Academic Head Research Articles

Recurrence Patterns of Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

The objective of this study was to describe risk factors and recurrence patterns that can guide the creation of evidence-based surveillance guidelines for advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. This was a single-institution retrospective case series. High-volume academic head and neck surgical oncology practice. Patients who underwent surgery for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck staged Brigham and Women's Hospital T2b and T3 from 2003 to 2023 were reviewed. Patient demographics, clinicopathologic history, cancer data, treatment, and outcomes were abstracted. Disease-free survival and risk factors for recurrence were described. A total of 183 patients were included. Fifty-six (30.6%) experienced recurrence. This included local recurrence in 21 (11.5%), regional in 21 (13.3%), and distant in 11 (6%). The majority of regional and distant recurrences occurred within 1 year of surgery. The majority of disease recurrence occurs in the first 1 to 2 years following surgical excision of advanced-stage cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Close surveillance and frequent imaging within those years are critical to catch subclinical and distant diseases.

Length of Stay Prediction Models for Oral Cancer Surgery: Machine Learning, Statistical and ACS-NSQIP.

Accurate prediction of hospital length of stay (LOS) following surgical management of oral cavity cancer (OCC) may be associated with improved patient counseling, hospital resource utilization and cost. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of statistical models, a machine learning (ML) model, and The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program's (ACS-NSQIP) calculator in predicting LOS following surgery for OCC. A retrospective multicenter database study was performed at two major academic head and neck cancer centers. Patients with OCC who underwent major free flap reconstructive surgery between January 2008 and June 2019 surgery were selected. Data were pooled and split into training and validation datasets. Statistical and ML models were developed, and performance was evaluated by comparing predicted and actual LOS using correlation coefficient values and percent accuracy. Totally 837 patients were selected with mean patient age being 62.5 ± 11.7 [SD] years and 67% being male. The ML model demonstrated the best accuracy (validation correlation 0.48, 4-day accuracy 70%), compared with the statistical models: multivariate analysis (0.45, 67%) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (0.42, 70%). All were superior to the ACS-NSQIP calculator's performance (0.23, 59%). We developed statistical and ML models that predicted LOS following major free flap reconstructive surgery for OCC. Our models demonstrated superior predictive performance to the ACS-NSQIP calculator. The ML model identified several novel predictors of LOS. These models must be validated in other institutions before being used in clinical practice. 3 Laryngoscope, 134:3664-3672, 2024.

Transformational Leadership, Cultural Intelligence, Self-Efficacy, and Productivity among Higher Education Faculty: A Structural Model

This study aimed to assess the productivity of higher education faculty by developing a structural model incorporating predetermined factors such as transformational leadership exhibited by academic heads, the faculty's cultural intelligence, and self-efficacy. After undergoing scientific validation and reliability tests, this study utilized questionnaires in a descriptive-correlational and causal-comparative research design. Data were gathered from 500 higher education faculty in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. The results revealed a high level of productivity among higher education faculty, particularly in producing instructional tools, engaging in professional development and community service, and a moderately productive level in research and publication. Remarkably, academic heads demonstrated an excellent display of transformational leadership. Higher education faculty exhibited high levels of cultural intelligence and self-efficacy. This implies that the academic head's exemplary display of transformational leadership highlights a commendable commitment to inspiring positive change and fostering growth within the academic setting. Simultaneously, the Higher Education Faculty exhibits remarkable levels of cultural intelligence and self-efficacy, showcasing their proficiency in navigating diverse cultural landscapes and their confidence in their capabilities. Ultimately, the structural model revealed that the productivity of higher education faculty is best explained by the influence of academic heads' transformational leadership, coupled with faculty cultural intelligence and self-efficacy. This model is known as Apdian’s Model of Productivity Among Faculty in State Universities.

Elective management of the N0 neck in maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma.

To demonstrate adequacy of radiation therapy alone to the neck in patients with maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma (MS-SCC) without clinical evidence of regional metastasis. Retrospective review between 2000 and 2018 from a single high-volume tertiary academic head and neck cancer center of all patients with MS-SCC. A total of 55 patients were treated for MS-SCC at our center. A clinically uninvolved neck on presentation was found in 46 patients (83.6%) in the initial dataset. Of the 39 patients with radiologic N0 disease who were treated with primary surgical resection, 15.4% (6 patients) did not undergo any treatment of the neck, 2.6% (1 patient) underwent a neck dissection only, 69.2% (27 patients) received RT only, and 12.8% (5 patients) were treated with both a neck dissection followed by RT. Median follow-up was 26 months (mean 48 months, interquartile range 9-76 months). Five-year overall survival of all patients with N0 necks treated with upfront surgical resection was 46.5% (95% CI, 32.3%-66.9%). No patients with N0 necks had isolated regional recurrence regardless of neck management. Regional recurrence is rare for patients with radiologic N0 MS-SCC. Single-modality elective neck radiation provides excellent regional disease control in these patients.

