Vol. 7 No. 01 (2025): Volume 07 Issue 01

This article examines the diverse functions of teacher-created rubrics in evaluating speaking abilities in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) schools. It underscores the benefits of rubrics in encouraging investments, clarity, and student involvement while also acknowledging the difficulties educators encounter in their applications. The subject matter here analyzes the impact of rubrics on decision-making in assessments, their role in professional growth, and their influence on task management, based on research and teacher opinions. It looks into what practical effects and benefits come from rubrics that balance theoretical potential with practical application. This encourages a more learner-centered approach to speaking assessment in EFL settings.

The issue of the general budget deficit is a very important issue, as it includes the actual and planned deficit by the government for a full economic cycle approved by the law issued by the government parliament. Perhaps the most prominent goal of the financial deficit is for the government to appear before individuals as being able to address the problems suffered by projects and contractors with the government. Here, it has put itself before a real test that entails a moral obligation before individuals and a financial obligation before how to cover the deficit that may occur if the government does not address it. There are a set of tools through which the government can cover the deficit it has, including resorting to the International Monetary Fund or the World Bank (external borrowing) or through the central bank or government and private banks operating at home and abroad. Most developing countries resort to external borrowing, which is one of the most dangerous types of financing the budget deficit due to the obligations to pay interest on this debt, which burdens the general budget and makes it difficult for most of these countries to fulfill international obligations and thus puts themselves in an embarrassing position. On this basis, there are Others resort to local banks or the Central Bank to borrow to finance this deficit caused by the government’s promise to pay obligations to those entitled to them.

Pregnancy at advanced maternal age (AMA), typically defined as 35 years or older, presents unique challenges and risks to both maternal and perinatal health. This study aims to assess the maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnancies occurring at advanced maternal age, providing a comprehensive overview of potential complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight. By analyzing clinical data and maternal health indicators, the study highlights the factors influencing these outcomes and offers insights into the management and care strategies necessary for optimizing health during AMA pregnancies. The findings underscore the importance of early prenatal care, risk stratification, and personalized management to improve both maternal and neonatal health outcomes in this growing demographic.

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide, yet its diagnosis remains challenging due to the lack of a universally accepted gold-standard test. The ETDQ-7, a self-reported questionnaire, has been widely used to assess ETD symptoms and quality of life. This comparative study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the ETDQ-7 in ETD and assess its suitability for adoption in resource-constrained settings.

A comprehensive analysis of existing studies was conducted to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the ETDQ-7 with tympanometry, a widely used gold-standard test for ETD diagnosis. The results of this study show that the ETDQ-7 has a moderate diagnostic accuracy, with sensitivity and specificity values ranging from 0.75 to 0.95. The study highlights the importance of considering the specific context and characteristics of each study when interpreting the results.

The findings of this study have implications for the development of diagnostic guidelines and the improvement of middle ear health in underserved populations. The ETDQ-7 was found to be a reliable and valid tool for diagnosing ETD in resource-constrained settings, but its diagnostic accuracy should be considered in the context of the specific study population and methodology used.

This study presents a comparative analysis of ecological restoration methods employed to rehabilitate mining sites, focusing on the Fushun and Pingshuo mining areas in China. Given the significant environmental degradation which has resulted from the mining activities. Effective restoration strategies are essential for enhancing biodiversity and ecological integrity.  This research evaluates changes in vegetation cover and environmental health at both sites while employing metrics such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and land cover classification utilizing remote sensing techniques. This study addresses three primary objectives which are: assessing vegetation recovery post-restoration, analyzing soil and water quality improvements, and comparing the effectiveness of various restoration methods. Preliminary findings indicate that while both sites have achieved notable vegetation recovery, differences in restoration techniques, regulatory frameworks, and environmental conditions influence outcomes. This research takes into account the important role of remote sensing in monitoring restoration success and informs best practices for future ecological restoration initiatives in mining-affected regions.

Background: Family caregivers often face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges when caring for surgical patients. Caregiver burden, a critical aspect of healthcare, is influenced by various patient-related factors, including age, functional capacity, and illness severity. This study examines the relationships between caregiver burden, assessed using the Zarit Burden Index (ZBI), and patient characteristics among surgical patients in Delta State, Nigeria, with a focus on practical implications for caregiving strategies.

Methodology: The study utilized a cross-sectional design involving caregivers of surgical patients at two hospitals in Delta State, Nigeria. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires. Caregiver burden was evaluated using the ZBI, functional status was measured with the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS), and illness severity was categorized as mild, moderate, or severe.

Results: Weak correlations were observed between caregiver burden and patient age (r = 0.218, p = 0.01) as well as functional status (r = -0.347, p = 0.01). However, illness severity showed a strong association with caregiver burden (p < 0.0001), with caregivers of patients with severe conditions or low functional capacity experiencing the greatest burden.

Conclusion: Although some correlations are modest, the findings emphasize the need for targeted caregiving strategies. Interventions such as caregiver education, emotional support, and financial assistance are essential to mitigate the burdens faced by those caring for elderly or severely ill patients.