5 research outputs found

    College radio as a mechanism for participatory learning: Exploring the scope for online radio based learning among undergraduates

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    This paper explores the prospects of online college radio at Sur College of Applied Sciences, its need among students and the possible scope of its contributions to student learning, engagement and community service. It explores the method of developing a holistic mechanism to capture the possibilities of maximizing learning experience by employing college radio as an educational tool to understand the micro-dynamics and localized necessities that deem it necessary or unnecessary. Through this, it attempts to locate an appropriate mechanism, and targeted use of the college radio in contributing to the learning outcomes and educational experience of the students. The study finds considerable scope for radio based learning at Sur College of Applied Sciences across a range of uses and gratification indicators consistent with the primary objectives of the college. The study discusses the theoretical and practical implications of the findings, and the pedagogical significance of the college radio as an alternative

    College radio as a mechanism for participatory learning: Exploring the scope for online radio based learning among undergraduates

    No full text
    This paper explores the prospects of online college radio at Sur College of Applied Sciences, its need among students and the possible scope of its contributions to student learning, engagement and community service. It explores the method of developing a holistic mechanism to capture the possibilities of maximizing learning experience by employing college radio as an educational tool to understand the micro-dynamics and localized necessities that deem it necessary or unnecessary. Through this, it attempts to locate an appropriate mechanism, and targeted use of the college radio in contributing to the learning outcomes and educational experience of the students. The study finds considerable scope for radio based learning at Sur College of Applied Sciences across a range of uses and gratification indicators consistent with the primary objectives of the college. The study discusses the theoretical and practical implications of the findings, and the pedagogical significance of the college radio as an alternative

    Phenotypic Characterization and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase- and AmpC β-Lactamase-Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria in a Referral Hospital, Saudi Arabia

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    Background. Emergence of pathogenic bacteria carrying β-lactamase-resistant determinants has become a major health problem in the hospital setting. The study aimed to determine antibiotic-resistant patterns and frequency of extended-spectrum β-lactamase- (ESBL-) producing Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) and AmpC β-lactamase-producing GNB. Methodology. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted during a period from September 2017 to August 2018 at King Abdullah Hospital, Bisha Province, Saudi Arabia. GNB (n = 311) were recovered from patients’ clinical specimens including sputum, urine, wound pus, blood, tracheal aspirates and high vaginal swabs, umbilical discharge, eye discharge, and cerebrospinal fluids. Isolates were identified by the Phoenix identification system. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by the Kirby–Bauer disk procedure. Phenotypic characterization of ESBLs and AmpC β-lactamases was performed utilizing the double-disk synergy test and inhibitor-based method, respectively. Associations with outcome measures were determined by simple descriptive statistics and a chi-square test. Results. Out of 311 GNB isolates, the frequency of ESBL and AmpC β-lactamase producers was 84 (27%) and 101 (32.5%), respectively. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli were common ESBL producers. AmpC β-lactamases predominate among Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Coproduction of ESBLs and AmpC β-lactamases was found in 36 (11.6%) isolates, with very close relative frequencies among K. pneumoniae, Acinetobacter spp., and P. aeruginosa. β-Lactamase producers were predominantly found in the surgical department (56.5%) and ICUs (44.2%). ESBL producers revealed high resistance for cefuroxime (96.4%), cefotaxime (92.9%), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (90.5%). The resistance rates were significantly higher among ESBL producers than nonproducers for cephalosporins (p<0.001), amoxicillin/clavulanate (p<0.001), piperacillin/tazobactam (p=0.010), nitrofurantoin (p=0.027), aztreonam (p<0.001), ciprofloxacin (p=0.002), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (p<0.001). Significantly higher (p<0.05) resistance rates were observed among AmpC β-lactamase producers than nonproducers for all tested antibiotics. Conclusions. This finding showed a high prevalence of ESBL- and AmpC β-lactamase-producing GNB in our hospital. Quality control practice and routine detection of β-lactamase producers before deciding on antibiotic therapy are advocated

    Detection and sequencing of rotavirus among sudanese children

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    Introduction: Diarrheal diseases are a big public health problem worldwide, particularly among developing countries. The current study was conducted to detect and characterize group A rotavirus among admitted children with gastroenteritis to the pediatric hospitals, Sudan. Methods: A total of 755 stool samples were collected from Sudanese children with less than 5 years of age presenting with acute gastroenteritis during the period from April to September 2010. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to Detection of Rotavirus antigens. Ribonucleic acid (RNAs) were extracted from rotavirus-positive stool samples using (QIAamp® Viral RNA Mini Kit). (Omniscript® Reverse Transcription kit) was used to convert RNA to complementary Deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA). The cDNAs were used as template for detection of VP4-P (P for Proteasesensitive) and VP7-G (G for Glycoprotein) genotyping of Rotavirus using nested PCR and sequencing. Results: Out of the 755 stool samples from children with acute gastroenteritis, 121 were positive for rotavirus A. Among 24 samples that were sequenced; the VP7 predominant G type was G1 (83.3%), followed by G9 (16.7%). Out of these samples, only one VP4 P[8] genotype was detected. Conclusion: As a conclusion the VP7 predominant G type was G1, followed by G9 whereas only one VP4 genotype was detected and showed similarity to P[8] GenBank strain. It appears that the recently approved rotavirus vaccines in Sudan are well matched to the rotavirus genotypes identified in this study, though more studies are needed
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