Role of Academic Head in Sharpening Leadership Traits Among Teachers and Students in Girls Secondary Schools

Role of Academic Head in Sharpening Leadership Traits Among Teachers and Students in Girls Secondary Schools

Editorial introductions.

Editorial introductions.

The Status of STEM Education in Schools: A Case of Samtse Dzongkhag

This study examined the current state of STEM education in schools under Samtse Dzongkhag. Specifically, the study explored the competency of STEM teachers, the infrastructure and resources available to support STEM education, the proficiency of teachers in the use of ICT in education, and the performance of students in STEM subjects. A mixed-method approach was used, including survey questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis. The survey sample comprised 50 teachers from six schools currently teaching STEM subjects in grades IX to XII, while qualitative data was obtained from four participants, including a Lead teacher, an Academic head, a School administrator, and a District Education Officer. The study found that STEM teachers have at least a first degree from a recognised university and a majority have taught STEM subjects for more than a decade. The study also reveals that the professional development (PD) programmes attended by the STEM teachers is far below what is envisioned by the Ministry of Education and Skills Development. The study recommends revisiting the policy of professional development (PD) and providing the mandated hours of PD to teachers, upgrading laboratory equipment and apparatus, encouraging scientific research to promote innovation, and allowing students to bring mobiles to school to increase access to technology and enhance learning.

First virtual workshop facilitation experience on digital literacy of the Biblioteca Infantil Miriam Álvarez Brenes

The Biblioteca Infantil Miriam Álvarez Brenes (BIMAB), is linked to the School of Librarianship, Documentation and Information of the National University (UNA). In 2018 it had a re-conceptualization under the roaming modality to provide services to communities (previously selected) with socially vulnerable child populations located outside the Omar Dengo University Campus. This involved to work with other professionals from various academic fields. This allowed the BIMAB to consider carrying out educational activities such as this one, performed for the first time in its history. So a virtual workshop on Informational and Digital Literacy (E-ALFIN) was held. This was addressed to its collaborators (student assistants and academic people of the BIMAB) together with allies of the community of Guararí (Heredia). It was facilitated by the academic head of the BIMAB, Pedro Montero Bustabad, together with the librarian of this information unit Flor Vargas Bolaños.

Educators' perspectives on working with a humanoid robot in a French preschool class for autistic children

Humanoid robots have shown to provide interesting perspectives for autistic children. Yet, few studies have looked at educators' point of view on the use of such robots in educational settings. This paper presents a case study of the use of a humanoid robot, NAO, in a French preschool class dedicated to autistic children. Our work focuses on the perspectives of the adults working with these children. We interviewed the professional staff about changes in their teaching due to the presence of the robot, about the effects on the pupils' behaviour, and about the collaboration between the special needs teacher, the special needs support worker and the operational specialist from the digital education department of the district academic head office. Four themes were identified: joint reflection and collaboration when working with NAO, working with NAO, impact of NAO on pupils, impact of NAO on adults. The professionals underscored the necessity of adopting certain attitudes, in particular, the most neutral facial expression possible, so as not to disturb the children's learning process. They were under the impression that the robot had a beneficial effect on the pupils in terms of learning and social skills, and that it facilitated collaboration among them.

InCISE: Instrument for Comprehensive Incisional and Surgical Evaluation.

The evaluation of healing after head and neck surgery is currently qualitative and non-standardized, limiting the quality of surgical healing assessments in clinical and research settings. We sought to develop an objective, standardized wound assessment score, and hypothesize that a reliable instrument can be developed to evaluate head and neck surgical wounds. A prospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary-care, academic head and neck surgery practice. Patients undergoing head and neck surgery were enrolled. A digital photograph protocol was developed for evaluating healing surgical wounds. A panel of experts developed and refined a wound healing score and established reliability, reproducibility, internal consistency, and validity of the score. InCISE: Instrument for comprehensive incisional and surgical evaluation was created. The utility of our wound healing score was assessed using classical test theory. We performed the major steps of establishing reliability in head and neck surgeons: (1) internal consistency (Cronbach's α= 0.81), (2) inter-observer reliability (intra-class correlation=0.76), and (3) intra-rater reliability (intra-class correlation=0.87), and content validity (through focus groups). Our composite measure was found to have strong internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and intra-rater reliability. Preliminary work suggests criterion validity via associations with physical health related quality of life (SF-12). A wound healing score for head and neck surgery, InCISE, has been developed and is reliable, reproducible, and consistent. Although content validity is present and criterion validity is suggested, work continues to establish validity in this instrument to allow for expanded clinical and research use. NA Laryngoscope, 133:2166-2173, 2023.

