University Teaching Research Articles

Reform Paths of College English Course Teaching in the Digital Age

With the rapid development of digital technology, the teaching mode of English courses in colleges and universities is facing profound changes and challenges. This paper takes the significance of the reform of English course teaching in colleges and universities in the digital era as the starting point and aims at the problems existing in the teaching concept, digital teaching infrastructure, and digital literacy of the teaching staff in the current construction of English courses in colleges and universities. It proposes strategies such as changing teaching thinking, strengthening infrastructure construction and resource integration, and improving the digital ability of the teaching staff, which provides some references for promoting the modernization transformation of English course teaching in colleges and universities in China.

Teaching Reform and Practice Based on Four Dimensions and One Penetration for Sensing and Detection Technology

Sensing and Detection Technology is a core course in engineering specialties. Traditional sensor teaching methods have obvious deficiencies in cultivating students’ ability. To better foster students’ comprehensive qualities, this study explored a 4D1P (Four Dimensions and One Penetration) teaching mode. We independently developed an industrial sensor teaching platform with intellectual property rights, integrating classroom and sensor experiments to address the disconnection between traditional sensor teaching and practical application. This mode combined the teaching platform with SPOC (small private online courses) and Rain Classroom teaching software, enriching classroom teaching and stimulating students’ interest. By applying industry-academia-research integration to sensor teaching, students’ horizons were broadened and their creative thinking enriched. The mode set up discussion-based learning in the classroom, making the class atmosphere lively. Throughout the teaching process, data-driven learning and teaching evaluation were consistently applied, allowing teachers to promptly understand students’ learning situations. Data shows that under the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, students’ grades improved and they were satisfied with this teaching mode. This mode solves most current problems in university classroom teaching and significantly enhances students’ practical abilities. It also has certain significance for education in other disciplines.

Procedural outcomes of fluoroscopy-less catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background Radiofrequency catheter ablation is superior therapy to antiarrhythmic drugs for maintaining sinus rhythm in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Traditional fluoroscopy-guided AF ablation poses risks of prolonged radiation exposure for both patients and medical staff. Recent advancements in fluoroscopy-less catheter ablation techniques offer potential solutions, but comprehensive data on their effectiveness and safety are lacking. Purpose To evaluate the procedural outcomes and safety of fluoroscopy-less catheter ablation for AF compared to fluoroscopy-guided ablation. Methods Retrospective observational study of consecutive AF ablations (N=881) conducted at a university teaching hospital (Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario) from November 2017 to September 2022. An electro-anatomical mapping system and ICE was used in all cases. Baseline characteristics and procedural outcomes between the fluoroscopy-less and fluoroscopy-guided groups were compared. Cases that used <60 seconds of fluoroscopy (occasionally used by operators during the placement of an esophageal probe) were included in the fluoroscopy-less group (N= 68). Results Mean age of individuals was 60.6 ± 11 years, 71.7% were male, 72.6% had paroxysmal AF, mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 1.6 ± 1.4, 11.1% had prior heart failure, and mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 57.5 ± 15%. There were no significant differences in patient baseline characteristics between the fluoroscopy-less and fluoroscopy groups. Total procedure and fluoroscopy times were lower in the fluoroscopy-less group compared to the fluoroscopy-guided group (169.3 ±42 minutes vs. 192.1 ±54 minutes, p<0.0001 and 0.024 ±0.10 vs. 10.0 ±7.4 minutes , p<0.0001). Fluoroscopy-less AF ablation remained an independent predictor of lower procedure times following adjusting for the use of general anesthesia, high-power short-duration, presence of trainees, AF pattern, redo cases, and type of mapping system. Complication rates were similar between fluoroscopy-less and fluoroscopy-guided ablation (1.9% vs. 3.8%, p=0.11). Conclusion Fluoroscopy-less catheter ablation for AF appears to have similar procedural outcomes and safety than fluoroscopy-guided AF ablation.

