Science University Research Articles

The effect of viral anxiety experienced by nurses working in pediatric service on psychological factors during Covid-19 period

During the Covid-19 period, nurses, as healthcare professionals, have been under a great workload, and their anxiety levels have also increased their psychological effects. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the effect of viral anxiety experienced by nurses working in the pediatric ward during the Covid-19 period on psychological factors. This is a descriptive study. Permission was obtained from Hakkari University Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Committee for research permission. Sociodemographic data were collected online from 1200 nurses working in the pediatric service who voluntarily participated in the study between October 13, 2023 and December 25, 2023 using the sociodemographic data collection form and the stress and anxiety scale for health workers due to virus epidemic-9 items (SAVE-9), Patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Obsession with Covid-19 Scale (OCS), Reassurance-seeking behavior scale against coronavirus (CRBS). In order to compare SAVE, PHQ, OCS and CRBS scale scores according to sociodemographic information and vaccination status variables, independent groups t test one-way variance analysis Levene's F test was applied and data were analyzed using a statistical package program. It is understood that 59.9% of the participants are male and 40.1% are female. The proportion of married participants was 95.4%. The results of the scores obtained from the SAVE and PHQ scales show that the stress and anxiety related to the virus epidemic are above the middle level, the result of the OCS scale score shows that the dysfunctional thoughts associated with the coronavirus, and the scores obtained from the CRBS Total scale show that the assurance-seeking behavior is exhibited according to the results. The effect of viral anxiety on the psychological factor according to sociodemographic characteristics (gender, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, educational status, working area in pediatric service, vaccination status) showed significant and different results according to scale scores. It was concluded that the viral anxiety experienced by the nurses working in the pediatric service during the Covid-19 period showed different characteristics in terms of psychological factors and sociodemographic characteristics, and the nurses were not very effective due to the decrease in the effect of Covid-19.

Analysis of the impact of mechanisms of integration of university science into the regional innovation system on the spatial development of the Voronezh region

Relevance. University science is the basis for the progressive development of the regions of the Russian Federation, providing new knowledge and ideas, turning knowledge into technology and accelerated development of the cultural environment. The introduction of scientific research into the educational process is necessary and important conditions for maintaining the high professional level of teachers, the formation of professional competencies, and advanced training of future specialists. In the last few years, the main economic processes have demonstrated positive dynamics, which indicates the effectiveness of the implemented strategy of socio-economic development of the region, as well as an effective policy of spatial development of the territory are key factors in achieving a positive trend in the development of the region. Minister of Science and Higher Education V.N. Falkov in April 2024 He stated the need to transform the higher education system, focusing on specialized higher education based on an interdisciplinary approach that will more effectively integrate university science into regional spatial development and the national innovation system.The purpose of the study is to determine the mechanisms of integration of university science in the spatial development of the Voronezh region through the innovation system.Objectives: to analyze the impact of the mechanisms of integration of university science on the trends of spatial development; to analyze scientific and technological development; to formulate the main conclusions about university science as part of the socio-economic system of the territory.Methodology. The general scientific methods of logical analysis, method of desk research, method of systematization, descriptive method were used in the study. Results. The study revealed the key factors that contributed to the positive dynamics of the economy of the Voronezh region and considered the mechanisms of integration of university science into the regional innovation system.Conclusions. In the realities of scientific and technological development there is a need to improve the methods of integration of university science into the regional innovation system, and recommendations related to the optimization of spatial development of the Voronezh region in order to improve the quality and attractiveness of university science on the basis of innovative aspects functioning in the region have been proposed.

Efficacy of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Organic Amendments Against Black Root Rot Disease Caused by Rhizoctonia solani in strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.)