Evaluation of the Professional Learning Community Program for Teachers in Indonesia

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Professional Learning Community program (PLC) ABC school teachers in Indonesia. The research method used is program evaluation with a Context, Input, Process, and Product (CIPP) model with a qualitative approach. The subjects of this research are the academic head, PIC, and teachers. The locations of the subjects of this study were from various school areas in Indonesia, namely Lubuk Linggau, Cikarang, Makassar, and Manado. The instruments used were interview sheets, document study sheets, questionnaire questions, and audio-visual material usage sheets. The data analysis technique used is descriptive statistics and coding. The results of this study indicate that the implementation of the ABC School PLC is still running well and has succeeded in fostering cooperation in accordance with the PLC document. On the other hand, PLC has not succeeded in increasing teacher professionalism and collaboration. The discovery of the difference between cooperation and collaboration is a new discovery in this research. Considering the results of the evaluation using the CIPP model, the PLC program needs to be continued by implementing several improvements that need to be made.

Survival outcomes of perineural spread in head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

AimTo present an institution's experience and survival outcomes for patients with head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC) and perineural spread (PNS).MethodRetrospective study of patients with HNcSCC and PNS treated between January 2010 and August 2020 from the Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute database, Sydney, Australia; a high‐volume, tertiary, academic head and neck centre. Patient demographics, primary site, involved cranial nerves, treatment modality, loco‐regional failure and survival data were obtained.ResultsForty‐five patients were identified, of which 32 patients were male (71%). Mean age at diagnosis was 68.7 years (range 43–90). Median follow‐up was 16.1 months (range 1–107). The trigeminal nerve was most frequently involved (n = 30, 66.6%) followed by facial nerve (n = 13, 28.9%). Most patients underwent surgery followed by radiotherapy (n = 33, 73%) and eight received definitive radiotherapy. The median overall survival (OS) was 4.5 years (95% CI 3.71–5.38), median disease‐specific survival 5.1 years (95% CI 4.21–5.97) and median disease‐free survival (DFS) was 1.7 years (95% CI 1.11–2.22). The estimated 5‐year OS and DFS were 45% and 25%, respectively. Patients treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy with a clear proximal nerve margin had favourable DFS (P = 0.035) and trended towards better OS (P = 0.134) compared with patients with an involved nerve margin. Patients treated surgically with involved proximal nerve margins had similar outcomes compared with patients with treated definitive radiotherapy (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.29–2.22, P = 0.664).ConclusionThe likelihood of achieving a clear proximal nerve margin should be a strong consideration in the selection of appropriate patients for primary surgery

Relationship between academic staff withdrawal behaviours and administrative effectiveness of heads of department of universities

The study examined the relationship between withdrawal behaviours and administrative effectiveness of heads of academic departments of the universities in Edo State Two research questions were raised and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted the combination of survey method and correlational research design. A sample of 1,100 representing 40 percent of the population was drawn using the multi-stage stratified random sampling technique. The instruments used for the study were Absenteeism of Academic Staff (AASS) and Instrument for Measuring Lateness of Academic Staff (MLASS) and Head of Department Administrative Effectiveness Questionnaire (HODAEQ). Cronbach Alpha reliability was used to determine the reliability of the instruments. Hypotheses 1 and 2 were tested, using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient. The results of the study showed that: there was a strong, inverse and significant relationship between academic staff absenteeism and administrative effectiveness of the Heads of Department. The study also found that there was a strong, inverse and significant relationship between academic staff, lateness and administrative effectiveness of the heads of department. It was therefore concluded that absenteeism and lateness withdrawal behaviour of academic staff has adverse effect on HOD’s administrative effectiveness. The study consequently recommended among others staff enlightenment on the adverse impact of Academic Staff withdrawal behaviours on Heads of Departments’ administrative effectiveness.