Baseline Clinical Factors Associated with Cessation of Growth Hormone Therapy in Patients with Severe Growth Hormone Deficiency - Real World Evidence

Background: Growth hormone replacement is indicated in adults with severe growth hormone (GH) deficiency, adult growth hormone deficiency assessment (AGHDA) score of at least 11 and are receiving treatment for other pituitary hormone deficiencies. There are no data looking at the cessation of GH replacement in adult patients with severe GH deficiency and the factors that predict the likelihood of patients continuing or stopping growth hormone replacement. Methods: We audited patients on the GH register between January 2006 and January 2023 in Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS foundation Trust, a UK tertiary hospital. Baseline characteristics, the cause of GH deficiency, AGHDA score at diagnosis and the reason for stopping GH were collected. Proportions were compared between patients adhering to GH replacement and those who had ceased it. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with cessation of GH. Results: The study comprised 141 adult patients with a mean age of 52 years, of which 75 (53%) were female. 54 (38%) individuals had discontinued GH replacement therapy. Predominant reasons for discontinuation were lack of therapeutic benefit (46%) and a change in clinical indication (26%). Among patients who discontinued GH therapy, the most frequent cause of GH deficiency was idiopathic (57%), while for those on GH replacement, pituitary surgery was the leading cause of GH deficiency (53%). Logistic regression analysis showed no baseline factor was statistically significantly associated with GH cessation, except female gender which had a borderline significance (P = 0.05). Conclusions: In this real-world investigation of patients with severe GH deficiency, over two in five individuals who discontinued GH therapy cited the absence of perceived benefits. We show a borderline association of female gender with GH cessation and large population-based studies will be needed to investigate this and other causes of GH cessation.

A Brief Discussion on the Problems and Reform Suggestions of Physics Experiment Teaching in Colleges and Universities

With the cooperation of physics experiment teaching and theoretical teaching, colleges and universities put forward three dimensions of experiment teaching objectives, that is, optimize the experiment content and experiment equipment, attach importance to the quality control of the whole process of experiment teaching and establish a diversified experiment teaching evaluation model, and determine the teaching objectives of physics experiment courses. Under the trend of education reform, the physics experiment teaching in colleges and universities is constantly innovating, developing comprehensive experiments and designed experiments, improving experimental equipment, and optimizing the test work of experimental courses. This paper discusses the work of physics experiment teaching in colleges and universities, analyzes the focus of the reform of physics experiment teaching, and probes into the specific strategies of the reform, hoping to provide strong support for promoting the reform of physics experiment teaching in colleges and universities.

Analysis and Research on the Effectiveness of Computer Teaching in Colleges and Universities

With the deepening of curriculum reform, computer courses are becoming more and more important in the higher education system. To improve the effectiveness of computer teaching has become a topic of particular concern to many educators. This paper aims to build an efficient computer classroom, based on the current situation of computer teaching, summarizes and puts forward many strategies and suggestions to improve the effectiveness of computer teaching in colleges and universities, to provide a new idea and perspective for the reform and innovation of computer teaching, and promote the high-quality development of the overall computer teaching in colleges and universities.

The Application of Flipped Classroom Teaching Model in German Reading Teaching

The flipped classroom teaching model is the product of the information age. German teachers in colleges and universities should actively carry out flipped classroom teaching, make micro-lessons according to the teaching focus of reading class, upload micro-lessons to online teaching platform and scientifically guide students to preview before class; Actively carry out online live teaching, discuss with students the content of micro-lessons, text topics, and carry out deep reading teaching; Actively carry out online tests to test the effect of online German reading teaching; Carry out offline precision teaching to answer questions for students and improve their German reading comprehension; With the help of online teaching platform to carry out after-school extended learning guidance, publish group German reading tasks, and comprehensively improve the quality of German reading teaching in universities.

Research and Consideration on the Reform Path of Practical Teaching Quality Evaluation in the Five-Year System of Higher Vocational Colleges

Practice teaching is an important part of the five-year system of higher vocational personnel training. A perfect practice teaching quality evaluation system is an important measure to test the effect of talent training and promote the continuous improvement of teaching quality. Based on this, this paper studies the reform path of practical teaching quality evaluation in higher vocational colleges for five years. Firstly, it expounds on the significance of the reform of practical teaching quality evaluation, then analyzes the existing problems in the current practical teaching quality evaluation, and puts forward the corresponding reform path given the existing problems. Including scientific formulation of evaluation standards, focus on practical teaching process, establishment of daily evaluation mechanism, construction of five-year continuous training and improvement mechanism, and optimization of teacher team construction, to improve the quality of practical teaching in five-year vocational colleges and cultivate more high-quality and high-skill applied talents for the society.

