University Institute Research Articles

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of development and regeneration.

Regeneration involves a highly coordinated interplay of intricate cellular processes, enabling living organisms to renew and repair themselves, from individual cells to entire ecosystems. Further, regeneration offers profound insights into developmental biology, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Development and Regeneration (CMMDR) 2024 conference, which took place at the Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence and University (India), gathered together an international array of researchers studying a wide variety of organisms across both plant and animal kingdoms. In this short Meeting Review, we highlight some of the outstanding research presented at this conference and draw together some of the common themes that emerged.

Evaluation of a unique and innovative diabetes care model in primary care in Ontario, Canada: protocol for a multiple-methods study with a convergent parallel design

IntroductionThe growth and complexity of diabetes are exceeding the capacity of family physicians, resulting in the demand for community-based, interprofessional, primary care-led transition clinics. The Primary Care Diabetes Support Programme...

Finding space for the European Space Agency

Europe has an interesting history on space policy, drawing on varied agencies through which to pursue its space ambitions since the end of WWII. The best known, and until recently most important, of these is the European Space Agency (ESA), an intergovernmental non-EU institution which oversaw the development of Galileo, Copernicus and EGNOS. Since 2021, a second agency, The European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), has been in place, taking over the running of the EU’s space Programmes and flagship constellations from the GSA in Prague. This paper discusses the potential future of Europe's institutions for space, and critically analyses Thomas Hoerber's 2022 suggestion that ESA should become a Space University Institute.

Non-syndromic tooth agenesis in Latvian adolescent dental patients: a retrospective study with relevant literature review

AimTo investigate the prevalence of tooth agenesis and associated dental anomalies in Latvian adolescent dental patients and compare it to other European countries.DesignCross-sectional study of 2692 11-to-14-year-old patients (39.9% males and 60.1% females) attending Riga Stradins University Institute of Stomatology with panoramic radiographs taken between August 2020 and September 2021. Patients with any genetic syndromes were excluded. Data on tooth agenesis (excluding third molars) and other dental anomalies were recorded.ResultsThe prevalence of tooth agenesis in Latvian adolescent dental patients was 9.3% with no statistically significant difference between genders (χ2 test, p = 0.472). The most commonly missing teeth were mandibular second premolars, followed by upper lateral incisors and upper second premolars. There was a statistically significant association with the presence of other dental anomalies in tooth agenesis patients (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study found that the prevalence of non-syndromic tooth agenesis in Latvian adolescent dental patients was 9.3% with no statistically significant differences between the genders. Patients with tooth agenesis have a statistically significant possibility of the presence of other dental anomalies (p < 0.001).

Etica în universitate. Strategii și atitudini proactive

The process of achieving an ethical university involves a series of actions, which can be categorized as follows: reactive actions – where the university reacts when there are violations of ethical codes within it, and proactive actions – where the university makes an effort to promote organizational virtues. The question I want to discuss in this article is, “What does it mean for a university to be proactive in promoting organizational virtues?” I will start with two studies to answer this question: a sociological study measuring the proactivity of managers in Romanian university institutions, conducted by Silvia Puiu and Radu Florin Ogarca, and the classification made by Gedeon J. Rossouw and Leon J. van Vuuren of the modes of ethical management. I will analyse the concept of proactivity starting from the comparison between the reactive mode and the integrity mode proposed by Rossouw and van Vuuren. I will develop this concept and define proactivity as the implementation of an ethical strategy. Additionally, I will outline the main elements of this strategy. The article will be structured as follows: (i) presentation of the results of the sociological investigation conducted by Puiu and Ogarca; (ii) presentation of a conceptual framework that can model the term “proactivity”; (iii) discussion of ethical codes as a limit case testing the reactive/proactive distinction; (iv) finally, outlining an answer to the question “How do we build an ethical university?”: virtues and systematic approach through defining a strategy.