Black root rot of strawberry caused by Rhizoctonia solani is one of the devastating soil borne disease. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of organic amendments, PGPR (Pseudomonas Fluorescens) and botanical treatment for the management of R. solani on strawberry. The study was laid out in Randomized Block design (RBD) including 4 r eplications with 8 treatments in pot condition at the greenhouse of Department of Plant Pathology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, during Rabi season 20232024. The treatments consisted of combination of FYM, vermicompost, biomix compost, neem cake, cocopeat and botanical neem leaf extract were used as soil amendments and P. fluorescens as root treatment for evaluation on the plant growth, yield, physicochemical parameters (TSS and total ascorbic acid), disease intensity (%) and benefit cost ratio of strawb erry. The present investigation results revealed that T7 – P. fluorescens (0.3%) + FYM @ 100g + biomix compost @ 15g + vermicompost @ 15g + neem leaf extract @10% had the most promising results in term of maximum plant height (14.9 cm), maximum leaf number(15.75), days taken to first flowering (86 days), berry length (4.08 cm), berry diameter (2.84 cm), yield (38.87 qha-1), TSS (8.80 °Brix), total ascorbic acid (51.60mg/100g) and B:C ratio (1:2.24). It was also observed that T7 superior over other treatments giving least per cent disease intensity (30.75 %) followed by T6 – FYM @1 00g + P. fluorescens (0.3%) + biomix compost @15g + neem cake @15g + neem leaf extract @10% (35.50%). These findings highlight the potential of organic amendments, PGPR (P. fluorescens) and botanical treatments, as effective alternatives for managing black root rot disease caused by R. solani in strawberry cultivation.

Choosing science and mathematics programs in college: practical and psychological arbiters in career-pathing

The objective of this exploratory qualitative research is to investigate the practical and psychological factors influencing students’ decisions to pursue science and mathematics-based courses for their career paths. The study will focus on a sample size of 25 second-year students in Calbayog City who have chosen to continue with their chosen course after completing one year of study. To collect data, the study will use one-on-one interviews, a qualitative research method. This method will allow for a thorough investigation of the participants’ experiences, viewpoints, and motives. Through one-on-one interviews, the researchers are able to acquire a thorough understanding of the factors that influence students’ decision-making processes. The findings of this study will provide important insights into the practical and psychological factors that impact students’ selections in science and mathematics courses. This information can be utilized to improve career advising programs and educational systems, as well as to guide students who are exploring comparable career options.

A Dynamic Principal-Agent Problem with One-Sided Commitment

In this paper, we consider a principal-agent problem where the agent is allowed to quit by incurring a cost. When the current agent quits the job, the principal will hire a new one, possibly with a different type. We characterize the principal’s dynamic value function, which could be discontinuous at the boundary, as the (unique) minimal solution of an infinite dimensional system of Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equations, parameterized by the agent’s type. This dynamic problem is time consistent in a certain sense. Some interesting findings are worth mentioning. First, self-enforcing contracts are typically suboptimal. The principal would rather let the agent quit and hire a new one. Next, the standard contract for a committed agent may also be suboptimal because of the presence of different types of agents in our model. The principal may prefer no commitment from the agent; then, the principal can hire a cheaper one from the market at a later time by designing the contract to induce the current agent to quit. Moreover, because of the cost incurred to the agent, the principal will see only finitely many quittings. Funding: J. Zhang is supported in part by the NSF [Grants DMS-1908665 and DMS-2205972]. Z. Zhu is supported by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) Start-Up Fund [Grant G0101000240] and the Guangzhou-HKUST(GZ) Joint Funding Program [Grant 2024A03J0630].

التوجه الريادي و أثره في بناء المنظمات المتعلمة

The study aimed to explore the impact of the entrepreneurial orientation (innovative, risk-taking, proactive, competitive aggressiveness) on building learning organizations with their dimensions (personal mastery, mental models, shared vision, team learning, and systemic thinking) in Yemeni universities represented by Aden University and the University of Technology and Science. The study relied on the descriptive analytical approach, and data was collected through a questionnaire distributed to a sample of faculty members at Sana'a University and the University of Technology and Science, totaling 320 individuals. Data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software. The findings revealed that the entrepreneurial orientation in Yemeni universities significantly influences the establishment of learning organizations. The study indicated the need for Yemeni universities to enhance entrepreneurial orientations by adopting innovative and proactive approaches to achieve competitive advantages in light of dynamic environmental changes. The results showed the importance of building learning organizations to improve the performance of Yemeni universities and enhance their role in achieving sustainable development by providing qualified graduates capable of integrating into the labor market and contributing to knowledge and innovation. The study recommends that Yemeni universities continue developing entrepreneurial orientations (innovative, risk-taking, and proactive) and enhance them to build learning organizations, which are essential for improving university performance and achieving excellence in education.

