University Teaching Research Articles

New model of college physical education teaching based on the algorithm and data structure of flipped classroom and OBE

Although college physical education (PE) is a compulsory course in college teaching, due to the openness of assessment standards and students studying to pass the final exam, college PE has been undervalued, so this paper aims to explore the new model of college PE teaching. In response, this paper took the air volleyball course as an example and redesigned the teaching of college PE based on the theory of flipped classroom and outcomes-based education (OBE). This paper also proposed a personalised learning system for college sports based on genetic algorithm (GA) and data structure, greatly improving college PE's autonomous learning ability and willingness. In the design of the teaching model, this paper compared and analysed the teaching model combining flipped classroom and OBE with flipped classroom teaching model, OBE teaching model and traditional teaching model. A one-semester investigation was conducted by selecting 40 students who took the air volleyball PE course at Hebei Normal University for Nationalities. The 40 students were divided into four groups, and their learning after one semester was compared. The experimental results showed that, compared with the traditional teaching model group, the outcome-based education and flipped classroom education group's performance of hitting the ball, passing the ball, spiking the ball, and serving the ball increased by 3.8%, 14.3%, 20.8%, and 10.3%, respectively. This suggested that the new college physical education teaching model based on flipped classrooms and OBE has a good teaching effect and can be used as a reference and help for others.

Hospital acquired infection in the intensive care unit at Kigali University Teaching Hospital, a retrospective study

Hospital acquired infection in the intensive care unit at Kigali University Teaching Hospital, a retrospective study

Frequency and pattern of acute kidney injury in patients with acute stroke

Background and objective: Stroke is a severe disease of the nervous system resulting in disability and death of the affected individual. Acute kidney injury (AKI) which is a clinical syndrome due to sudden renal function decline is considered as an important factor that increases fatality following a stroke. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the frequency and pattern of AKI in stroke patients and the outcome of patients with stroke and AKI. Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara, Delta state, which is a public tertiary health institution in Delta state in a semi-urban area in southern Nigeria. Results: The mean age of patients was 58.9 ± 14.2 years. Slightly above half (53.7%) of the patients were males. Haemorrhagic stroke was the most common type of stroke. Hypertension was the most frequent co-morbid condition (59.0%). Twenty (14.9%) had acute kidney injury, of which stage one AKI was the most dominant (75.0%). Majority of the patients (79.9%) survived. Having sepsis was a significant factor associated with the presence of AKI. None of the clinical characteristics was associated with outcome of patients. Conclusion: The frequency of AKI in stroke patients was 14.9%, with majority of the patients presenting with stage 1 AKI. Presence of sepsis was a significant risk factor for development of AKI in patients with acute stroke, while hypertension was the most prevalent comorbid condition in patients with acute stroke, thus the need for continuous screening of stroke patients for hypertension.

Effect of methanol stem bark extract of Ochna schweinfurthiana (Ezeata) on liver enzymes in Wistar rats

1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka. Anambra State. Nigeria. 2 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli campus. Anambra State. Nigeria. 3 Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Royal Bournemouth Hospital (University Hospital Dorset NHS Foundation Trust) Bournemouth, England, BH7 7DW United Kingdom. 4 Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Royal Bournemouth Hospital (University Hospital Dorset NHS Foundation Trust) Bournemouth, England, BH7 7DW United Kingdom. 5 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Abia StateUniversity Teaching Hospital, Aba. Abia State. Nigeria.

Detection of helicobacter pylori by urea breathe test in a Nigerian population with upper gastrointestinal symptoms

Background: Helicobacter Pylori, a class one carcinogen is common globally with about 50% of the world’s population affected. It causes severe symptoms and complications including peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer in infected persons. This study therefore aimed to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori as well as the clinical profile of patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms seen at the Rivers State University Teaching hospital. Methodology: One hundred consecutive patients with upper GI symptoms undergoing Urea Breath test who fulfilled the inclusion criteria constituted the study population. The data was analyzed using IBM-SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0. Results were presented as means ± standard deviation and percentages/number for quantitative and qualitative variables respectively, while Categorical variables were compared with Pearson’s Chi-square. Result: Of the one hundred patients studied, 35 (35%) were males and 65 (65%) were females with a mean age of 49.56 ±14. 68. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori was 33% affecting more females than males. The most common symptoms in the patients at presentation were heartburn (51%), epigastric pain (47%) and dyspepsia (35%). There was an insignificant positive correlation between the detection of Helicobacter pylori and a prior exposure to proton pump inhibitors. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. This buttresses the need for testing and treatment among Nigerians who present with such symptoms.