Analysis of the university experience of undergraduate students of Education degrees

The evaluation of the university experience of students is an increasingly frequent field of analysis among the academic community, as they represent one of the most important groups in universities and it is essential to know their opinion and satisfaction with the different services and resources that the university institution makes available to them. In this sense, the two objectives of the study were the following: 1) To analyse the undergraduate university experience of the different groups of students (graduates, students, drop-outs). 2) To identify which aspects of the academic training received predict each of the student groups. To this end, a study was carried out specifically aimed at undergraduate education students at the University of Granada (Spain), distinguishing between graduates, students, and those who had dropped out of their studies. A total of 292 students participated (82 female and 210 male), of whom 123 were graduates, 98 were still students and 71 were drop-outs. After the application of three questionnaires, it was found that the three aforementioned groups of participants coincided in particularly valuing characteristic dimensions of the formal teaching-learning scenario in the university experience. In addition, the linear regression analysis carried out identified the personalised attention factor as having the highest predictive value as regards student type. Thus, the results of the study point to an assessment of academic training focused on the need on the part of all three groups of participants for teacher support and individualised guidance. The study may be useful in providing universities with new data to help improve the teaching performance of Education degree teaching staff concerning students; for example, by encouraging their participation in tutorial action programmes.

Navigating the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) Success: Insights From Pre-assessment Practices in Preparing Surgical Residents for Competitive Sub-specialties.

Introduction The American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) is a critical tool in assessing surgical residents' readiness for board certification and clinical practice. While various factors influencing ABSITE performance have been examined, the impact of innovative educational resources, such as TrueLearn, remains underexplored. TrueLearn's adaptive learning algorithms and comprehensive question banks offer a promising adjunct to traditional study methods. This study investigates the relationship between TrueLearn utilization and ABSITE performance among general surgery residents. Methods This retrospective study, ethically approved by the Marshall University Institutional Review Board (IRB No. 2097669-1), analyzed the performance of general surgery residents at Marshall University from 2014 to 2022. Data were collected on ABSITE scores. Additionally, quiz percentages (Quiz %) and scores from two mock exams (Exam 1 and Exam 2), all provided by the TrueLearn platform, were included in the analysis. Descriptive statistics summarized the sample characteristics. Linear mixed models were employed to examine the associations between TrueLearn engagement and ABSITE performance, accounting for the correlated nature of the data and addressing any missing data at random. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS, version 9.4; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC), with significance defined as a p-value < 0.05. Results The study cohort included 58 residents from 2016 to 2022. Linear mixed model analysis revealed significant positive correlations between TrueLearn Quiz %, Exam 1 scores, and Exam 2 scores with ABSITE performance. A 1% increase in Quiz % was associated with a 0.77-point rise in ABSITE scores (95% CI: 0.65, 0.89; p < 0.0001). For Exam 1, each point increase corresponded to a 6.36-point increase in ABSITE scores (95% CI: 5.01, 7.7; p < 0.0001), while Exam 2 scores showed a 3.8-point increase per point (95% CI: 2.74, 4.86; p < 0.0001). Discussion and conclusion Our findings underscore the significant impact of TrueLearn engagement on ABSITE performance, with higher quiz percentages and mock exam scores predictive of better ABSITE outcomes. This suggests that regular use of TrueLearn's educational resources enhances residents' knowledge and exam readiness. These results advocate for the integration of innovative educational tools such as TrueLearn into surgical training programs to optimize study strategies and improve exam performance. However, the study's retrospective design and single-institution focus limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research should explore these relationships in diverse settings and specialties and consider additional factors influencing ABSITE performance. This study highlights the positive association between TrueLearn utilization and ABSITE performance among general surgery residents, emphasizing the importance of innovative educational resources in surgical training. By enhancing engagement with platforms such as TrueLearn, surgical programs can improve residents' readiness for high-stakes examinations, ultimately contributing to the development of proficient surgical practitioners.