Research on the Cultivation Path of Application-oriented Individuals in Mechanical Majors under the Background of New Engineering

Under the context of new engineering and with the in-depth advancement of the integration of industry and education, practical teaching in application-oriented undergraduate colleges has become a critical component for enhancing students’ practical and innovative abilities. This is a top priority in the teaching reform agenda under the new engineering construction framework. The college has reformed the curriculum system to form a three-classroom practical innovation ability training model, characterized by one core and two extensions. Additionally, constructed a multi-level practical teaching system, connected inside and outside the campus, built an innovation base and platform, implemented the integration of industry and education, and coordinated science and education, and promoted learning through competitions and a series of measures to enable students to continuously transform theoretical knowledge into skills and enhance students’ practical and innovative ability.

Research on Vocational Education Reform and Innovation Based on Information Technology Practice

Based on the perspective of information technology reform, higher requirements have been put forward for student management and course teaching in vocational colleges. Therefore, teachers should actively explore suitable opportunities and practical paths to introduce information technology and rely on advanced technology, equipment, and software to promote the reform and development of virtualization, datafication, and intelligence in course teaching. Due to the limitations and influences of various practical factors, teachers face many problems in the application of information technology, which to some extent hinder classroom teaching reform and innovation. Given this, this article discusses the application of information technology, which plays an important role in classroom teaching reform and student ability improvement. This study will briefly explain the concept and characteristics of information technology, analyze the existing problems in current information technology teaching, and finally propose specific reform and innovation practice paths.

Comparison of Drug-Assisted Tracheal Intubation Using Benzodiazepines and Induction Agents for First-Pass Intubation Success in Emergency Airway Management: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective: To determine first-pass intubation success between benzodiazepines and induction agents in adult patients who underwent drug-assisted intubation in the emergency department (ED). Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review observational study collected the data of patients who underwent drug-assisted intubation in the ED of a university teaching hospital between January 1, 2021 and August 31, 2022. Two hundred seven patients were enrolled in the present study. The benzodiazepine and induction agent groups were compared in terms of baseline characteristics, and clinical management. Each benzodiazepine and induction agent were compared in first-pass intubation success, time to intubation success, adverse events, and 24-hour mortality. Results: Of the 207 patients included in the present study, 35 patients used benzodiazepine, and 172 patients used induction agents. The two groups had no differences in baseline characteristics. The first-pass intubation success rate was not significantly different among the medications with 90% in nine diazepam patients, 92% in 23 midazolam patients, 89.8% in 79 etomidate patients, and 94% in 79 propofol patients (p=0.553). Complications associated with intubation included hypotension, desaturation, tachycardia, bradycardia, arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and pneumonia. No differences in 24-hour survival were observed. Conclusion: The sedative medications used during drug-assisted intubation should be chosen based on patient comorbidities and characteristics, as well as physician preferences and experiences. There were no differences between the benzodiazepine and induction agent groups in terms of first-pass intubation success, adverse events, or 24-hour survival. The use of benzodiazepines in settings with limited resources may be considered.

Association of Placenta Previa with Previously Scarred and Non Scarred Uterus: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Placenta previa, where the placenta is partially or completely placed in the lower uterine segment, is a major contributor to vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and affects 0.4-0.5% of all labors. Its exact cause is uncertain but is believed to be linked to aberrant endometrial vascularization caused by scarring or atrophy from prior trauma, surgery, or infection. Objective: The objective of this study was to establish an association between the placenta previa and the scarring of uterus. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant women at Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, from November 2021 to October, 2023. Ethical approval and written consent were obtained from all participants. Using convenient sampling technique, the study involved 57 participants out of 3576 patients who were admitted for Lower Segment Cesarian Section. Results: A study of 3576 patients admitted for Lower Segment Cesarian Section at Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, we found 57 cases of placenta previa over 24 months. The incidence was 1.59%, with 1.82% in patients with a previous history of LSCS and 1.51% without any history of scarring. The results showed no association between placenta previa and uterine scarring. Conclusion: The study found no association between the incidence of placenta previa and scarred/non-scarred uterus, but a slightly higher likelihood of having placenta previa in those with a history of uterine scarring.

Brief communication: Effect of mobile health intervention on medication time adherence among people living with HIV/AIDS receiving care at selected hospitals in Owerri, Imo State Nigeria.

This study aimed to assess the impact of Mobile health (M-health) on medication time adherence among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The study included all PLWHA who were receiving care at the Federal University Teaching Hospital Owerri (FUTH) and Imo State Specialist Hospital (ISSH) Umugumma during the study duration. The test group (FUTH) received a 2-way text message sent three times a week and a once-a-week phone call, while the control group (ISSH) received only the standard care. The result shows that the adherence was higher among PLWHA in the test group compared to those in the control group (P = 0.000, χ2 = 168.62, 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.22 to 16.19). M-health intervention significantly improved the medication time adherence among the participants in the test group compared to those in the control group.