University teachers’ perspectives on student attendance: a challenge to the identity of university teachers before, during and after Covid-19

AbstractThis article addresses university teachers’ perspectives, gathered via interviews, on issues involved in their students’ decreasing attendance in formal taught-events, before and during the pandemic, and the implications of this for university teaching in the future. The research was part of a broad enquiry into learning and teaching during the Covid-19 pandemic, conducted in one research-led university in New Zealand by a research team of 19 university academics from multiple departments in this institution. We undertook 11 semi-structured interviews with eight professors, one lecturer and two teaching fellows, anonymous to all but the interviewer. A sub-group (authors of this article) used a general inductive approach to seek an underlying structure of experiences evident in participants’ interviews, in the form of emergent and reoccurring themes in the data. Self-determination theory was used as a theoretical framework for analysis. Themes suggest that university teachers may be stressed about attendance, increasingly uncertain about the links between how they teach and what and how students learn, and feel personally rather than collectively responsible as they address matters that they perceive to be only partially under their control. Researchers concluded that interviewed teachers may be collectively experiencing some form of crisis of confidence relating to their roles, responsibilities and identity as university teachers. Although perceptions of limited autonomy, relatedness and competence all suggest solutions at the institutional level, their combination and link to generic academic identity suggests that Covid-19 may have exposed broader limitations in university teaching as a collegiate, rather than professional, activity.

Developing professional capital through technology-enabled university-school-enterprise collaboration: an innovative model for C-STEAM preservice teacher education in the Greater Bay area

Purpose Preservice teacher (PST) professional development programs are crucial for cultivating high-quality STEAM teachers of the future, significantly impacting the quality of regional STEAM education. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as a region of cross-border cooperation, integrates the resources and advantages of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, possessing rich cultural heritage and innovative capabilities. Transdisciplinary Education for Cultural Inheritance (C-STEAM) is an effective approach to promoting educational collaboration within the Greater Bay Area, facilitating the integration of both technological and humanities education. This study aims to develop a Technology-Enabled University-School-Enterprise (T-USE) collaborative education model and implement it in the Greater Bay Area, to explore its role as a support mechanism in professional development and its impact on C-STEAM PSTs' professional capital. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a qualitative methodology, the study interviewed PSTs who participated in a C-STEAM teacher education course under the T-USE model. Thematic coding is used to analyze their knowledge acquisition, interaction benefits with community members, and autonomous thinking and decision-making in theoretical learning and teaching practice. Findings The findings show that the T-USE model significantly enhanced the PSTs' human capital, including teaching beliefs, knowledge, and skills. In terms of social capital, PSTs benefited from collaboration with PST groups, university teaching teams, in-service teachers, and enterprises, though challenges such as varying levels of expertise among in-service teachers and occasional technical instability emerged. For decisional capital, the T-USE model provided opportunities for autonomous thinking and promoted teaching judgment skills through real teaching challenges and scenarios. Reflective practice activities also supported PSTs' professional growth. Originality/value This study reveals the effectiveness and internal mechanism of the T-USE model in C-STEAM PST training, offering significant theoretical and practical references for future PST education.