Efforts to Prevent and Handle Sexual Violence in Higher Education

This research explains various efforts to prevent and overcome sexual violence in higher education. This research uses normative research methods with a legislative and historical approach and analyzes the problems raised by legal protection theory and legal theory as a social engineering tool. The Chancellor of UIN Sunan Ampel formed a Task Force for the Prevention and Control of Sexual Violence. The Task Force Team is tasked with outreach to work units within the UIN Sunan Ampel environment. The outreach is carried out by holding lectures via Zoom meetings or face-to-face and by making short educational videos about efforts to prevent and handle sexual violence. In addition, it also provides a hotline channel to report acts of sexual violence, providing a space to receive direct reports from victims and assistants them. This effort aligns with the promulgation of Law Number 12 of 2022 concerning Crimes of Sexual Violence. From a progressive legal perspective, legislation is expected to encourage social change in society, especially the environment, in terms of preventing and dealing with sexual violence in higher education environments to create safe university institutions free from sexual violence.

Families in transition (FIT) study protocol: feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effects of a group-based parent training in parents of youth in psychiatric residential treatment

IntroductionAlthough adolescents make treatment gains in psychiatric residential treatment (RT), they experience significant difficulty adapting to the community and often do not sustain treatment gains long term. Their parents are...

Examining Institutional-Level Factors and Campus Climate on Sexual Misconduct Reporting to Title IX Coordinators and in Annual Security Reports

ABSTRACT The present study examines the relationship between institutional-level factors and perceptions of campus climate and rates of sexual misconduct reporting to Title IX coordinators and in Annual Security reports. Data is drawn from public 4-year institutions of higher education (IHEs), community colleges, and independent IHEs in Maryland (n = 42) from 2018 to 2020. Regarding institutional level factors, higher residentiality, higher percentages of graduate students and students supported by Pell grants, and higher rates of alcohol and drug use violations were associated with higher rates of sexual misconduct reporting. On campus climate measures, only higher percentages of students reporting they know whom to contact to report sexual misconduct was associated with increased reporting. Implications for sexual misconduct prevention training and the integration of alcohol and drug use prevention into sexual misconduct prevention education are discussed. Directions for future research are also outlined.

Evaluation of Aonla Varieties for Yield and Quality under Semi-Arid Conditions

This study, conducted at the Horticulture College and Research Institute for Women, Trichy, during 2023, aimed to assess the evaluation of Aonla (Indian gooseberry) under arid zone conditions of Trichy, focusing on yield and quality parameters. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design (RRD) with 5 treatments as varieties and three replication. The varities are BSR 1, Krishna (NA 5), Kanchan (NA 4), NA 7, and Chakaiya. NA 7 is recommended for its high yield potential in limited spaces, aligning with the trend of high-density planting. BSR 1 excels in Total Soluble Solids, while Chakaiya stands out in acidity and ascorbic acid content. These insights guide cultivar selection for sustainable Aonla cultivation in semi-arid regions, crucial for meeting population demands.

Sports Injuries Support: Towards a Proposed Intervention Program for Soccer Training

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between university football students' experiences of sports injuries and rehabilitation support, and the effectiveness of rehabilitation support provided to this group. The study adopted a mixed research method combining quantitative and qualitative methods, and data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The study population consisted of 180 football students from Jiaqing College and Guangzhou Sports Institute. It was found that the students demonstrated high levels of knowledge, preparation, and application of sports injuries, as well as positive attitudes towards all aspects of rehabilitation support (including physical rehabilitation, psychological support, functional recovery, rehabilitation goals and social support). Correlation analyses with the correlation between sports injuries and rehabilitation support showed a significant positive correlation, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation support in dealing with sports injuries.

Voices of Janakpurdham: Student Perspectives on Higher Education

Higher education institutions play a crucial role in shaping the socio-economic and cultural landscape of a region. In the context of Janakpurdham, a historically significant city in Nepal, the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of higher education are vital for the city's progress. This research paper investigates the multifaceted issues and challenges faced by higher education institutions in Janakpurdham and propose strategies for addressing them. Through a comprehensive analysis of data, and literature review, this paper aims to contribute valuable insights to inform policy decisions and enhance the overall higher education landscape in Janakpurdham. This study follows a descriptive and survey research design. The data has been collected by questionnaire method from 160 students of various higher education institutes of different universities. A purposive sampling technique has been used to select respondents. The research findings highlighted the existing disparities in access to higher education, with financial constraints acting as a major barrier. The study revealed diverse perceptions regarding the quality of education and curriculum relevance. The positive feedback regarding alignment with industry demands is encouraging, but efforts must continue to ensure that curriculum evolves to meet changing industry trends and technological advancements. The positive perception of faculty quality and accessibility indicates a solid foundation. The findings of the study can guide policymakers, educators, administrators, and other stakeholders in devising effective strategies to overcome these challenges and enhance the higher education landscape in Janakpurdham.