Prognostic Significance of Referral Patterns and Time Trends in Head and Neck Cancer Management

<h3>Purpose/Objectives</h3> Early diagnosis and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is paramount to improving patient prognosis. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association of patient demographic, clinical, and management variables with time to treatment initiation (TTI) and one-year survival. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of potential areas of delay, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, in association with TTI and one-year survival. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> Medical records of patients who were diagnosed with HNSCC from 2018 to 2020 at a tertiary academic medical center were reviewed to extract demographic and clinical information. Univariate and multivariate linear and cox-regression were used to evaluate TTI and one year survival with our study variables. Kaplan Meier (KM) curves were created to evaluate the difference in hazard over time between patients diagnosed in 2019 and 2020. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 233 patients met eligibility criteria. The median time between symptom onset and presentation to a medical provider was 1 month (Interquartile range [IQR]: 0.5-3). 118 patients (50.9%) were referred to one of our academic head and neck specialists by their PCP, 37 (15.9%) by a dental provider, 32 (13.8%) through the emergency department, 26 (11.2%) by a local ENT, and 20 (8.6%) by other means. Median time for oncologic work-up was 25 days (IQR: 16-38). Median TTI was 37.5 days (IQR: 27-50.75). 21% of patients reported delays in treatment, with the top three reasons cited as concurrent medical problems (34.69%), patient deferrals (16.33%), and delayed dental exams (8.16%). Univariate analysis for TTI found a significant increase in TTI in female patients (p=0.041) and those undergoing salvage therapy (p=0.045), and chemoradiation (p=0.008). Univariate cox-regressions predicting one-year mortality found direct admission status (p=0.005), the use of pre-treatment PEG tubes (p=0.006) and tracheostomies (p=0.025) significantly increased one-year mortality. This association was not significant in a multivariate models. Other demographic and clinical variables, including smoking history, median income by zip code, distance from hospital, tumor subsite, and others, did not significantly impact TTI or one-year mortality. Hazard ratios for one-year mortality and Kaplan-Meier estimates for one-year survival were not significant when adjusted for year of diagnosis (p>0.05) and TTI quartile (p>0.05). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Our analysis determined that many patient and management variables may not significantly impact TTI and one-year survival. Patients diagnosed in 2020 showed no difference in overall survival compared to prior years, despite COVID-19. The scope for improved HNSCC management may lie in continuing to optimize care in a timely manner for those with characteristics of advanced disease, many of which were found to be predictive of one-year mortality.

Lateral cystic neck masses in adults: a ten-year series and comparative analysis of diagnostic modalities.

In adults, the solitary lateral cystic neck mass remains a diagnostic challenge with little solid material to target for cytology and few clues on imaging modalities to suggest underlying malignancy. This study was a retrospective review of patients presenting with a lateral cystic neck mass to a tertiary academic head and neck centre over a 10-year period. A total of 25 of 157 cystic lesions were subsequently malignant on paraffin section histopathology, with the youngest patient being 42 years. In the age cohort over 40 years, 30 per cent of males and 10 per cent of females were diagnosed with malignancy. The ipsilateral palatine tonsil was the most common primary site (50 per cent). A total of 85 per cent of cases demonstrated integrated human papillomavirus infection. Age, male sex and alcohol were significant risk factors on univariate analysis. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology and magnetic resonance imaging represented the most accurate pre-open biopsy tests. The authors of this study advocate for a risk-stratified, evidence-based workup in patients with solitary lateral cystic neck mass in order to optimise timely diagnosis.

НАУЧНАЯ КОНФЕРЕНЦИИ «БАРТОЛЬДОВСКИЕ ЧТЕНИЯ» ИНСТИТУТ ВОСТОКОВЕДЕНИЯ РАН, МОСКВА, 9–11 НОЯБРЯ 2022 г.

This article presents an overview of the «Barthold Readings» scientific conference with international participation held on November 9–11, 2022 at the Institute of Oriental Studies, Moscow. The conference was attended by scholars from a number of countries—Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Singapore, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Russia was represented by research-fellows from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Ufa, Lipetsk, Ulan-Ude (Republic of Buryatia), and Makhachkala (Republic of Dagestan). This shows a great interest in the declared topics of the conference. During the three days of the conference, more than 60 reports by domestic and foreign specialists were discussed. The event began with a welcome greeting by the academic head of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences to the participants of the conference. Reports of veterans of the Barthold readings were presented at the plenary session. Their presentations highlighted the importance of readings renewal, their traditions and role in Russian Oriental studies, paying tribute to their founders — Elena Abramovna Davidovich and Dmitry Dmitrievich Vasilyev. The Conference panels set up was designed by regional, thematic, chronological criteria as follows: «V. V. Barthold’s Academic Heritage», «Source Studies of the History of the East», «Spiritual Culture of the Nations of the East in the Reflection of Historical Scripts», «Epigraphy, Numismatics, Onomastics». It is planned to publish a collection of reports and materials of the Conference participants. The next «Barthold Readings» are tentatively scheduled for 2024.