Research on the deepening application path of blended teaching mode in foreign language teaching in colleges and universities

The digital era has put forward higher requirements for the development of foreign language talents, and the blended teaching mode can precisely play to its advantages, integrate online and offline teaching resources, and cultivate high-quality foreign language talents. The project mainly adopts the questionnaire survey method, combined with the current status quo of foreign language education reform in colleges and universities, and researches the application of blended teaching mode in foreign language teaching in colleges and universities. It analyzes the current situation of the application of blended teaching mode in college foreign language teaching and the existing problems, concludes that strengthening the deepening application of blended teaching mode in college foreign language teaching can effectively improve the teaching effect, and puts forward improvement strategies for the current problems of blended teaching mode.

Detection and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Candida Species Isolated from the Urine of Patients in a Tertiary Health Facility, Southwest Nigeria

Aims: This study aimed to identify and determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Candida species causing UTI among patients attending a tertiary Teaching Hospital, in southwest Nigeria. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Nigeria between June 2017 and February, 2018. Methodology: A total of 250 participants whose provisional diagnosis was candiduria were recruited for this study. Urine samples were collected from consenting participants early in the morning into sterile wide mouth universal containers. These samples were cultured aerobically on Blood agar, Cystine-Lactose-Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar (SAB) at 370C within 1 to 2 days. The isolates were profiled into species level using microscopic, biochemical test, chromogenic media (Chrom agar Candida) and Analytical Profile Index (API) 32C examination analysis. Results: An overall rate for Candidiasis in this study was 12.8% (32/250). The rate was higher in female 17.5% compared to 6.5% in their male counterparts (p=0.014). Highest rate of infections peaked at 28.6% among age group 83-92 years and lowest (6.7%) in age group 23-32 years. A total of 11 (4.4%) urine culture from participants produced C. albicans pure fungi isolates. However, by gender, this was statistically significant (p=0.003). A total of 81 bacterial (32.4%) and fungal isolates 32 (12.8%) were isolated and profiled. Distribution of Candida species indicated highest incidence in age range 31-40 years, followed by 21-30years and age 61-70 years age brackets. The isolated species were Candida albicans 11(34.4%), C. tropicalis 8(25%), C. parapsilopsis 6(19%), C. krusei 2(6.3%) and C. hellenica 1(3.1%). Sixty to seventy percent of fungal isolates were susceptible to ketoconazole and fluconazole while the susceptibility pattern of Candida species to itraconazole, terbinafine and nystatin varied between moderately susceptible to resistance. All the Candida isolates were resistant to griseofulvin. However, C. albicans was found to be the major Candida species causing Candidal urinary tract infection. The only C. hellenica isolated was resistant to all the antifungal drugs were approved except nystatin. Conclusion: High profile of Candida isolates and related UTI microbes were found in this study. There is need for advocacy for the use of API and Chrom agar Candida for routine diagnosis for Candida identification. Nevertheless, the Candida isolates were mostly susceptible to ketoconazole and Fluconazole but only the isolates were griseofulvin resistant.

Root canal re-treatment with gutta percha - which techniques influence success?