Effect of Different Spacing Levels on Yield and Yield Contributing Characters in Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)

The experiment titled "Effect of different spacing levels on yield and yield contributing characters in cocoa" was conducted at the Coconut Farm of the Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Utilizing a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments replicated three times, the study aimed to investigate the impact of spacing levels on cocoa yield traits. The treatments involved in the experiment included a double row of cocoa planted between two rows of coconut trees, with spacing configurations as follows: T1 (3m x 1.2m), T2 (3m x 2m), T3 (3m x 2.5m), and T4 (3m x 3m). Additionally, a single row of cocoa between two coconut rows was examined, with spacings represented by T5 (1.5m), T6 (2m), T7 (2.5m), and T8 (3m). Results revealed significant variations among spacing treatments, with cocoa at 3m spacing demonstrating the highest productivity, yielding 43.47 pods per tree and 1021.48 g of dry beans per tree. Noteworthy findings included T1 (3m x 1.2m) exhibiting the longest pods (16.64 cm), T6 (2m) the widest pod girth (21.67 cm), and T8 (3m) producing the heaviest pods (204.50 g). Additionally, T6 yielded the highest total beans per pod (37.34) and dry bean weight (25.44 g), T4 had the heaviest single fresh bean (1.63 g), and T2 demonstrated the highest single dry bean weight (0.70 g). These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing cocoa cultivation practices, emphasizing the importance of spacing configurations in maximizing yield and bean characteristics.

The Impact of Corporate Culture on Education and Training Environment Success

This article tries to counter this gap and to treat the relation which is established between the organizational performance and the corporate culture in the case of the universities of Saudi Arabia through a quantitative survey analysis. The results show that corporate culture is essential within Saudi universities as it can lead to better employee performance in terms of productivity and efficiency. Moral motivation is important in motivating workers and developing their affiliation with a prestigious university or academic institution, which is reflected in the willingness of workers to do their best to serve the university. The results also showed that there is a general desire expressed by employees for their universities to excel and stand out from the rest.

#1723 Genetic landscape of polycystic kidney disease in a Chinese cohort – experience using whole genome sequencing in a tertiary renal unit

