Abstract

Vocabulary acquisition is a cornerstone of foreign language development, yet traditional instructional methods often fail to engage young learners or support long-term retention. This study investigates the effectiveness of using songs as a pedagogical tool for teaching English vocabulary to young English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. Employing a quasi-experimental quantitative design, the research compares the vocabulary acquisition of a group of primary school students (aged 6–10) instructed through songs with a control group receiving conventional instruction. Data were collected through pre- and post-tests, classroom observations and teacher feedback. The findings reveal that the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in vocabulary retention and recall compared to the control group. Furthermore, students in the song-based group exhibited higher levels of motivation, engagement and improved pronunciation. The study concludes that integrating songs into EFL instruction creates an interactive, stimulating and low-anxiety learning environment, making it a highly effective strategy for enhancing vocabulary acquisition among young learners.

Keywords: vocabulary acquisition, songs, young EFL learners, music-based instruction, vocabulary retention

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP; poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)) is a versatile water-soluble polymer widely used in pharmaceuticals, coatings, and nanocomposites due to its solubility, biocompatibility, and film-forming properties. Despite its extensive applications, systematic kinetic data describing its thermal degradation remain limited. In this study, non-isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of PVP was performed under nitrogen and air atmospheres at heating rates of 5, 10, 20, and 40 °C min⁻¹. Thermal profiles revealed three degradation stages: moisture loss (30–150 °C), main-chain scission and depolymerization (150–450 °C), and carbonaceous residue formation (>450 °C), with the principal decomposition peak at 370–410 °C. Activation energies (Eₐ) determined using Kissinger, Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO), and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) methods ranged from 179 to 186 kJ mol⁻¹ and were validated using the Coats–Redfern model-fitting approach. Reaction orders (n ≈ 1.1–1.3) indicate random chain scission as the dominant mechanism. The resulting kinetic dataset provides reliable insight into PVP thermal stability and supports optimization of processing, recycling, and composite fabrication.

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of load expansion planning through the integration of photovoltaic systems at the Bir Alganame 220/30 kV substation. An electrical planning system serves as a crucial tool for designing electrical systems that effectively meet evolving energy demands. The study investigates the impact of load expansion on hybrid photovoltaic system design, focusing on system reliability and total project cost as primary design objectives. The research methodology encompasses a detailed load flow study conducted in 2024, coupled with load forecasting for 5 and 10-year horizons at an 8% load increase rate. The investigation includes analyzing the optimal parameters of the PV system integration with the existing grid to ensure proper functionality. Additionally, the study addresses the probabilistic scenario set of load demand and natural characteristics of renewable energy, which is crucial for power system planning studies. The research emphasizes the importance of proper transmission system network development to reliably and securely evacuate the generated power to meet future domestic load demand. Through simulation and analysis, this study demonstrates an integrated approach to improving power system performance while considering geographical and environmental factors affecting PV output. The findings provide valuable insights into optimal electrical network planning procedures, incorporating both long and short-term perspectives through PV system integration.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a widely utilized polymer in pharmaceutical formulations, nanocomposites, biomedical devices, and membrane fabrication. Despite numerous thermogravimetric studies, detailed mechanistic insight into its volatile degradation products remains limited. This study aims to investigate the thermal decomposition mechanism of PVP using thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (TG–FTIR) under inert and oxidative atmospheres. Degradation stages, evolved gaseous species, and structural transformations were systematically analyzed between 30–800 °C. Results are expected to reveal multi-step degradation involving dehydration, pyrrolidone ring opening, backbone scission, and carbonaceous residue formation. Identification of CO₂, CO, amide fragments, vinylpyrrolidone monomers, and nitrogen-containing volatiles will clarify the degradation pathway. The study provides mechanistic confirmation complementary to kinetic models and enhances predictive understanding of PVP behavior during sterilization, extrusion, pyrolysis, and composite processing.

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