Political Participation Among Scheduled Castes: A Study on West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh

Political Participation Among Scheduled Castes: A Study on West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors”. ―Plato “Plato had no perception of the uniqueness of every individual, of his incommensurability with others, of each individual as forming a class of his own. He had no recognition of the infinite diversity of active tendencies, and the combination of tendencies of which an individual is capable.” ― Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Annihilation of Caste KONDAPALLI SRINIVASU, M.A. Research Scholar Department of Political Science and Public Administration Andhra University, Visakhapatnam PETETI PREMANANDAM M.A., B.L., B.Lisc., PGDSM., Ph.D. Professor and Head of the Department Department of Political Science and Public Administration Andhra University, Visakhapatnam ABSTRACT India's democracy is the largest among countries in the world. The National Election Commission Report of India listed 900 million eligible voters, 468 million male and 432 million female. These Indian voters were spread over 29 states. A notable element of the 2019, 17th Lok Sabha Election was the participation of 15 million first-time voters aged 18–19. Only 14.39 percent of the 2019 Parliament was female, with 78 MPs. In comparison, 85.61 percent of the group was male (464). General Elections 2019, the National Election Planner, reports 3,66,61,315 Andhra Pradesh voters. According to NEP data, AP has 18,123,437 men, 18,474,714 women, and 3,745 others as voters. The Electoral Roll 2019 contains 56,908 services and 2,511 abroad Indian electors. Female voters grew by 3,51,277, or 1.93 percent. Andhra Pradesh has 539,804 18–19-year-old voters. Political engagement and understanding are essential to any political system. These tools make voters efficient and link them to politics. The International Encyclopaedia of Social Sciences defines political involvement as the main way a democracy grants or revokes consent and holds power accountable to the people. It includes voting, acquiring information, discussing and persuading, attending meetings, donating, and communicating with representatives. Democracy and political participation are linked. Participation lets citizens express their interests. It fosters national stability and organization. It maximizes benefits for most people. Scholars define political participation differently depending on how they understand the different sorts of political activity. Growth generally requires involvement. The UNDP's "Human Development Report 1993" lists four interconnected forms of involvement: family, economic, socio-cultural, and political.

Effect of Neem Oil in Combination with Propiconazole and Organic Amendments on Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)

The cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an annual herbaceous legume from the genus Vigna. Anthracnoses (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) is a serious disease in cowpea growing areas and occurs as pre-harvest as well as post-harvest brown to black spots appear on the leaves. Neem oil at different concentrations (0.5%, 1%,1.5%, and 2%) along with Propiconazole were tested @ 0.1% in vivo during Kharif 2023 for their efficacy against disease incidence, plant growth and yield parameters of Cowpea at the Central Research Field of the Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The results of the present investigation revealed that it significantly reduced the disease incidence. Among the treatments the minimum disease intensity (%) at 75 DAS was recorded in T5 – Neem oil (2 ml/L) + Propiconazole 25 EC (0.1%) + VC@10gm/kg +SMC@10gm/kg (Foliar spray) was found to be significantly most effective treatment against Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) on Cowpea and recorded minimum disease intensity (%) at 30, 45, 60 and 75 DAS, maximum plant height (cm), maximum number of branches, maximum yield (t/ha) and highest B:C ratio. The findings of the present experiment are limited to one crop season under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions, as such to validate the present findings; more such experiments should be carried out in the future.

Empowering voices: Breaking mental health stigma

Empowering voices: Breaking mental health stigma John Hoey and Mary Cannon from Department of Psychiatry, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland, share their research around breaking mental health stigma to empower voices. Research consistently shows that people from marginalised groups are almost four times as likely to experience mental conditions such as psychotic symptoms than the majority population (van der Ven et al., 2022). Yet, they are much less likely to seek timely clinical intervention or reach out to friends and family for support. Why is this, and what can be done to encourage people to seek help? In our April 2024 blog “Can the Arts be an Effective Tool to Combat Psychosis Stigma,” we described stigma, as defined in the Oxford English Dictionary, as “Negative feelings that people have about particular circumstances or characteristics that somebody may have.” Although in recent years, attitudes towards certain mental conditions such as anxiety or depression have become more ‘normalised’ and openly discussed, other conditions, such as psychotic symptoms, remain stubbornly stigmatic and shrouded in fear. When it comes to mental health, those who both fear most, and are the subjects of fear, are marginalised groups, which can negatively impact both engagement and recovery.

