University Governance Research Articles

Exploring barriers and facilitators of ICT in English pronunciation instruction: Perspectives from Jordanian tertiary education

This study examines the barriers and facilitators to integrating ICT in teaching and learning English pronunciation among university lecturers and students. Three female lecturers from a Jordanian government university's Department of Pharmacy, with teaching experience spanning 3 to 10 years, participated, along with six focus groups of male and female students aged 20 to 23 from the Faculty of Pharmacy. Thematic analysis uncovered barriers such as limited ICT access, inadequate training, large class sizes, time constraints, and students' negative attitudes and low ICT skills, alongside facilitators including leadership support, ICT tool accessibility, basic training for students, and consistent ICT integration in assessment and curriculum. Students advocated for lecturer support, mobile device integration, ICT training, smaller class sizes, consistent ICT tool integration, tool accessibility, and specialized pronunciation courses. This study offers fresh insights into understanding perceptions of ICT adoption barriers and facilitators among university lecturers and students, benefiting researchers and policymakers focusing on teacher professional development to enhance ICT integration in English pronunciation teaching and learning at the tertiary level.

Midwifery students’ satisfaction with simulation-based education and associated factors among governmental universities in Amhara region, Ethiopia 2022

BackgroundSimulation is a method of learning in which the learner experiences a simulated situation instead of being physically present in the clinical area. Exposing students to simulation-based education improves learners’ clinical competence and ability to make decisions, which are crucial for today’s health workforce. When given the proper circumstances, such as receiving feedback on their performance, having the chance for repeated practice, and having simulation as a core component of the curriculum, simulated instruction greatly aids in learning. Although previous studies have been conducted in this area, there are gaps in determining the factors related to their learning environment and design characteristics.MethodAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 413 midwifery students in Amhara region universities from August 1–30, 2022. Study participants were selected via a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected from third and fourth-year undergraduate midwifery students through a self-administered questionnaire. Epi Data version 4.6 and Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed; a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant in the study.ResultThis study revealed that 84.7% (95% CI: 81.1–88.3) of midwifery students in Amhara region universities were satisfied with simulation-based education. Year of study [AOR: 2.936; 95% CI (1.531–5.631)], adequate support [AOR: 2.903; 95% CI (1.217–6.922)], availability of instructors [AOR = 2.861, 95% CI (1.078–7.591)], and provision of checklists [AOR: 2.326; 95% CI (1.143–4.734)] were found to be statistically significant variables.ConclusionThis study revealed undergraduate midwifery students were more satisfied with simulation-based education compared with previous studies conducted in Ethiopia. Predictor variables such as year of study, support, instructor availability, and provision of checklists were significantly associated with student satisfaction. Hence, midwifery departments should strengthen the support given by staff, encourage their instructors to be available during simulations, improve the utilization and provision of checklists to students as much as possible.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Prevention Practice Towards Scabies Among Haramaya University Health and Medical Science Students, Harar, Ethiopia 2022

Background: Scabies is a skin disease caused by infestation and sensitization to Sarcoptes scabies mites and is an endemic in tropical and subtropical areas. It is a common skin infestation, endemic in developing countries, usually affecting families and large groups of people living together. Objective: The study was aimed to assess Knowledge, attitude, and prevention practice towards scabies among Haramaya university health and medical science students, Harar, Ethiopia, 2022. Methods: Institutional -based Cross-sectional study was conducted from April 25- May 21, 2022 among 417 randomly selected students. Self-administered questioner was used to collect data. The collected data was entered into SPSS version 22 for analysis. Descriptive and analytic data was used to present the finding. Result: Approximately 62.85% of the students demonstrated a high understanding of scabies, encompassing its transmission, symptoms, and prevention methods. Conversely, 6.1% exhibited poor knowledge. A finding of attitudes towards scabies among students only 36.7% demonstrating good attitude towards the condition. The data provided underscores a significant variation in scabies prevention practices among students with 65.8% exhibiting good practices. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of continuous education and awareness programs to enhance knowledge and attitudes, which in turn can lead to better practices. It also underscores the need for targeted interventions to address the gaps identified in both knowledge levels and attitudes to foster a more proactive approach to scabies prevention and management. The findings serve as a valuable benchmark for the university and health authorities to develop tailored strategies that can improve health outcomes related to scabies within the community.