Abstract Background and Aims Genetic testing has increasingly been employed to provide definitive diagnoses and prognostic information in patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). We aim to explore the genetic landscape of ADPKD in a Chinese cohort utilizing whole genome sequencing and study its real-world clinical utility. Method From 1st January 2022 to 31st March 2023, we recruited 50 adult Chinese patients who had the clinical diagnosis of ADPKD followed up at Queen Mary Hospital and consented to the study protocol. The study was approved by the University Institution Review Board and local ethics committees. Genomic DNA was isolated from samples obtained from patients per standard protocol. Whole-genome sequencing was performed and analysed through the germline analysis pipeline. Diagnostic analysis was performed per American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) guidelines and ClinGen variant curation expert panel specifications. Diagnostic variants were defined as those classified as ‘pathogenic’ or ‘likely pathogenic’. Potential clinical utility of genetic findings were studied case-by-case based on the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2023 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation, Management and Treatment of ADPKD. Results Among the 50 unrelated probands with ADPKD, half were males and the mean age at presentation was 38. 38% patients had incidental finding of kidney cysts on abdominal imaging performed for unrelated symptoms or health screening, 32% presented for screening due to positive family history and only 30% presented with typical symptoms of ADPKD. Cystic complications were present in 30%, with cyst haemorrhage being the most common, followed by kidney stones, cyst rupture and infection. 80% patients also had liver cysts and none had a history of cerebral aneurysms. The majority of our cohort (72%) had a family history of ADPKD. We identified diagnostic variants in 35 individuals, reaching a diagnostic yield of 70%. Diagnostic variants were identified in PKD1 (20/35), PKD2 (11/35), IFT140 (3/35) and ALG9 (1/35). The majority of diagnostic variants were protein-truncating (32/35), while non-truncating variants consisted of 1 in-frame deletion and 2 missense variants in PKD1. We identified 3 copy number variation:NC_000016.10:g.2110587_2111851del,NC_000016.10:g.2132339_2137621del,NC_000016.10:g.2036427_2101117del. The genetic findings allowed physicians to make definitive diagnosis in 9 patients with negative family history of ADPKD. The genetic findings provided important prognostic information as protein-truncating variants in PKD1 or PKD2 were associated with more severe disease compared to non-truncating variants. For the 3 patients harbouring heterozygous pathogenic variants in IFT140 (NM_014714.4:c.2659G&amp;gt;T, NM_014714.4:c.3780del, NM_014714.4:c.1035_1036del), they demonstrated a milder PKD phenotype with stable kidney function, normal kidneys size and absence of liver cysts 10 years after the diagnosis. The patient with heterozygous likely pathogenic ALG9 variant (NM_024740.2:c.1225del) also had milder PKD phenotype with normal kidney function and normal sized kidneys on USG 5 years after the diagnosis. In another male patient with young hypertension who was classified as Mayo Class 1C according to kidney imaging, identifying the pathogenic protein-truncating variant in PKD1 (NM_001009944.3:c.7288C&amp;gt;T) would render him eligible to tolvaptan treatment in view of the high PROPKD score (7). Furthermore, the genetic findings enabled an earlier diagnosis in a number of family members by cascade testing and genetic results were important to identify suitable living-related kidney donors. Conclusion Genetic testing utilizing whole genome sequencing has multiple clinical utility in ADPKD patients. It could provide a definitive diagnosis in those with atypical presentation or without family history, inform prognosis, guide treatment, determine living-related donor suitability and allow earlier diagnosis in other family members.

Emerging Trends in the Prevalence of Military Medicine Interest Groups and Specialty Tracks at U.S. Medical Schools.

A challenge confronting health care is the national physician shortage, notably impacting the DoD's recruitment of military physicians. To address this, the Health Professions Scholarship Program is annually awarded to medical students to facilitate their transition into the U.S. Armed Forces. There is a glaring absence of military medical education in civilian schools to accommodate the unique interests of these students. While medical schools have adapted with interest groups and specialty tracks, the current presence of military medicine interest groups (MMIGs) and military medicine specialty tracks (MMSTs) remains under-explored. This study aimed to (1) update the prevalence of MMIGs in U.S. medical institutions, (2) identify the presence of MMSTs, and (3) compare military medicine involvement between allopathic and osteopathic programs. The study was approved for exempt status from the Kansas City University Institutional Review Board (study number 20,211,568-1). In a cross-sectional analysis, surveys were sent to 208 U.S. medical schools, with responses from student services or available public data from 200 institutions included in the final analysis. A secondary survey was sent to respondents who provided MMIG or MMST contacts. Results indicated that 62% (n = 124/200) of schools currently have an established MMIG, a modest growth from 56% (n = 70/125) in 2015 (p = .14). MMST prevalence, however, is minimal at 2.5% (5/200). Osteopathic institutions demonstrated a significantly greater engagement in military medicine education (88.7%) compared to allopathic schools (52.4%) (p < .001). This research underscores the need for comprehensive military medical training in medical schools to meet the interests and career aspirations of their students. Future studies should also evaluate the efficacy of MMIGs and MMSTs in preparing students for military medical roles.