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was carried out assessing the success rate of root canal retreatment using gutta percha. Four of the largest databases were used to identify existing literature with no date or language restrictions. PubMed, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, Scopus and other additional sources were searched. Grey literature was also reviewed. Two authors, with Master's degrees in endodontics and with extensive university teaching experience, were selected to screen the databases to identify suitable studies. In case the authors were not able to agree during the study selection process, a third investigator was consulted. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were outlined and adhered to in the study selection. Two randomised controlled trials, seven single arm prospective studies and one single arm ambispective study published before the 10th of December 2022 were included. These studies evaluated the success of root canal re-treatment, obturated with gutta percha with at least a 1-year follow-up. Nine of the studies were published between 1998 and 2022. Seven studies were conducted in Europe, one in North America and one in Asia. Standard Cochrane methods to assess interval validity were used. Risk of bias in individual studies was assessed using The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale (NOS) for single-arm studies, and the Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB2) was used for randomised controlled trials. Outcome measures were standardised as either success or failure of root canal retreatment. Success was classified into 2 different criteria: Strict criteria= absence of clinical signs and symptoms and radiographically normal periodontal ligament space; and Loose criteria= absence of clinical signs and symptoms and absence or reduction of apical radiolucency in the control radiograph. Statistical analysis was undertaken using R software and the Freeman-Turkey transformation was performed. Results were visualised using forest plots. Heterogeneity between studies was measured using the Cochrane Q test and I2 values. Whilst following strict criteria, the success rate of non-surgical root canal retreatment obturated with gutta percha was 71% for 1-3 years follow-up (95% CI, 0.66-0.77) and 77% for 4-5 years follow-up (95% CI, 0.67-0.86). Heterogeneity was moderate (I2 = 61.4) and low (I2 = 0.0), respectively. Factors reducing the success rate of root canal re-retreatment under the strict criteria were older patients, mandibular teeth, molar teeth, the presence of a peri-apical radiolucency, teeth with a previous radiolucency, large peri-apical radiolucency's, higher initial periapical index scores and multiple visit-retreatments. Following the loose criteria, the success rate of non-surgical root canal re-treatment obturated with gutta percha was 87% for 1-3 years follow-up (95% CI, 0.79-0.93) with significant heterogeneity across the studies (I2 = 88.5%). Factors influencing the success rate under the loose criteria were large periapical lesions >5 mm and higher initial periapical index (PAI) scores. Non-surgical root canal retreatment results in favourable outcomes. However, there are several factors which can result in a lower success rate: the presence and size of a periapical radiolucency, a higher initial PAI score, multiple-visit retreatments, and the size and position of the tooth.

Challenges and strategies in the surgical management of traumatic spinal cord injuries in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

BackgroundSignificant progress has been made in the management of traumatic spinal cord injuries. However, deep disparities persist in developing countries. This work aims to describe the different challenges in the surgical management of traumatic spinal cord injuries at the Kinshasa University Teaching Hospital and some strategies implemented to overcome them. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of 105 patients from January 2016 to June 2023. The variables of interest included: gender, age, cause, levels of lesion, hospital admission modalities, time to admission, time to surgery, AIS score at admission and on discharge, treatment, pre, peri- and post-operative complications and outcome. ResultsWe admitted 105 patients. Only 16 % of them were taken to hospital in an ambulance. The average admission time was 49.9 ± 81.79 days. Seventy-two patients (68.6 %) were operated. The average time to surgery was 62.43 ± 85.20 days. No patient was stabilized at the trauma site. Osteosynthesis was performed with appropriate implants in 63.2 % and with improvised elements in 26.8 %. Four patients were operated without an image intensifier. Short-segmental fixation was performed in 8 patients. Twenty-one patients developed pressure ulcers. At discharge, 24 patients recovered their neurological function. Neurological status remained stationary in 43 patients. Five patients died. Seventeen patients went to rehabilitation center. There was no significant difference between the improvised strategies implemented and conventional procedures on functional recovery upon discharge from hospital or rehabilitation centre (p-value : 0.838 and 0.468 respectively). ConclusionOur establishment faces many challenges in TSCI surgery: lack of pre-hospital emergency services and mutual health insurance, delay in admission, lack of surgical implants and image intensifier, the poverty of the population. Some strategies have been implemented to overcome some of them.

Occurrence and management of lower respiratory tract infections in children at a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Objectives Infectious diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria are the major causes of child mortality, with pneumonia, a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), being the foremost of the three. Antimicrobial agents are required to treat LRTIs, such as pneumonia caused by bacteria, while those commonly caused by viruses, such as bronchiolitis, do not benefit from antimicrobial therapy unless laboratory tests indicate otherwise. When not shown, empirical management of patients using antimicrobials remains a risk factor for antimicrobial resistance in the management of LRTIs. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of LRTIs in children who presented with acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and evaluate their management in comparison with the guidelines. Material and Methods The study was a descriptive retrospective review of prescribing records for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) presented at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA), Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Data were collected through systematic sampling of the case folders of children aged five years and below who presented with RTIs from January to December 2021, using a data collection proforma. Collected data were cleaned and coded, and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 28 was used for analysis. Results There were 422 case folders containing diagnoses of RTIs. Of these, 36 (8.5%) were diagnosed with LRTIs and 28 (6.6%) had no comorbidity. Of the 28 cases without comorbidities, pneumonia (20;71.4%) and bronchiolitis (8;28.6%) were the only two LRTIs. Antibiotics were the most prescribed medications, followed by vitamins (8;28.6%) and antihistamines (7;25.0%). There were seven types and three combinations of antibiotic medications, the most being cefuroxime (10;35.7%) followed by amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (7; 25.0%). One case of pneumonia did not receive an antibiotic. Laboratory investigations were not conducted for the majority (25;89.3%) of the cases presented. Conclusion This study showed that the LRTIs presented were mostly managed using the recommended antibiotics for pneumonia. Antibiotics for bronchiolitis without confirmation by laboratory tests may not have been justified as most of them are of viral origin. Deviations from guidelines may be reduced if national protocols are developed in managing LRTIs.