The Influence of Governance on Competence and Partnership in Higher Education

The study assesses the influence of governance on competence and partnership in university education in The Gambia using the situation as a mediating factor in a trilateral relationship. The study applied a questionnaire survey design using three universities as the study population. The PLS-SEM approach assesses the measurements and structural models. The study's findings established that governance significantly influences competence and partnership in university education in The Gambia. However, the situation as an environmental factor lacks the mediation capacity in the trilateral relationship. The study outcome shows differences, but only two were significantly contextual in relation to governance. The study recommends further research that adopts a qualitative approach to help provide a proper understanding of university governance in The Gambia.

Implementation of Internal Quality Audit at IKesT Muhammadiyah Palembang

The Internal Quality Assurance System (SPMI) in universities has an important role in the implementation and improvement of the quality of educational services provided by universities. One of the ways to evaluate the fulfillment of the higher education standards in question is through the Internal Quality Audit (AMI) process. The implementation of AMI at IKesT Muhammadiyah Palembang has been carried out well and has had a positive impact on improving the quality of higher education implementation and has also referred to SPMI and the PPEPP cycle. The Quality Assurance Institute (LPM) reported the results of the AMI training to the Rector of IKesT Muhammadiyah Palembang and invited all leaders of faculties, study programs and work units to present the results of the AMI that had been implemented, with this the rector can know where the weaknesses and shortcomings need to be improved and improved in order to create Good University Governance (GUG).

Mental Hindrances and Entrepreneurial Supports towards Psychological Wellbeing among Entrepreneurs

University entrepreneurs' psychological wellbeing (PWB) is a gigantic problem that substantially affects their academic performance, health, innovative capabilities, and more comprehensive societal contributions. In this study, we examine mental hindrances, such as stress, anxiety and depression and entrepreneurship-related constructs, such as entrepreneurial purpose (ENSE), entrepreneurial carefulness (ENSS) and entrepreneurial desire (ENRE) that predict PWB among Egyptian university entrepreneurs. In this quantitative study, we used a questionnaire and a convenience sampling strategy to collect cross-sectional data from Egyptian public-sector university students. In total, we collected 328 cases to infer the results. From applying path analysis through AMOS software, this study’s findings exhibit that mental hindrances, such as stress (β = -0.016; p = 0.187), anxiety (β = -0.055; p = 0.115) and depression (β = -0.027; p = 0.280) have a negative effect on entrepreneurs' PWB. Conversely, this study’s results exert, also, the positive influences that ENSE (β = 0.407; p = 0.000), ENSS (β = 0.0221; p = 0.003), and ENRE (β = 0.145; p = 0.000) have on Egyptian university entrepreneurs' PWB. This study’s outcomes support policymakers and university authorities in shaping strategies to reduce stress and anxiety among Egyptian students and inspire individuals to feel positive emotions. These can lead to initiating good proposals and developing hope. Moreover, this study’s findings provide reassurance and inspiration for Egyptian university entrepreneurs and encourage them to enhance their intentions toward entrepreneurship and, in turn, improve their PWB. Ultimately, this study’s outcomes significantly contribute to the existing literature on this topic.

The Spin-Offs: Components of a Systemic Model for the Creation of Economic Value at the National University of the Altiplano Puno

Objective: Determine the impulse of the components of the spin-offs that allow the creation of economic value in the area of ​​economic-business sciences of the National University of the Altiplano Puno. Theoretical Framework: University spin-offs arise from the knowledge, technology or research results generated within a university, from its components: level of maturity of the technology, level of entrepreneurial intention and the maturity of the ecosystem. Method: The methodology is a descriptive-correlational design, quantitative approach, non-experimental. The population was made up of students and teachers from the area of ​​economic and business sciences of the National University of the Altiplano Puno, with a sample of 453. The technique for data collection was a questionnaire. Results and Discussion: The results obtained were a correlation coefficient r = 0.830 in the level of technology maturity (fair), r = 0.876 in entrepreneurial intention (good) and r = 0.752 in the maturity of the ecosystem (fair). The component that facilitates the creation of technology-based companies or university spin-offs is the level of entrepreneurial intention, with a high level. Suggesting that to strengthen a spin-off, it is crucial to have well-developed technology, motivated entrepreneurs and a favorable ecosystem. Research Implications: the model provides a strategic framework for students, teachers and university authorities to develop the components of spin-offs to increase economic value. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature on spin-offs. The relevance and value of this research is evident in the results.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Prevention Practice towards Scabies among Haramaya University Health and Medical Science Students, Harar, Ethiopia 2022

