The integration of technology in education, specifically through the use of language learning applications, is transforming conventional approaches to language instruction. This study examines the readiness of prospective English teachers to incorporate language learning apps into their teaching practices. The present study is descriptive in nature, a purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample of 55 B.Ed. students from Central and State Universities. Using a mixed-methods approach, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The quantitative phase involved a questionnaire-based survey assessing readiness, attitudes, and perceived challenges, while the qualitative phase included semi-structured interview questions to explore deeper insights into beliefs and barriers. After the response was collected, descriptive, inferential statistical techniques were used for analysing the data. The responses expressed by the subjects were graphically represented. Findings indicate that while prospective teachers recognize the potential benefits of language learning apps for enhancing student engagement and individualized learning, they also express concerns related to usability, instructional support, and self-efficacy. Variations in readiness were observed based on prior experience with technology and self-reported confidence levels. This research underscores the need for teacher training programmes to address these challenges and support the effective integration of technology in language teaching. The study contributes to understanding how to prepare future teachers better to leverage digital tools in English language teaching.

Background: Endometriosis is a common condition associated with infertility and causes chronic pain in many women. It is defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue growing outside the uterus and is a chronic inflammatory condition associated with chronic pelvic pain, although the cause and natural history of the disorder remain uncertain. This research study was conducted in the laboratory department of Tikrit Teaching Hospital in Salah al-Din Governorate and some private laboratories affiliated with Al-Dour city for a period from 10/15/2024 to 1/15/2025. The study groups included (70) samples of obese women of childbearing age, aged (18-45) years, and they were distributed into two groups: Control group: 35 blood samples were collected from healthy women after ensuring their good health. They were randomly selected from the residents of Salah Al-Din city. Patient group: 35 blood samples were collected from obese women suffering from endometriosis, after confirming their infection following tests for the disease and referring them to a specialist doctor after conducting an ultrasound examination and confirming their infection with endometriosis.

Classroom management competence is a fundamental professional skill that determines teachers' ability to create and sustain effective learning environments. Despite its importance, many novice teachers experience difficulties in maintaining learner discipline, managing classroom routines, and sustaining learner engagement during instruction. Microteaching has increasingly been recognized as an important teacher preparation strategy that provides pre-service teachers with opportunities to develop classroom management competencies through repeated practice, constructive feedback, and reflective learning. This study determined the extent to which microteaching enhances classroom management competencies among physics teacher trainees in selected public universities in Western Kenya. Guided by Vygotsky's Social Development Theory, the study adopted a convergent parallel mixed-methods research design. The target population comprised physics teacher trainees, physics teacher educators, and Heads of Physics Departments from four public universities. Data were collected using questionnaires, observation schedules, interview schedules, and document analysis guides. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that microteaching significantly enhanced trainees' classroom management competencies, particularly in maintaining learner discipline, managing lesson transitions, engaging learners actively, improving classroom movement and positioning, and teaching through demonstration. Inferential analysis further established that microteaching had a statistically significant positive influence on classroom management competence (t = 12.907, p < .001). However, classroom observations indicated that some trainees had not fully translated perceived competence into consistent classroom practice. The study concludes that microteaching is an effective instructional approach for developing classroom management competencies among physics teacher trainees. The study recommends strengthening reflective supervision, increasing opportunities for repeated microteaching sessions, and integrating authentic classroom experiences into teacher education programmes to enhance classroom management competence before teaching practice.

Mixed reality (MR), encompassing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), is an emerging technology in dentistry that allows real-time integration of digital information into the clinician’s visual field. Contemporary dental workflows require frequent interaction with electronic health records, radiographs, and diagnostic tools, leading to workflow interruptions and increased cognitive load. This study aimed to quantify computer dependence across common dental procedures and identify those that may benefit most from MR integration. A retrospective observational study was conducted on 50 patients treated by a single general dentist. Patients were equally distributed among five procedure categories (n = 10 each): Extractions, Root Canal Treatments, Crowns, Fillings, and Prophylaxes. Computer dependence was quantified as active treatment time (seconds) divided by the number of clinician interactions with digital devices, expressed as seconds per interaction. A one-way ANOVA was used to evaluate differences among procedure types, and Welch’s t-tests compared Extractions with each of the remaining groups. Significant differences in computer dependence were observed among procedures. Extractions and Root Canal Treatments showed no statistically significant difference (p = 0.341), indicating similarly high reliance on digital interaction. In contrast, Crowns, Fillings, and Prophylaxes demonstrated significantly lower computer dependence than Extractions (all p < 0.001). Surgical and endodontic procedures exhibit the highest levels of computer dependence, suggesting they may benefit most from MR integration. Targeted implementation of MR could reduce screen shifts, decrease cognitive load, and improve procedural efficiency, supporting its prioritization in these workflows.