Eco-friendly Management of Alternaria Leaf Spot of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Among vegetables, brinjal or eggplant is an economically important vegetable crop and second major vegetable crop next to potato in India. This crop suffers from various diseases, among different fungal diseases of brinjal, Alternaria leaf spot caused by Alternaria alternata has currently become one of the most important diseases for all brinjal varieties. Loss due to the disease has been estimated up to 25-30 per cent. Therefore, present investigation was undertaken at Central Research Field of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj during the Kharif of 2023-2024, for the management of leaf spot using botanicals, bio-agent, cow urine and a fungicide (treated check) for their efficacy in vivo against Alternaria leaf spot of brinjal incited by Alternaria alternata. Effects of different botanicals, bio-agent and cow urine were evaluated on different growth, disease management and yield parameters of brinjal crop under field condition by foliar spray of botanicals, cow urine and a bio-agent, along with seedling treatment with Trichoderma viride at selected concentration. The effects of treatments on growth parameter were recorded i.e. maximum plant height at 30 DAT (22.78 cm), 60 DAT (37.16 cm), 90 DAT (53.87 cm) and maximum number of leaves at 30 DAT (10.83), 60 DAT (31.80), 90 DAT (47.33) and maximum number of branches at 30 DAT (4.23), 60 DAT (11.40), 90 DAT (13.83). Among the treatments, neem leaf extract + Trichoderma viride was recorded significantly reducing disease intensity at 45 DAT (10.32%), 60 DAT (16.11%), 75 DAT (27.93%) of brinjal followed by clove extract + Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma viride + T. viride as compared to mancozeb (treated check) and control. The maximum yield was found to be in neem leaf extract + Trichoderma viride i.e. (16.63 t/ha) followed by clove extract + Trichoderma viride, and Trichoderma viride + T. viride as compared to mancozeb (treated check) and control and the most economical treatment was Neem leaf extract + Trichoderma viride i.e. (1:2.62).

Protocol to develop a specialised curriculum in primary care cancer research in an Irish medical school

Background The increasing necessity for specialised training in primary care cancer research stems from GPs' pivotal role in cancer detection and holistic care coupled with the unique primary care context. This has led to the development of the PRiCAN Scholars Network, an initiative to enhance the research capabilities of Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) students in RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland. This protocol outlines a proposal for the systematic development, implementation, and evaluation of a curriculum aimed at improving the primary care cancer research skills of this cohort. Methods The curriculum development process will be guided by Kern’s six-step approach. Initial stages involve comprehensive needs assessments via surveys and focus groups to identify educational needs. Subsequently, targeted learning objectives and aligned educational strategies will be defined to maximise learning opportunities and impact. The curriculum’s impact will be evaluated in a pilot phase with selected students and faculty, utilising both qualitative and quantitative feedback to drive continuous improvements. Conclusion This protocol describes a detailed method for establishing a primary care cancer research curriculum within the PRiCAN Scholars Network. Designed with a focus on sustainability and adaptability, the curriculum will be structured to develop and support a generation of medical professionals' literate in primary care research, contributing to the advancement of medical education and cancer research.

Perceived attitudes towards infopreneurship: An empirical study on a public university students in Bangladesh

Infopreneurship, an emerging concept in today’s knowledge-based economy, has gained relevance. In the context of the evolving knowledge-based economy, understanding students’ perceptions of infopreneurship is essential for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. However, limited research exists on students’ perceptions of infopreneurship. This study aims to explore public university students’ perspectives on infopreneurship. A convenient sampling technique was used to select 257 undergraduate and postgraduate students from Noakhali Science and Technology University in Bangladesh. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, and descriptive statistics was applied for data analysis. The results indicate that students’ perceptions of infopreneurship are somewhat limited, revealing gaps in their perceived knowledge and skills. The study suggests the need to improve students’ understanding and attitude towards infopreneurship. Policymakers and educators can utilize these findings to enhance students’ perceptions of infopreneurship through appropriate education and training programs.

Entrepreneurial Skills Required for Self-Employment among Electrical Installation Students in Technical Colleges in Adamawa State: A Focus on Managerial, Accounting, and Marketing Competencies

This study investigates the entrepreneurial skills required by Electrical Installation and Maintenance Works (EIMW) trade students in Government Science and Technical Colleges in Adamawa State for successful self-employment. Utilizing a descriptive survey research design, data were collected from a sample of 217 respondents, including administrators, teachers, and students, using a structured questionnaire. The findings reveal that students need a total of 20 managerial skills, with particular emphasis on effective planning and resource control. Additionally, the study identifies 22 essential accounting skills, such as determining profit and loss and knowledge of costing, which are crucial for business survival. In terms of marketing, students require 16 key skills, highlighting the importance of customer loyalty retention and effective communication. These findings emphasize the necessity for educational institutions to enhance their curricula by integrating practical entrepreneurial training. The study also recommends collaboration with local businesses to provide students with real-world experiences and continuous professional development for educators to ensure they are equipped to teach relevant skills.