Background: Scabies is a skin disease caused by infestation and sensitization to Sarcoptes scabies mites and is an endemic in tropical and subtropical areas. It is a common skin infestation, endemic in developing countries, usually affecting families and large groups of people living together. Objective: The study was aimed to assess Knowledge, attitude, and prevention practice towards scabies among Haramaya university health and medical science students, Harar, Ethiopia, 2022. Methods: Institutional -based Cross-sectional study was conducted from April 25- May 21, 2022 among 417 randomly selected students. Self-administered questioner was used to collect data. The collected data was entered into SPSS version 22 for analysis. Descriptive and analytic data was used to present the finding. Result: Approximately 62.85% of the students demonstrated a high understanding of scabies, encompassing its transmission, symptoms, and prevention methods. Conversely, 6.1% exhibited poor knowledge. A finding of attitudes towards scabies among students only 36.7% demonstrating good attitude towards the condition. The data provided underscores a significant variation in scabies prevention practices among students with 65.8% exhibiting good practices. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of continuous education and awareness programs to enhance knowledge and attitudes, which in turn can lead to better practices. It also underscores the need for targeted interventions to address the gaps identified in both knowledge levels and attitudes to foster a more proactive approach to scabies prevention and management. The findings serve as a valuable benchmark for the university and health authorities to develop tailored strategies that can improve health outcomes related to scabies within the community.

Water quality index of selected borehole locations in Jos North LGA of Plateau State, Nigeria

Prevalence of water borne diseases is a public health concern. The study assessed the quality of selected borehole waters in Jos North for their potability. The physicochemical parameters were assessed in addition to chlorides, phosphates, nitrates, and sulphates, total solids, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, total hardness, using standard methods. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry used for elemental analysis of samples for manganese, lead, cadmium, copper and zinc. microbial analysis was carried out to test for presence of anaerobic bacteria, coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, yeast and mould, Staphylococcus aureus using the plate count method. Water Quality Index by Weighted Arithmetic Index Method. Results ranged from 22.19-56.22 mg/L (chlorides), 0.00-0.07 mg/L (phosphates), 0.11-0.19 mS/cm (conductivity), 141.40-169.40 mg/L (alkalinity) and 86.70-160 mg/L (TSS). Kyan Primary school had Mn 0.632 mg/L against 0.500mg/L recommended by WHO. Microbial analysis revealed that Kyan primary school had 1 cfu per 100 mL water for E. coli, Salmonella typhi, yeast and mould. This indicated faecal contamination. The WQI revealed Village hostel, Kyan Village, Gadabiu had values of 6.54, 19.41, 10.97 are potable, Government College, Angwan Jarawa, Kyan Primary school had 28.90, 61.50, 93.60 are potable, poor, very poor, not potable.

Combating paediatric pneumonia: the dynamic duo of cinnamon-clove steam and physiotherapy

IntroductionPaediatric community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a prevailing respiratory infection that impacts children in non-medical settings, giving rise to substantial morbidity and mortality, especially in less developed areas. The current study was aimed at finding a holistic approach for improving the management and treatment of paediatric CAP. For that purpose, a comparative interventional study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of chest physiotherapy (CPT) combining with Cinnamon varum and Syzygium aromaticum steam therapy in paediatric CAP. MethodsA total of 60 paediatric patient hospitalised with CAP were assessed. The study included both male and female participants aged between three and 14 years. The study was conducted at Children Hospital and Institute of Child Health in Faisalabad, Pakistan. The subjects were divided into three equal groups: group 1 received CPT, group 2 underwent CPT accompanied with nebulization, and group 3 received CPT along with steam therapy using C. varum and S. aromaticum. Each participant received the assigned therapy twice a day for seven consecutive days. The study was approved and registered by Ethics Review Committee, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan (Reference number GCUF/ERC/214). ResultsAmong the three groups studied, those who received the combined therapy exhibited improved outcome by improving the complete blood count (CBC), spirometer index, arterial blood gases (ABGs) and Systolic blood pressure, Multilobar infiltrates, Albumin, Respiratory rate, Tachycardia, Confusion, Oxygen and pH severity score for pneumonia. ConclusionsThe antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties of cinnamon and clove, along with the positive effects of CPT, resulted in reduced lung inflammation, enhanced respiratory performance, and improved vital signs.