A systematic analysis of neurologic manifestations of Long COVID in Nigeria.

Long COVID, also called post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) affects millions of people in the world. The neurologic manifestations of PASC (Neuro-PASC) are among the most debilitating but they are largely unreported in Africa. We sought to compare the demographics, symptoms and cognitive profile of post-hospitalization Neuro-PASC (PNP) and non-hospitalized Neuro-PASC (NNP) patients in Nigeria. In this cross-sectional study performed at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, 106/2319 (4.6%) SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals contacted via telephone reported Neuro-PASC symptoms with a higher frequency in PNP than in NNP individuals ((23/200 (11.5%) vs. 83/2119 (3.9%), p = < 0.0001). The predominant neurologic symptoms at any time during the disease course were difficulty remembering / brain fog (63/106; 59.4%), fatigue (59/106; 55.7%), sleep problems (34/106; 32%), headache (33/106; 31%), paresthesia (12/106; 11.3%), and myalgia (10/106; 9.4%). Of 66 participants with Neuro-PASC who underwent in-person neurological evaluation and cognitive screening, all had normal scores on the Intervention for Dementia in Elderly Africans cognition screen, while 11/65 (16.9%) that completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment had results consistent with mild cognitive impairment (3/16 PNP (18.8%) and 8/49 NNP (16.3%); p = 1.0). Finally, 47/66 (71.2%) had digit span test scores consistent with mild cognitive dysfunction (12/16 PNP (75%) and 35/50 (70%) NNP; p = 1.0). Our findings reveal the previously unrecognized occurrence of Neuro-PASC among COVID-19 survivors in Nigeria and highlight the need for improved screening and diagnosis of Neuro-PASC in our population. Development of cognitive support services for persons suffering from Neuro-PASC in Nigeria is warranted.

Behavioral trace data in an online learning environment as indicators of learning engagement in university students.

Learning in asynchronous online settings (AOSs) is challenging for university students. However, the construct of learning engagement (LE) represents a possible lever to identify and reduce challenges while learning online, especially, in AOSs. Learning analytics provides a fruitful framework to analyze students' learning processes and LE via trace data. The study, therefore, addresses the questions of whether LE can be modeled with the sub-dimensions of effort, attention, and content interest and by which trace data, derived from behavior within an AOS, these facets of LE are represented in self-reports. Participants were 764 university students attending an AOS. The results of best-subset regression analysis show that a model combining multiple indicators can account for a proportion of the variance in students' LE (highly significant R 2 between 0.04 and 0.13). The identified set of indicators is stable over time supporting the transferability to similar learning contexts. The results of this study can contribute to both research on learning processes in AOSs in higher education and the application of learning analytics in university teaching (e.g., modeling automated feedback).

Reform and Practice of University Physics Experimental Teaching Based on OBE Concept

Aiming at the problems of unclear teaching objectives, obsolete content, and single method in the experimental teaching of university physics at our university, we have implemented a series of reform initiatives. It mainly includes clarifying the student-centered teaching objectives, optimizing the experimental content, innovating the teaching methods, improving the assessment and evaluation system, and improving the experimental conditions [1,2]. After the implementation of the reform, the learning effectiveness of students has been significantly improved, the teaching level of teachers has been significantly enhanced, the curriculum system has been optimized, the efficiency of teaching management has been enhanced, and social recognition has been strengthened. Practice shows that the teaching reform based on the outcome-based education concept effectively improves the quality of university physics experimental teaching and lays the foundation for cultivating innovative talents.

The Influence of University Dean’s Teaching Leadership and School Organizational Climate on Physical Education Teachers’ Teaching Efficacy in Selected Universities in China

This study uses the questionnaire method to analyze the influence of university deans' teaching leadership and school organizational climate on teachers' teaching efficacy. The conclusions are as follows: Teachers' teaching efficacy has different levels under different background factors; Principal's instruction can promote teachers' teaching efficacy; The learning and teaching atmosphere in school promote teachers' teaching efficacy. Orderly management is the premise of good school organization atmosphere. It is suggested that teachers should strengthen their confidence in education and teaching, and actively improve their teaching skills and professional qualities. It is suggested that school administrators should pay attention to cultivating teachers' team spirit and establishing a harmonious and friendly interpersonal atmosphere.