Influence of establishment methods and seed coating techniques on the performance of direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Periyar Vaigai command area of Tamil Nadu

Rice is a crucial staple crop cultivated extensively in command areas worldwide. In the command areas, the release of water varies due to the inadequate amount of rainfall in the source area and its proper supply. To combat such situations, direct seeding (DS) methods can be opted for; however, lacunae like excess seeds per drop, scattering of seeds, and intercultural operations like thinning, gap filling, and excess weed growth need a clear refinement to enhance the profitability of rice cultivation. Therefore, a research trial was conducted during 2022-24 at Central Farm, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai, to evolve a suitable direct seeding method. The present investigation was laid out under a split-plot design comprising four main plot treatments and four subplot treatments replicated thrice. The main plot treatments comprised different seeding methods (S) and the subplot treatments comprised different seed coating techniques (P). Based on the experimental results, paper roll seeding and DS + Seed coating @ 2% KNO3 fb Bacillus sp. and Azospirillum (PR + P-KN) combination performed better on establishment with grain (6150 kg/ha) and straw yield (7824 kg/ha) respectively. Regarding the B:C ratio, OS-GP + P-KN resulted in higher with 2.64, closely followed by PR + P-KN with 2.61. The least effect was recorded in the combination of round slots in rice drum seeder and dry seeding (RS + DS). Investigating different techniques of direct seeding and seed coating is essential across various regions, particularly in regulated areas where water discharge remains unpredictable.

Use of the FallAkte Plus System as an IT Infrastructure for the North Rhine-Westphalian General Practice Research Network: Mixed Methods Usability Study.

Primary care research networks can generate important information in the setting where most patients are seen and treated. However, this requires a suitable IT infrastructure (ITI), which the North Rhine-Westphalian general practice research network is looking to implement. This mixed methods research study aims to evaluate (study 1) requirements for an ITI and (study 2) the usability of an IT solution already available on the market, the FallAkte Plus (FA+) system for the North Rhine-Westphalian general practice research network, which comprises 8 primary care university institutes in Germany's largest state. In study 1, a survey was conducted among researchers from the institutes to identify the requirements for a suitable ITI. The questionnaire consisted of standardized questions with open-ended responses. In study 2, a mixed method approach combining a think-aloud approach and a quantitative survey was used to evaluate the usability and acceptance of the FA+ system among 3 user groups: researchers, general practitioners, and practice assistants. Respondents were asked to assess the usability with the validated system usability scale and to test a short questionnaire on vaccination management through FA+. In study 1, five of 8 institutes participated in the requirements survey. A total of 32 user requirements related primarily to study management were identified, including data entry, data storage, and user access management. In study 2, a total of 36 participants (24 researchers and 12 general practitioners or practice assistants) were surveyed in the mixed methods study of an already existing IT solution. The tutorial video and handouts explaining how to use the FA+ system were well received. Researchers, unlike practice personnel, were concerned about data security and data protection regarding the system's emergency feature, which enables access to all patient data. The median overall system usability scale rating was 60 (IQR 33.0-85.0), whereby practice personnel (median 82, IQR 58.0-94.0) assigned higher ratings than researchers (median 44, IQR 14.0-61.5). Users appreciated the option to integrate data from practices and other health care facilities. However, they voted against the use of the FA+ system due to a lack of support for various study formats. Usability assessments vary markedly by professional group and role. In its current stage of development, the FA+ system does not fully meet the requirements for a suitable ITI. Improvements in the user interface, performance, interoperability, security, and advanced features are necessary to make it more effective and user-friendly. Collaborating with end users and incorporating their feedback are crucial for the successful development of any practice network research ITI.

Satisfaction of academics with leadership, creativity, innovation and organisational performance at a university 5.0 work environment

Just like in industries, university and other higher educational institutions are facing novel working contexts arising from their present technological transitions. As a result, known factors that influence organisational success require new assessments to establish how they have been affected by the disruptions. The objectives of this study were to: (1) explore the satisfaction of academics with leadership, creativity, innovation and organisational performance at university 5.0 work environments (2) assess the relationship between transformational leadership and organisational performance within the university 5.0 context and (3) assess the relationship between innovation and organisational performance within the university 5.0 context. To attain the stated objectives, 200 academics from a university that is a leader in the adoption of education 5.0 transitions completed a questionnaire and the data was analysed. The study found that the academics were satisfied with the leadership, creativity, innovation and organisational performance associated with the university 5.0 contexts. It appears that the adoption of university 5.0 practices was favourable for creativity, innovation and performance. Future studies may have to follow comparative designs that factor in the relevance of sector specific mediators in the realisation of innovativeness, creativity and productivity of university 5.0.