The university as an intellectual capital catalyst for sustainable organisations: conceptualising the nexus

Purpose Intellectual capital (IC) is an increasingly important strategic asset for sustainable value creation in organisations. This paper aims to provide a conceptual perspective on the university’s role as a catalyst for IC creation and development within the dynamic landscape of organisations, exploring the nexus to capture its essence. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a conceptual framework development approach, key concepts were cohesively and coherently synthesised from various theoretical underpinnings, namely, the multiple capitals approach to maximising corporate value creation, the evolved triple bottom line approach to corporate sustainability, the triple helix innovation model and its subsequent extensions, the upper echelons theory and the social licence construct linked to stakeholder, legitimacy and institutional theories. Findings A comprehensive conceptual framework was developed that outlines universities’ role in catalysing four corporate IC forms crucial to sustainable organisational value creation: human capital, governance capital, social/relational capital and structural/organisational capital. The framework interprets this role of universities as dynamic IC reservoirs serving regional ecosystems for sustainable development. It highlights the synergistic sustainable value creation between universities and organisations in host communities and broader society, with university governance acting as a key driver. Originality/value This paper offers a theoretically grounded interpretation of universities’ pivotal role in catalysing essential forms of IC to support contemporary organisations’ sustainable value-creation processes. The proposed framework has the potential to ignite conversations on the crucial connection between universities and corporate IC development relevant to sustainable organisations, inspiring future empirical research, reflection and discussion.

The Reality of Innovation Management in Higher Education Institutions from Innovative Students’ Point of View

Innovation management plays a crucial role in harnessing innovations for economic development. Higher education institutions are considered one of the fundamental stages for embracing and supporting student innovations, especially in the early stages of ideation, selection and experimentation. Within this context, the current study aimed to understand the reality of innovation management in Omani higher education institutions at the pre-innovation stage. The study employed a descriptive methodology using a qualitative phenomenological research design. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with a sample of 30 participants from two government universities and three private universities. The study utilised thematic analysis for data interpretation. In its findings, the study discusses the current reality of the management of the pre-innovation stage in Omani higher education institutions through five themes: announcing competitions, team formation, supervisory role, exploration of innovative ideas, and policies and regulations. The findings revealed that, despite efforts made by universities, there is a lack of planning or a defined roadmap for the innovation process. The study recommends implementing supportive policies and regulations for innovation, placing more emphasis on planning in the pre-innovation stage and adjusting supervision for students according to their innovative areas. KEYWORDS Innovation management, higher education, pre-innovation stage, innovation stage, innovation policies, Sultanate of Oman.

Challenges and Solutions of Using Technology at Undergraduate Level in a Northern Border Area Government College in Bangladesh

This study seeks to detect the problems and solutions of using technology at Kurigram Government College at the undergraduate level, located in the northern border area of Bangladesh. The study presents the existing scenario of using technology in Kurigram Government College at the undergraduate level since the practice of technology in the class is not standard. Semi-structured interviews and focus group methods have been applied, following the qualitative method. The principal and four teachers were selected for semi-structured interviews from three faculties, namely science, arts and social science, and business studies. Simultaneously, 40 students (20 males and 20 female) participated in the focus group discussion at the undergraduate level. A purposive sampling method was used to select participants. After collecting the qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, the data was analyzed. Lack of training in preparing PowerPoint slides, dependency on following the traditional lecture method, the senior teacher's unwillingness to receive the training on technology, and limitations such as load shedding, low speed of the internet, inadequate internet facilities, and the absence of a biometric system are the main causes of not using technology in the class at the undergraduate level. Based on the problems, the study provides some recommendations. Proper training on technology for the teachers should be mandatory. Moreover, the use of email, video, mobile, image multimedia projectors, Facebook, and browsers can strengthen the quality of class. Through the use of these devices and mediums, the transmission of ideas and documents can easily be accessed.