Embedded in two worlds: The university academic manager’s work, identity and social relations

The university academic manager (AM) or head of school/department is typically positioned in a hierarchical world: as a middle manager ‘sandwiched’ between senior management and subordinates. I propose a different framing: the AM cohabits two worlds, the worlds of hierarchy and collegiality respectively. Using an ideal type framework and data based mainly on interviews with 20 AMs, I examine AMs’ tasks, identity and social relations, showing that AMs adopt a dual work identity that is associated with the ‘two worlds’ imagery which explains their orientation towards their tasks and social relations. This interpretation enables a deeper understanding of how AMs enact their role and encourages dialogue about the future of middle-level university management.

Approach to the Patient with Unknown Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

Head and neck cancer of unknown primary (HNCUP) is increasingly encountered in both community otolaryngology practice and the academic head and neck cancer program. A stepwise diagnostic evaluation will identify many primary sites. However, true HNCUP remains common in high-volume practices after appropriate examination, imaging, and biopsies. The prognosis for the majority of the patients is good, owing to the common association with high-risk HPV, and putative oropharyngeal primary origin. With high oncologic control rates, judicious treatment selection is essential to optimize functional outcomes.

Exploring the Learning Journeys of Academic Head of Department Preparations and Access to Their Roles: The Case of a Selected University in Ghana

Leadership training for educational leaders in the academia has been considered paramount to empower them both for leadership and management skills, knowledge and experience necessary to bring about quality in teaching and learning. Majority of the academic leaders are appointed without any preparation for the role and tend to struggle on the role in order to be effective. Most studies carried out on academic leaders in Africa focus mainly on challenges, roles and theories of leadership. This study explores the journeys involved in the preparations of academics who become Head of Departments in a selected university in Ghana in order to enable them play their roles effectively. The case study approach was used to study the journeys involved in the preparations of 16 academic HoDs in a selected university in Ghana, focusing on how they accessed their roles, their understanding about the roles, preparations they have had on the roles and the preparations they would have wished for the roles. It sought to describe, understand and interpret the learning journeys of academic HoDs regarding how they became HoDs and preparations they received to be effective in their roles. Interviews and documentary evidence were employed. Semi structured interviews were conducted with sixteen university head of departments. Using thematic analysis, the study revealed among others that most newly appointed academic HoDs were not given formal training before they began to play their roles, Again, the findings revealed different degrees of preparations which were mainly informal and were not directly linked to the roles of the HoDs, which were consistent with the literature that majority of academic HoDs did not receive preparations for their roles and tended to use their experiences to play their roles. Based on these findings, recommendations are that there should be a formal training on the HoD’s duties and their implementations for all newly appointed HoDs to enrich them with the necessary skills and knowledge to make them effective and efficient. There is the need to conduct needs assessment from the HoDs to inform their preparation or training and development of HoDs manual to serve as a reference guide to the HoDs. It is hoped that the findings will contribute to effective preparations of the academic HoDs. The research may also lead to the production of HoD’s manuals. More importantly, it may inform policies to identify areas for effective preparations of the academic HoDs.

Ready or Not: The Experiences of Novice Academic Heads in School Leadership

The decision to accept a leadership role will always require reflection and discernment. The power, authority, privileges, and benefits attached to it are enticing, but the duties and responsibilities make a person step back and think about it. When no one else is qualified to lead, tenure and performance become the bases of appointment. Despite lacking the required credentials, particularly educational qualifications, one receives the promotion as academic head because he/she is the most senior among the teachers. This study aims to explore and find out the experiences of novice academic heads in leading and managing their teachers. It identified the challenges and struggles, including their learning experiences and realizations as new academic heads. Using the phenomenological method, seven new learning area heads (less than two years of experience) from a private sectarian school in the National Capital Region, Philippines were observed for six months and interviewed separately. The study found out that the novice academic heads considered paperwork, culture, processes and procedures, expectations of superiors, and supervision of teacher as primary challenges. To handle these challenges, they regularly consulted their supervisors and their former academic leaders mentored some of them. They also engaged themselves in professional and personal development to enhance their leadership competence. Having a succession plan will integrate the induction, leadership, and mentoring programs for future academic heads. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.19.5.5