Abstract

Developing reading proficiency is essential for mastering English as a Foreign Language (EFL), yet many learners encounter difficulties due to restricted vocabulary and a lack of contextual understanding. To mitigate these issues, educators often suggest using picture books, which integrate visual imagery with text to help students decode meaning through multiple channels.

This study examines the influence of illustrated books on EFL reading comprehension using a quasi-experimental framework. The research involved 30 primary school pupils, divided into an experimental group using picture books and a control group receiving standard instruction. Results from pre- and post-test evaluations showed that students in the experimental group made significantly more progress than those in the control group.

These outcomes suggest that picture books are a powerful resource for enhancing comprehension and learner interest. Based on these findings, this study recommends EFL teachers incorporate  illustrated materials into their lessons  to enhance students’ understanding and engagement.

Keywords: picture books, reading comprehension, EFL learners, visual learning, young learners, language teaching.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a widely used water-soluble polymer with applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, adhesives, and medical devices. Despite its versatility, the thermal stability of PVP remains a concern during processing and high-temperature applications, where degradation can compromise performance and safety. This study aimed to investigate the kinetic parameters of PVP thermal degradation using isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) over a temperature range of 30–800 °C. PVP samples were analyzed under a nitrogen atmosphere, and weight loss was recorded over time. Kinetic parameters, including activation energy (Ea) and pre-exponential factor (A), were determined, and molecular weight changes were evaluated via gel permeation chromatography. Results indicated multi-stage degradation with increasing Ea at higher temperatures, consistent with backbone scission and pyrrolidone ring decomposition. Molecular weight decreased progressively, and polydispersity increased, reflecting chain fragmentation. The study provides accurate isothermal kinetic data, contributing to better prediction of PVP behavior under thermal stress and guiding the design of thermally stable formulations

This study compared the retention of polyamide clasps engaging porcelain-fused-to-metal and zirconia retainers with identical 0.50 mm undercuts in posterior free-end saddle maxillary removable partial dentures. Four standardized acrylic resin models simulating maxillary bilateral posterior edentulous with first premolar abutments were prepared to receive either porcelain-fused-to-metal or zirconia crowns incorporating mesial occlusal rest seats. Polyamide RPA clasps were fabricated using an injection molding technique and tested for retention using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. The mean retention force of polyamide clasps was 6.68 ± 2.59 N for zirconia crowns and 5.47 ± 2.27 N for porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. The results demonstrated minimal loss of retention for polyamide clasps against both ceramic materials, with no significant difference in retention related to the type of ceramic retainer.

Abstract The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has recently been recognized in different parts of the world, even affecting healthy populations. The deficiency of vitamin D can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. No studies have been done in Gharyan city to evaluate the status of vitamin D among the population. So, this work aims to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the city, which is essential to maintaining the health of populations in general. This was a survey study conducted from September 2024 to December 2024, at some laboratories in the city: Alkama. Alnahda, Ayouser, Aldaka and Mashfa Gharyian. During the study period, 1718 analysis tests results of vitamin D were collected, classified to six groups according to age and characterized by measures of central tendency. The results showed that the age of the cases ranged from newborns to about 97 years, 30% males and 70 % females. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among female was more than males in all aged groups of the cases, about 62 % of the cases had low vitamin D levels (less than 30 ng/ml), the high level was 0.45% and 37% were at normal range. But the patients in categories 4, 5 had the highest number of cases. Spreading awareness among the population about the importance and vital role of the vitamin, explaining the risks of vitamin D deficiency and associated diseases among the population were recommended to reduce the Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Gharyan city

Abstract:

This study aimed to evaluate stress distribution around two and four implants supporting maxillary implant overdentures retained by locator attachments, comparing full and partial palatal coverage designs. Four identical acrylic models representing completely edentulous maxillary arches were fabricated and covered with polyvinyl siloxane impression material to simulate the oral mucosa overlying the residual ridge. The models were divided into two main groups according to the number of installed implants (two or four), and each group was further subdivided based on palatal design (full or partial palatal coverage). Locator abutments (female components) were secured to the implants using an abutment driver, after which the prosthetic frameworks were constructed. Four strain gauges were bonded to each implant fixture using strain gauge cement to record strain values. A LLOYD digital loading device was employed to apply controlled compressive loads, and the resulting stresses around the implants were measured for each configuration.

Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in stress values between two-implant overdentures with full palatal coverage (30.64 ± 17.47 N/m × 10²) and those with partial palatal coverage (49.72 ± 23.17 N/m × 10²), with higher stresses observed in the partial coverage design. In contrast, although four-implant overdentures with partial palatal coverage (8.77 ± 4.54 N/m × 10²) demonstrated higher mean stress values than those with full palatal coverage (5.51 ± 3.83 N/m × 10²), this difference was not statistically significant.

Within the limitations of this in vitro study, full palatal coverage design resulted in lower stress values compared to partial palatal coverage in two-implant-supported maxillary overdentures. For four-implant-supported overdentures, full palatal coverage also showed lower stress values; however, the difference was not statistically significant.