A study to assess the Knowledge, expressed Practice and Attitude regarding Diabetic Foot care in patient with Diabetes at Mathura Das Mathur Hospital Jodhpur

This study was to assess the knowledge, expressed practice and attitude regarding diabetic foot care in patient with diabetes “A study to assess the knowledge, expressed practice and attitude regarding diabetic foot care in patient with diabetes at Mathura Das Mathur Hospital Jodhpur” was conducted by Barkha Blossam Francis at Government College of Nursing, Jodhpur. 100 samples were selected using Non – probability convenient sampling technique The knowledge used questionnaire, practice checklist, attitude scale method to assess the knowledge, expressed practice and attitude regarding diabetic foot care in patient with diabetes. The majority of samples 49% had poor knowledge, 39% had good practice score and 46% had favorable attitude in the diabetic foot care in patient with diabetes mellitus. Data showed that that there is no relation found between the knowledge regarding diabetic foot care among patients with diabetes mellitus with the selected demographical variables, in terms of gender, religion, area of living, duration of illness diagnosed, type of diabetes, presence of diabetic complications, with the selected demographical variables. And there is relation found between knowledge regarding diabetic foot care among patients with diabetes mellitus with expressed practice and attitude of diabetic patient. There is positive correlation between knowledge, expressed practice and attitude of diabetes patients.

IMPACT OF BLENDED LEARNING ON ACQUISITION OF ENGLISH AS SECOND LANGUAGE AT UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL IN PAKISTAN

Blended Learning (BL), is a teaching approach that integrates face-to-face instruction with interactive online tools and resources. The research study was conducted to analyze students’ satisfaction with approach of Blended Learning in the second language learning classrooms. The research study’s objectives were to find out the impact of blended learning on the students’ speaking practice and to find out impact of Blended Learning on students’ listening practice. The simple random sampling technique was used in this study. In this regard, the data was collected from 317 undergraduate ESL students of different private and government universities in Lahore. After collection, data was encrypted in SPSS software version 22. The descriptive analysis of the collected data shows that most of the ESL students found BL supportive and helpful in learning English language and shows a positive attitude toward BL. The results offered important information from results of current investigation in reaching the conclusion wherein findings show that varying percentages of the students expressed their diverse sentiments regarding the blended learning as compared to the traditional classroom environments.

Embracing sustainable development goals in B.Arch. design studio curriculum guideline through framework

PurposeThe Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established by the UN in 2015 as an international call to action to end poverty, protect the environment, and ensure that everyone will live in peace and prosperity by the year 2030. (UNDP, 2015). Out of the 17 Goals, Goal 4 talks about “ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.” The SDGs are essential to architectural education since buildings account for 40% of extracted materials used in construction and 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions. (Hendawy, 2023) To accomplish these objectives, the architecture curriculum must be up-to-date and efficient. It specifically takes into account the field of architecture. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for curriculum guidelines of B.Arch. design studios, focusing on the parameter designing for inclusivity (UIA2023CPH, 2020) of SDGs.Design/methodology/approachModels, approaches and theories of curriculum development are studied. An evaluation matrix is made to evaluate different curriculum framework for government colleges on their incorporation of SDGs. A survey/questionnaire and interviews with academicians from architecture are conducted to analyze the incorporation of SDGs in design studios and find recommended solutions for its incorporation.FindingsFinally, this research paper proposes a set of Architecture curriculum guidelines based on the evaluation framework for B.Arch. and an exemplary curriculum design model for the Architecture design studio which is evaluated through the desk critique stage for analyzing its functionality and applicability.Originality/valueDespite the emphasis on SDGs in the present scenario, the “Council Of Architecture (Minimum Standards of Architecture Education in India) Regulations, 2020” does not include or mention SDGs as a key aspect (Architecture, 2020).

Rate and sociodemographic correlates of depression, anxiety, and stress among domestic and overseas medical students: A cross-sectional observation from a private medical college in Bangladesh.

Depression, anxiety, and stress are the commonly encountered mental health conditions among medical students. Overseas environment may add additional burden to the existing environment. However, comparison of the rate and associated factors of depression, anxiety, stress among domestic and overseas students has not been attempted in Bangladesh. We aimed to assess the rate and associated factors of depression, anxiety, stress among domestic and overseas medical students in the country. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 undergraduate medical students in 2021. Data were collected by self-reporting instruments by a stratified random sampling method by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 scale. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were done by computing crude odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval to identify the associated factors. Among the 360 undergraduate medical students, 181 were domestic and 179 overseas ones. 44.8% of domestic students reported depressive symptoms, 45.3% reported anxiety symptoms, and 33.1% reported stress. On the other hand, half of overseas students experienced depression (50.3%) and anxiety (52.5%), and 41.3% experienced stress. Female medical students were found vulnerable for developing depression, anxiety, and stress than males. The study revealed higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress among overseas undergraduate medical students enrolled in a private medical school of Bangladesh. Private medical college authorities could consider special services for overseas students to ensure adequate psychosocial support.

