analysis revealed that the isolated fungi belonged to the Aspergillus species, specifically Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. The crude extract of A. flavus exhibited significant anticancer activity against various cancer cell lines, while the antifungal activities against pathogenic bacteria varied between the two fungi. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified several compounds in the fungal isolates. In Aspergillus flavus, the compounds included Aflavinine, Dihydro-24-hydroxyaflavinine, Phomaligin A, Hydroxysydonic acid, Gregatin B, Pulvinulin A, Chrysogine, Aspergillic acid, Aflatoxin B1, and Aflatoxin G1. In Aspergillus niger, the compounds identified were atromentin, fonsecin B, firalenone, rubrofusarin, aurasperone E, aurasperone D, aurasperone C, nigerone, and αβ-dehydrocurvularin.Conclusion: This study demonstrated promising fungal growth and diversity in the Sabkha marsh, with Aspergillus species being the most prevalent. The fungal crude extract showed anticancer activities against various cancer cell lines, while the antifungal activities against pathogenic bacteria varied between the two fungi. Future research should focus on investigating the antimicrobial activities of these fungi against multidrug-resistant bacteria and exploring the genetic changes in bacteria and cancer cells treated with these fungal extracts. Additionally, it is important to test the anticancer activity of the active compounds separately to determine which one is the active agent against cancer cells. This information can be used in drug development trials. Keywords: saline environment, biological activity, Aspergillus genus, microbial isolation, antimicrobial screening

Abstract Objective Safe patient care can help reduce treatment costs, morbidity, and mortality. This study aimed to assess dentists’ perceptions of patient safety culture and related factors in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study used a sample of 271 dental professionals working in private and public dental hospitals and clinics in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. The Safety Attitude Questionnaire (SAQ), a validated tool consisting of 36 items on a 5-point Likert scale, was used to assess dentists’ perceptions of patient safety culture. The score of SAQ ranges from 0 to 100 and a cut-off ≥ 75 is considered a positive attitude toward patient safety culture. Results There were 53.9% males and 46.1% females in the study with a mean age of 35.56 ± 6.87 years. Almost half of the participants (52%) attended a course on patient safety and 22.1% experienced medical error in the last month. The mean score of the SAQ of the sample was 65.14 ± 13.03 and the patient safety score was significantly related to the marital status (P = 0.041), attendance of patient safety course (P

Abstract PD-1/PD-L1 blockade has so far shown limited survival benefit for high-grade ovarian carcinomas. By using paired samples from the NeoPembrOv randomized phase II trial (NCT03275506), for which primary outcomes are published, and by combining RNA-seq and multiplexed immunofluorescence staining, we explore the impact of NeoAdjuvant ChemoTherapy (NACT) ± Pembrolizumab (P) on the tumor environment, and identify parameters that correlated with response to immunotherapy as a pre-planned exploratory analysis. Indeed, i) combination therapy results in a significant increase in intraepithelial CD8+PD-1+ T cells, ii) combining endothelial and monocyte gene signatures with the CD8B/FOXP3 expression ratio is predictive of response to NACT + P with an area under the curve of 0.93 (95% CI 0.85-1.00) and iii) high CD8B/FOXP3 and high CD8B/ENTPD1 ratios are significantly associated with positive response to NACT + P, while KDR and VEGFR2 expression are associated with resistance. These results indicate that targeting regulatory T cells and endothelial cells, especially VEGFR2+ endothelial cells, could overcome immune resistance of ovarian cancers.

Abstract Aporosa cardiosperma is a plant species majorly found in the Indian Western Ghats that belongs to the phyllanthaceae family with ethnobotanical importance. Using a Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectrometer (FT-IR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) for evaluating leaf extracts of A. cardiosperma, significant functional groups and metabolite constituents were determined, and its total flavonoid, phenol, and tannin content were quantified. Further, its antibacterial efficacy was investigated against microorganisms that cause fish and human disease and are resistant to common antibiotics, including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Regarding the outcomes of GC–MS analysis, the primary metabolites in the A. cardiosperma leaf extracts were heneicosane (57.06%), silane (13.60%), 1-heptadecene (10.09%), 3-hexadecene (9.99%), and pentadecane (9.54%). In comparison to other solvents, methanolic extract of A. cardiosperma leaves had increased phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin content; these findings are consistent with in vitro antioxidant potential and obtained that the methanolic extract (100 µg/mL) exhibited the higher percentage of inhibition in DPPH (82.35%), FRAP (86.20%), metal chelating (72.32%), and ABTS (86.06%) antioxidant assays respectively. Similar findings were found regarding the antibacterial efficacy against pathogenic bacteria. Comparatively, to other extracts, methanolic extracts showed more significant antibacterial activity at a lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value (250 µg/mL), whilst ethyl acetate and hexane solvent extracts of A. cardiosperma leaves had higher MIC values 500 µg/mL and 1000 µg/mL respectively. The antimicrobial potential was validated by investigating bacterial growth through the extracts acquired MICs and sub-MICs range. Bacterial growth was completely inhibited at the determined MIC range. In conclusion, A. cardiosperma leaf extract's phytochemical fingerprint has been determined, and its potent antibacterial and antioxidant activities were discovered. These findings of the current study will pave the way for developing herbal treatments from A. cardiosperma for various fish and human diseases.