Undetected falls among older adults attending medical clinics in four tertiary care centres in Sri Lanka; the need of a comprehensive geriatric assessment

ObjectiveFalls take a high priority among the prevalent medical conditions in old age. Despite this, a history of falls or the risk of future falls is not routinely assessed or properly managed in medical clinics in Sri Lanka. This study was done to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with falls and recurrent falls among older adults attending medical clinics in four selected tertiary care centres in the country.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out at four centres (Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Colombo North Teaching Hospital and University Hospital-Kotelawala Defence University) with 704 older adults, aged 65 years and above, attending medical clinics for more than six consecutive months. Information related to falls and possible associated factors (socio-demographic, behavioural, environmental and biological) were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire.ResultsThe Mean (SD) age of the participants was 72.5(5.5) years and 58.7% were females. Of the 704 total sample, 220 (31.3%, 95% CI 28–35%) participants experienced at least one fall after the age of 65, and 12.8% (95% CI 10–15%) (n = 90) experienced recurrent falls (two or more falls within the last 12 months). Falls were associated with gender, level of education, marital status, and physical dependence (p < 0.01). For those who had at least one fall, multiple logistic regression (MLR) revealed being single (p = 0.03, OR = 2.12, 95% CI; 1.052–4.304), being widowed/divorced/separated (p = 0.03, OR = 1.47, 95% CI; 1.039–2.093) compared to living with a spouse, presence of moderate (p = 0.007, OR = 1.72, 95% CI; 1.160–2.577) and severe (p = 0.001, OR = 2.98, 95% CI; 1.563–5.688) physical dependency compared to mild physical dependency as risk factors for falls. Having secondary education (p = 0.01, OR = 0.55, 0.350–0.876) was a protective factor for falls. For those with recurrent falls, MLR showed moderate physical dependency (p = 0.001, OR = 2.34, 95% CI; 1.442–3.821) compared to slight physical dependency as a risk factor.ConclusionsApproximately one-third of the older adults attending medical clinics had experienced at least a single fall, and one-eighth have had recurrent falls, which were mostly unrecorded and not clinically assessed. Physical dependency was the major contributing factor to falls and recurrent falls. Falls assessment should be included in the routine clinical assessment of older adults attending outdoor medical clinics. Health professionals should be educated to detect and assess those at risk of falling and take appropriate measures to prevent or minimize falls.

Exploring the Application of Refined Management in University Financial Management

The refined management of university finances primarily involves optimizing management methods and continuously improving financial management levels. This process helps enhance fund utilization efficiency, optimize resource allocation, ensure the rational use of educational funds, and provide solid financial support for the development of teaching, research, and other university undertakings. This paper explores the application of refined management in university financial management.

Endoscopic management of postcholecystectomy complications at a Nigerian tertiary health facility

BackgroundCholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration for biliary stone disease are common hepatobiliary surgeries performed by general surgeons in Nigeria. These procedures can be complicated by injury to the biliary tree or retained stones, requiring repeat surgical intervention. This study presents the experience of using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of hepatobiliary surgery complications at the academic referral center of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC) Ile-Ife, Nigeria.MethodsAll patients with postcholecystectomy complications referred to the endoscopy unit at OAUTHC from March 2018 to April 2023 were enrolled. Preoperative imaging included a combination of abdominal ultrasound, CT, MRI, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and T-tube cholangiogram. All ERCP procedures were performed under general anesthesia.ResultsSeventy-two ERCP procedures were performed on 45 patients referred for postcholecystectomy complications. The most common mode of presentation was ascending cholangitis [16 (35.6%)], followed by persistent biliary fistula [12 (26.7%)]. The overall median duration of symptoms after cholecystectomy was 20 weeks, with a range of 1-162 weeks. The most common postcholecystectomy complication observed was retained stone [16 (35.6%)]. Other postcholecystectomy complications included bile leakage, bile stricture, bile leakage with stricture, and persistent bile leakage from the T-tube in 12 (26.7%), 11 (24.4%), 4 (8.9%), and 2 (4.4%) patients, respectively. Ampullary cannulation during ERCP was successful in all patients (45, 100%). Patients with complete biliary stricture (10/12) required hepaticojejunostomy.ConclusionEndoscopic management of postcholecystectomy complications was found to be safe and reduce the number of needless surgeries to which such patients are exposed. We recommended prompt referral of such patients for ERCP.