The Mediating Role of Social Interaction Between Parenting Style and Academic Achievement Among University Students

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of parenting styles in social interaction and academic achievements among university students, with a specific focus on the mediating role of social interaction. Additionally, the study examines the impact of demographic variables such as gender on these relationships. A sample of 250 students (156 females and 94 males) age group 19 to 30 was selected by random sampling method from Government College University Faisalabad. In study the Parenting Authority Questionnaire (PAQ) with 30 items to assess parenting styles and the Social Provisions Scale (SPS) with 24 items to measure social interactions are used to collect the data.Correlational analysis run to measure the relationship of parenting behavior, social interaction and academic achievements. Correlation analysis demonstrated significant relationships among various parenting styles, academic and social interaction scales. Authoritative parenting emerged as the most beneficial style positively influencing both social interaction and academic achievement.Authoritarian parenting, while showing some positive correlation with social interaction, did not demonstrate a significant positive impact on academic achievement. This suggests that while the structured and disciplined environment created by authoritarian parents may foster certain social skills, it might also create an environment that restricts creativity, critical thinking, and the intrinsic motivation needed for academic success. To see the mediating role of social interaction, run the regression analysis. Analysis suggests that while parenting style significantly predicts social interaction, social interaction does not appear to mediate the relationship of parenting style and academic performance. To measure out the gender differences,run independent samples t-test that analysis suggests both males and females have similar levels of social interaction skills and there is no significant difference in PAQ scores between males and females (t = 0.589, p = .498). This indicates that there are no significant effects of parenting styles on gender differences.

A novel mutation in SETX and ATM causes ataxia in consanguineous Pakistani families.

Ataxia is usually caused by cerebellar pathology or a decrease in vestibular or proprioceptive afferent input to the cerebellum. It is characterized by uncoordinated walking, truncal instability, body or head tremors, uncontrolled coordination of the hands, dysarthria, and aberrant eye movements. The objective of the current investigation was to identify the underlying genetic cause of the hereditary ataxia that affects the Pakistani population. We studied numerous consanguineous Pakistani families whose members had ataxia-related clinical symptoms to varying degrees. The families were chosen from the Punjab province, and the neurophysician conducted a clinical examination. Peripheral blood samples from both sick and healthy members of the family were taken after obtaining informed consent. Genomic DNA was used to find potential variations in probands using whole exome sequencing. The study was carried out at the University Hospital of Tübingen, Germany, and Government College University in Faisalabad, Pakistan, during 2018-2023. The molecular analysis of these families identified different variants including SGCB: c.902C>T, c.668G>A, ATM: c.6196_6197insGAA, SPG11: c.5769del, SETX c.5525_5533del, and ATM: c.7969A>T. A noteworthy mutation in ATM and SETX was observed among them, and its symptoms were shown to cause ataxia in these families. The current study broadens the mutation spectrum of several hereditary ataxia types and suggests the next generation sequencing in conjunction with clinical research for a more accurate diagnosis of overlapping phenotypes of this disorder in the Pakistani population.

Perception of Undergraduates on Government Interventions in Environmental Issues in Southwest, Nigeria

This study examined the perception of undergraduates on government interventions in environmental issues in Southwest, Nigeria. This study further examined the differences in the perception of undergraduates on government interventions in environmental issues in Southwest, Nigeria based on gender and ownership of University. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised all university undergraduates in Southwest, Nigeria. A sample of 1752 male and female Undergraduates in Federal, State and Private Universities were used for the study. Multistage sampling procedure was employed for the sample selection. Questionnaire on Perception of Undergraduates on Government Interventions in Environmental Issues {QPUGIEI) was used in this study. The validity of the instrument was ensured through face and content validity procedures and the reliability of the QPUGIEI was established using Cronbach Alpha method and the alpha value of 0.74 was obtained. The data generated for this study were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics of frequency counts, mean and percentages were used to provide answers to the research question while inferential statistics of t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The finding of the study showed that university undergraduates had favourable perception of government interventions in environmental issues in Southwest, Nigeria, there was a significant difference in the perception of male and female undergraduates towards government interventions in environmental issues, there was a significant difference in the perception of undergraduates towards government interventions in environmental issues based on the ownership of University. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that irrespective of the gender of undergraduates and ownership of the university government should intensify effort on environmental education programmes such that all undergraduates will have same favourable perception on government interventions in environmental issues.