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT-ATHLETE ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE BASED ON MOTIVATIONAL CLIMATE

The study on the assessment of the student athlete’s motivational climate and their athletic performance was conducted utilizing descriptive research design. The student athletes from all the campus of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology were chosen using purposive sampling technique. It used the survey method to gather data. Survey-questionnaire was administered online via Google Forms to collect the relevant data. Likert Scale of 1- 5 was utilized to quantify the assessment of the student athlete’s motivational climate in two portion which is Coach- created and peer-created motivational climate of the respondents. Frequency count, percentage, and weighted mean were the statistical tools applied. Results revealed that 143 student athletes of NEUST had experienced motivational climate in terms of coach created and peer created and evaluated their athletic performance in terms of tactical and technical domain. Highest weighted mean of their coach created motivational climate is 4.78 which is the coaches and trainers always motivate the athletes in all of their games. 4.58 was the highest weighted mean in terms of their peer created motivational climate said that the athletes motivate their co-athletes to have a strong desire to win the competitions. On their tactical domain, 4.75 was the highest weighted mean which the Coaches and trainers have plans on winning the games. Highest weighted mean of their technical domain was 4.50 which the coaches and trainers are active during training. KEYWORDS: Coach created motivational climate, Peer Created motivational climate, Tactical domain, technical domain, Student Athletes and Assessment

Effect of anti-osteoporotic drugs in reducing risk of refracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of anti-osteoporotic drugs in lowering risk of refracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty. Methods: The study involved 80 patients who underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty in The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China between August 2020 and July 2022. The study group (n = 40) received postoperative rehabilitation in addition to anti-osteoporotic drugs for 6 months), while the control group (n = 40) received routine postoperative rehabilitation from the time of surgery completion to 3 months postoperative. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were compared before surgery, 3 days, 3 months, and 6 months postoperative. Changes in the middle height of the vertebral body and bone density T-score of the surgical and adjacent vertebrae before and at end of follow-up, and refracture rates were compared.Results: The study group showed significantly lower VAS and ODI scores at 3 and 6 months after surgery compared to control group (p < 0.05). Both groups showed significant increase in vertebral body height before surgery (p < 0.05), with no significant difference at last follow-up (p > 0.05). Also, the study group showed significant increase in bone density in the surgical and adjacent vertebrae compared to control group at last follow-up (p < 0.05). Refracture rate was significantly lower in study group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Administering anti-osteoporotic drugs after percutaneous vertebroplasty significantly alleviates pain, improves vertebral bone density, and reduces risk of refracture. However, a largesample, multicenter, randomized prospective study to validate these findings is recommended.

Developing a flexible learning model for an applied science college and institute in Saudi Arabia: A conceptual articulation

Developing a flexible learning model for an applied science college and institute in Saudi Arabia: A conceptual articulation

The Implementation of the National Standards for Higher Education Policy as Quality Assurance

Nahdhatul Ulama (NU) College in Aceh differs from other private universities because it has a complex organizational structure compared to other private universities. Nahdhatul Ulama (NU) College in Aceh, apart from being a higher education foundation leader, must also synergize with the Nahdhatul Ulama (NU) organization. This is what drives the author’s interest in studying the implementation of the National Higher Education Standards in quality assurance improvement at Nahdhatul Ulama College in Aceh. In this study, researchers focused on the implementation of the National Standards for Higher Education Policy at Aceh’s Nahdhatul Ulama Sharia Science College. The method used in this research is descriptive-qualitative. Furthermore, the data source used is the results of interviews with informants, who serve as primary data, and other documents as secondary data. In determining the informants, the researcher used the Purposive Sampling Technique; the data were then obtained through interviews, and documentation was analyzed using the Interactive Model, which follows the flow from data collection, data display, data condensation, and conclusions. Based on the results of research and findings, there are leadership, information technology, infrastructure, finance, university values, and culture, which include attitudes, habits, organizational behavior, work ethics, creating, serving, and interacting with colleagues and the community with good results, all of which contribute to organizational capacity in implementing internal quality assurance at the college. On the other hand, the limited opportunities available to academic staff to enhance their national and international competencies in line with their positions and areas of expertise and the inconsistent application of the PPEPP model at Aceh’s Nahdhatul Ulama College are some of the weaknesses. The implementation of the internal quality assurance system at Aceh’s Nahdhatul Ulama College demonstrated a good strategy; however, there are still areas that require constant improvement in addition to upholding current standards. Keywords: policy, education policy, quality assurance, national standards for higher education