Research on the Current Situation and Countermeasures of Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Ideological and Political Teaching in Universities

Research on the Current Situation and Countermeasures of Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Ideological and Political Teaching in Universities

Exploring Serum Vitamin D, Sex Hormones, and Lipid Profile Disparities in Women With and Without Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Case-Control Study.

Background Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It is characterized by dyslipidemia, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic dysfunctions.Vitamin D deficiency may be implicated in the pathogenesis of PCOS, potentially exacerbating its metabolic syndrome. However, the exact interplay between these factors remains underexplored. Aim This study aimed to evaluate serum levels of vitamin D and its association with modalities of PCOS among women with PCOS and healthy controls. Methods This was a hospital-based case-control study where 60 women newly diagnosed with PCOS and 56 non-PCOS controls were consecutively recruited within a 10-month period. The women aged 20-40 were recruited at the gynecology clinics of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and Lagos Island Maternity Hospital. PCOS was diagnosed using the Rotterdam's criteria. The biodata, anthropometry, clinical features, serum vitamin D, cortisol, progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), insulin, fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) levels of PCOS-diagnosed women were assessed and compared with those of women without PCOS. The exclusion criteria comprised known diabetics, women with gynecological pathologies such as fibroids, and womenon medications affecting the study analytes or hormones. Statistical analyses included chi-square or Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables, student t-test for continuous variables, and Pearson's correlation for assessing relationships between continuous variables. The significance level was set at p<0.05 and a confidence interval of 95%. Results Individuals with PCOS exhibited a younger mean age (26.90±3.73 versus 29.95±5.00 years, p=0.001) and a higher prevalence of irregular menstrual patterns (46.7% versus 14.3%, p=0.0001) and acne (58.3% versus 37.5%, p=0.025). Moreover, PCOS was associated with elevated levels of TC (p = 0.03), TG (p = 0.03), LDL-C (p = 0.014), FBG (p = 0.001), LH:FSH ratio (p = 0.002), AMH (p = 0.0001), and testosterone (p = 0.003), but low progesterone (p = 0.001) and vitamin D (p = 0.033), alongside a higher incidence of vitamin D deficiency (33.3% versus 26.1%) and insufficiency (66.7% versus 56.5%). Additionally, significant but weak correlations were observed between serum vitamin D levels and waist-hip ratio (r = 0.4, p = 0.016) and FBG (r = -0.4, p = 0.036) in the PCOS group, suggesting potential metabolic implications. Conclusion The PCOS subjects in this study had decreased vitamin D and progesterone levels, with elevated concentrations of testosterone, AMH, lipid profile (TC, LDL, and TG), FBG, and LH:FSHratio. Studies on the therapeutic effect of vitamin D administration in managing PCOS will need to be further evaluated.

Research on Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education Model for Computer Majors in Higher Vocational Colleges

Since the slogan “Mass Entrepreneurship, Mass Innovation” was put forward at the 2014 Summer Davos Forum, innovation and entrepreneurship education have gradually become an important trend of vocational education reform. Especially in these years, the employment pressure on higher vocational students is increasing, and the educational status of innovation and entrepreneurship education in the teaching of various majors in higher vocational colleges is becoming more and more prominent. The proper integration of innovation and entrepreneurship education and computer teaching can not only further improve the comprehensive ability of vocational students but also aid employment and career development. Based on this, this paper analyzes the path of innovation and entrepreneurship education in computer majors in higher vocational colleges to provide insights for educational experts and jointly contribute to the modernization and development of computer teaching in higher vocational colleges.