Background: Dexamethasone is crucial in palliative care for advanced cancer, improving symptoms like appetite loss and fatigue. However, guidelines are lacking, and side effects require close monitoring. The indications for corticosteroid use in this patient group are diverse, including the treatment of specific conditions such as spinal cord compression, elevated intracranial pressure, and loss of appetite. Due to the challenges in prescribing these medications for palliative care patients, there is evidence of suboptimal practices in the literature. This study aimed to examine the current patterns of corticosteroid prescribing in healthcare settings across Saudi Arabia and determine whether these practices align with international guidelines. Aim(s) of the Study: The objective of this study was to analyse current dexamethasone prescribing patterns in palliative care settings in Saudi Arabia and assess their alignment with international standards. Method: A retrospective chart review was conducted on inpatient palliative care patients who received dexamethasone at KFSHRC, Saudi Arabia, between January 1, 2022, and January 1, 2024. All available charts of patients under the care of the Palliative Care team who had a cancer diagnosis and received dexamethasone during that timeframe were included. Data collection focused on the number of patients prescribed dexamethasone, indications for use, choice of agent, dosages and adjustments, duration of treatment, occurrence of adverse effects, method of discontinuation, adherence to guidelines, and monitoring and review processes. Exclusion criteria: patients prescribed dexamethasone by other primary services will be excluded. Results: A total of 78 patients were included (median age 55.6 years), with the majority being female (56.4%) and having metastatic disease (89.7%). Gastrointestinal cancers were the most common diagnosis (33.3%), and 70.5% of patients were not receiving disease-modifying therapy at the time of dexamethasone initiation. The most frequent indications for dexamethasone were raised intracranial pressure/cerebral oedema (16.7%) and nausea/vomiting (15.4%), with a median daily dose of 4 mg; the IV route was most used (78.2%). Overall, 29.5% of patients demonstrated a documented clinical response, most commonly improvement in dyspnoea. Response was more frequent in patients treated for dyspnoea/airway obstruction (70.0%, p = 0.006) and in those receiving higher doses (p = 0.029). Adverse effects were rare (2.6%), limited to hyperglycemia. Median time to response was 2 days (IQR 2–3), with most responses occurring within 72 hours. Conclusion: This study showed that corticosteroids are widely prescribed in palliative care settings, both for specific and non-specific indications. These findings are generally consistent with international literature in this field, supporting the role of dexamethasone in targeted symptom palliation, especially in patients with respiratory compromise, while also highlighting the need for ongoing discussion about the role of corticosteroids in palliative care, as well as the need for clear documentation of indication and response in routine practice.

A fish may be defined as a poikilothermic, aquatic chordate whose appendages, when present, are developed as fins, whose chief respiratory organs are gills and whose body is usually covered with scales. The present study was undertaken to document the fish diversity of River Panjkora in District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Samples were collected from March to August 2024 using gill nets, cast nets, hooks and automatic rods at five sites along the river, namely Talash, Shagokas, Balambat, Rani and Khall. A total of 81 specimens were captured and identified, representing six species distributed across two orders (Cypriniformes and Perciformes) and two families (Cyprinidae and Channidae). Cyprinidae was the richest family, comprising five species Schizothorax esocinus, Puntius ticto, Tor macrolepis, Carassius auratus and Crossocheilus diplocheilus whereas Channidae was represented by a single species, Channa gachua. Crossocheilus diplocheilus was the most abundant taxon (35 individuals; 43.20%), while Carassius auratus was the least abundant (3 individuals; 3.70%). Morphometric measurements and fin formulae were recorded for every species; the smallest species was Puntius ticto (total length 8.2 cm) and the largest was Tor macrolepis (total length 19.5 cm). Simpson's index of dominance was 0.255 and the reciprocal Simpson's index was 3.92, indicating a moderately diverse assemblage dominated by cyprinids. Fishes were identified using standard taxonomic keys, including Fishes of the Punjab (Mirza and Sandhu, 2007) and the Urdu key of Mirza (1990). The findings indicate that the river can potentially harbour additional species and could serve as a resource for conserving threatened taxa. Regular monitoring of the fish fauna, periodic assessment of water quality, stocking of native fish and control of illegal fishing are recommended to safeguard the ichthyofauna.

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a progressive disorder that causes mucosal stiffness, pain, burning sensation, and restricted mouth opening. Intralesional corticosteroids are commonly used, while platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a regenerative treatment. Aim: To compare intralesional triamcinolone acetonide and PRP in improving mouth opening and relieving symptoms in patients with OSMF. Materials and Methods: This prospective comparative study included 20 patients with Grade II or III OSMF. Patients were equally allocated to receive weekly intralesional injections of triamcinolone acetonide or autologous PRP for two months. Mouth opening, pain, and burning sensation were assessed at baseline, one week, three weeks, and two months. Data were analysed using the independent-samples t-test and repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Both treatments significantly improved mouth opening, pain, and burning sensation over time (p < 0.001). At two months, mouth opening was greater in the triamcinolone group than in the PRP group (29.50 ± 1.08 versus 27.50 ± 1.08 mm; p = 0.001). PRP produced greater reductions in pain (1.20 ± 0.42 versus 4.20 ± 0.63) and burning sensation (1.50 ± 0.53 versus 4.30 ± 0.48) at two months (both p < 0.001). Conclusion: Triamcinolone was more effective in improving mouth opening, whereas PRP provided greater relief from pain and burning sensation.