Assessing the effectiveness of flipped classroom teaching–learning method among undergraduate medical students at gondar university, college of medicine and health sciences: an interventional study

IntroductionThe flipped classroom teaching–learning method has been increasingly adopted in higher education to enhance student-centered learning. Despite its growing popularity, limited evidence exists regarding its effectiveness in medical education in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the impact of the flipped classroom method on academic performance, student engagement, and satisfaction among undergraduate medical students at Gondar University, College of Medicine and Health Science.MethodsA quasi-experimental study was conducted involving 100 s-year undergraduate medical students, divided into two groups: the flipped classroom group (n = 50) and the traditional lecture-based group (n = 50). The flipped classroom group received online instructional materials before class, while classroom sessions focused on interactive activities. The traditional lecture-based group attended conventional lectures followed by homework assignments. Data were collected using pre- and post-intervention tests to measure academic performance, the Student Engagement Scale to gauge engagement, and a validated questionnaire to assess student satisfaction. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25, with descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, independent t-tests, and Chi-square tests employed to interpret the findings.ResultsThe flipped classroom group demonstrated a significant improvement in academic performance, with mean pre-test and post-test scores of 65.2 ± 8.1 and 78.6 ± 6.9, respectively. In contrast, the traditional lecture-based group had pre-test and post-test mean scores of 62.8 ± 7.5 and 74.2 ± 8.3, respectively. Additionally, the flipped classroom group showed higher levels of student engagement mean scores of 4.5 ± 0.8 and satisfaction mean scores of 4.2 ± 0.7 compared to the traditional lecture-based group, which had engagement mean scores of 3.8 ± 0.6 and satisfaction mean scores of 3.9 ± 0.5. Chi-square tests showed a statistically significant association between the teaching method and both pass/fail rates and participation in activities, but not a significant association with gender distribution.ConclusionThe flipped classroom approach proves to be a superior teaching method, promoting better academic outcomes and greater student engagement and satisfaction. This study adds to the growing body of evidence advocating for the implementation of flipped classrooms in medical education.Trial registrationNot applicable.

NEW CAVERNICOLOUS SPECIES OF THE GENUS CHALLIA BURR, 1904 (DERMAPTERA: PYGIDICRANIDAE, CHALLIINAE) FROM CHINA

A new species of the genus Challia Burr, 1904 (Dermaptera: Pygidicranidae, Challiinae), Challia guilinensis sp. n., is described and illustrated based on male from a karst cave in China. The new species differs from the congeners by the morphology of forceps and genitalia. Holotype is deposited in the Insect Collection of Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Province, China.

Delta neutrophil index (DNI) as a potential biomarker for fetal growth restriction: insights from maternal hematological changes and neonatal outcomes

BackgroundThis study investigates the role of Delta Neutrophil Index (DNI), an inflammation marker, in late-onset fetal growth restriction (LO-FGR) and its prediction of composite adverse neonatal outcomes.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on 684 pregnant women (456 with normal fetal development and 228 with LO-FGR) who delivered at Health Sciences University Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Women’s Health Training and Research Hospital between January 1, 2015, and June 30, 2018. Composite adverse neonatal outcomes were defined as at least one of the following: 5th minute APGAR score < 7, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission.ResultsThe FGR group had significantly higher levels of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and DNI compared to controls (p < 0.05, for all). For FGR diagnosis, the DNI demonstrated the highest area under the curve (AUC = 0.677, 95% CI: 0.642–0.711) with a cut-off value of > -2.9, yielding a sensitivity of 78.41%, a specificity of 52.97%, a positive likelihood ratio (+ LR) of 1.68, and a negative likelihood ratio (-LR) of 0.37 (p < 0.001). For predicting composite adverse neonatal outcomes in the FGR group, DNI again demonstrated superior performance with an AUC of 0.635 (95% CI: 0.598–0.670), a cut-off value of > -2.2, a sensitivity of 69.90%, a specificity of 55.36%, a + LR of 1.56, and a -LR of 0.51 (p < 0.001). NLR, PLR, and MLR had AUCs below 0.55, indicating poor discriminative ability, with none reaching statistical significance.ConclusionThis study highlights the potential role of DNI as a promising biomarker for detecting inflammatory processes associated with LO-FGR and its complications.