Assessing the diagnostic impact of P63, PSA and BCL-2 proteins in premalignant and malignant prostate tissues

Background: Prostate cancer (CaP) is increasingly becoming a major health issue affecting men as cancer-related fatalities are attributable to the condition. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) diagnostic criteria can help in gene-targeted therapy and help reduce its prevalence. This study is to assess the diagnostic impact of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), P63 and BCL-2 antibodies in CaP. Method: A case-controlled retrospective study was carried out on eighty (80) prostrate tissue blocks retrieved from the pathology archive of Ekiti State university teaching hospital Ado Ekiti. IHC analysis of the selected antibodies was carried out and also stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H and E) for second opinion and confirmation. Results: The study showed that all the CaP samples had 100% positivity with varying reactivity to the IHC biomarkers; PSA had 100% positivity and MPR of 94% due to its multiple weaknesses as a biomarker p63 is a basal cells marker. Conclusions: The expressions of these antibodies were observed in the progression of CaP. Although these markers are useful in predicting the progression from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to CaP, none of them can be utilised in isolation to a conclusion. Hence, they should be used in conjunction with one another to make up for their limitations. The immunohistochemical markers are beneficial in CaP diagnosis.

Serum Vitamin D Level and Severity of Adult Allergic Rhinitis at a Tertiary Hospital in Northeast Nigeria

Abstract Context: Recent studies have reported abnormal levels of serum vitamin D in patients with allergic rhinitis. This linkage has not been demonstrated in our environment, northeast Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the levels of serum vitamin D and correlate them with disease severity in patients with allergic rhinitis in a tertiary hospital in northeast Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study of patients with allergic rhinitis who attended ear, nose, and throat and the respiratory medicine clinics of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria, from January 2022 to May 2023. Data collected from participants included demographic information, clinical findings, and disease severity graded as mild–moderate or severe based on the allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma WHO 2008 classification. Serum vitamin D levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: The study recruited 61 participants, of whom 39 (63.9%) were women. The mean age (±SD) was 38.66 ± 14.34 years, while the mean serum vitamin D levels (±SD) was 36.65 ± 15.54 ng/ml. Thirteen (21.3%) participants had insufficient serum vitamin D levels below 24 ng/ml, whereas 48 (78.7%) had sufficient serum vitamin D levels of 24–80 ng/ml. There were statistically significant differences between mild and moderate–severe allergic rhinitis with respect to vitamin D level (mean ± SD, 26.73 ± 17.96 vs 38.84 ± 14.24, respectively, 95% CI: −22.06 to −2.16, P = 0.018). There was a significantly positive relationship between serum vitamin D and the severity of allergic rhinitis (χ2 = 8.839, P = 0.003). Conclusion: The majority of patients had sufficient levels of serum vitamin D. Higher serum vitamin D was associated with higher severity of allergic rhinitis.

Quality of Work Life Among Faculty Members at Jerash University From Their Point of View

Objectives: The study aims to identify the level of quality of work life among faculty members at Jerash University because it is important in motivating them to work in a good way and raising their motivation to work. The University competes with other Universities, so the majority of Universities in general and private universities in particular seek to attract the best academic cadres to create a university environment improve the educational environment, and increase the university’s productivity, as well as identify whether there is Statistically significant differences in the level of quality of work life among faculty members at Jerash University due to the variables: gender, academic rank, college, and experience in university teaching. Theoretical framework: This study focuses on the quality of work life among faculty members at Jerash University, Higher education institutions face enormous challenges and great competition between universities in general and private universities in particular. The concept of quality of work life is one of the modern concepts in the domain of management in general and in the domain of higher education institutions in particular and in light of the importance of educational institutions and their effective role in Developing the work and improving the performance of faculty members, which reflects positively on the student as a way out of the educational-learning process and competitiveness with other educational institutions. Method: Obtain survey data and use descriptive-analytical method and employing conceptual and analytical approach analysis of the literature articles and using a questionnaire as a tool for the study to collect data from a sample of (94) faculty members at Jerash University who were selected randomly Results: The results indicate that the level of quality of work life among faculty members at Jerash University from their point of view was moderate. There were no statistically significant differences in the degree of strategic leadership practice among academic leaders from the point of view of faculty members due to the variables of gender, academic rank, and experience. Conclusion: These results highlight the need for college leaders to diversify the methods of evaluating faculty members in the college. Training courses for academic leaders related to resolving conflicts and problems through scientific methods.

Storz professional image enhancement system (SPECTRA A) enhancing detection of carcinoma urinary bladder by white light cystoscopy

BackgroundSPECTRA A filters red light from white light through software to create contrast for better tissue visualization and light penetration. We aim to find whether the detection rate of bladder cancer is enhanced by SPECTRA A in adjunct to White Light Cystoscopy (WLC).MethodsThis was a prospective observational study among 66 patients in the Department of Urology and Kidney Transplant Surgery, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. All patients undergoing TURBT for suspected/diagnosed bladder tumor were evaluated with WL, followed by SPECTRA A mode, and findings were recorded using visual bladder mapping. Resection of the tumor was done on WL, margins were again reevaluated using SPECTRA A mode, and a biopsy was taken in cases of suspicious findings confirmed on SPECTRA A. Tumor detection rate (sensitivity), extra lesion detection, false positive rate, and margin status were evaluated through 2 × 2 tables, McNemar chi-square test on patient level as well as lesion level.ResultsA total of 64 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 62.20 ± 13.98 with a sex ratio of M:F 4.3:1. SPECTRA A and WL had a detection rate of 95.33% and 78.80% (p = 0.001), respectively, and positive biopsy of detected lesions was 78.8% and 84.13% (p = 0.041), respectively, for SPECTRA A and WL. The false positive rate of SPECTRA A and WL was 21.19% and 15.86% (p = 0.006), respectively, whereas the false negative rate was 4% and 19.2% (p = 0.001), respectively. The number of extra lesions detected by SPECTRA A was 39, out of which 29 were histologically proven tumors.ConclusionSPECTRA A enhances the detection rate of bladder cancer when used with WL. We can increase the detection of bladder cancer by using a combination of white light and SPECTRA A.

Learning Sequence “Learning | Growing | Working”: A Helpful Approach to Facilitate the Entry into the IT Faculty

Virtual teams and digital collaborative work have become an integral part of modern university teaching. The demand for suitable methods for group formation in virtual formats has increased, not least due to Covid-19. Even though students at the university have become more confident in using digital exchange options during this time, it has become apparent in recent semesters that first-year students in particular need support during the transition into higher education, with the learning process and with virtual group work. This paper describes how the digital self-oriented learning approach called the learning sequence “Learning | Growing | Working” was set up and used on the LMS platform Ilias, and how it supports students in learning alone and in groups, collaborating online, building group cohesion, pursuing goals and learning to network. The sequence focuses on intensive exchange and networking. The learning sequence has been designed for first-semester students as a twelve-week guided group focusing in different tools and methods to support students in these subjects. The research methodology used to evaluate and analyse the outcomes of the learning sequence was the observational method, the empirical evaluation of the behaviour and constant comparison approach of the structured collected observation notes and responses of the participants. The results indicate positive outcomes, showing growth in goal setting, networking capabilities, attitudes towards learning, and critical reflection. Both participants and project stakeholders recognise the potential of the sequence to support students' personal development. Strategies for future implementation are suggested to enhance the learning experience. Among others, clear guidance on goal setting, emphasising non-academic goals for motivation and maximising engagement within the allotted time, facilitating discussions on interesting topics and addressing group dynamics challenges were observed as suggested approaches.