Instructors’ Digital Competencies for Innovative Learning: Human Resource Management Perspectives

Purpose: This paper reviews related literature, including models and frameworks that focus on the skills of the digital instructor in the innovative learning environment. The study also tries to identify, key areas and missing factors, and thus locate digital skills and future avenues for education and satisfy the needs of digital-age learners.   Theoretical framework: Information technology will  have  a  significant  impact  on education  if  operated  properly  by  competent  and  capable  instructors. The accelerated application and investment in technology have altered education, and instructors play a crucial role in the transition to 21st-century learning standards and methods. This is especially important because the future will be dominated by artificial intelligence (AI), advanced technology, and automation, which will require the next generation of employees to be tech-savvy. Therefore, this study will locate digital skills for instructors and provide recommendations and a road map that support both the advanced technological tools and the new innovative learning strategies in the context of human resource management.   Design/Methodology/Approach: The researchers took a literature review as a method to determine the current situation, success factors of online learning, instructors’ skills in the context of HRM. In addition, a qualitative analysis was conducted in the form of a focus group discussion, to spotlights on issues related to instructors needs to practice their roles in the e-learning environment.   Findings: The results of this study have provided evidence that instructors' proficiency in IT “Digital Instructors” will transform teaching and learning to satisfy the 4th industrial revolution which is based on digital skills and contribute to the digital economy.   Originality/Value: The results of this  study  are  expected  to  be  useful  input  for policymakers in education  to  be  more  courageous in  making  decisions  when  investing  in  IT resources and human resources “Instructors” in order to create superior and competitive teaching and learning environment.  A framework is proposed in this study with consideration of HRM issues that will work effectively to enhance the role of digital education in society and contribute to the development of the educational process

Can COVID 19 present like appendicitis?

Coronavirus disease -19 is a novel pandemic contagious respiratory infection that frequently presents with fever and dry cough. However, it can present with other rare symptoms. As this disease is a new disease, the full picture of the disease presentation is not yet clear, and it might present with symptoms and signs of other common diseases. Here, we report a 40 year old female who presented with acute onset nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and vague abdominal pain as a clinical picture of appendicitis, but her CT abdomen image showed normal appendix, bilateral patchy peripheral lung basal consolidation, and ground-glass attenuation, so she was tested for coronavirus disease-19, which was positive

Perceptions of Online Learning Among Instructors: How to Maximize Instructors’ Competencies in Virtual and Blended Learning

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate instructors' perceptions of e-learning at the Public Authority For Applied Education and Training (PAAET) in Kuwait. It sheds light on the effectiveness of Ms-Teams as a learning management tool used by instructors and students. The outcome of the study will help to introduce guidelines for enhancing the role of instructors in virtual and blended learning. . Theoretical framework: Information technology will change education if used properly by skilled teachers. Technology's rapid adoption and investment have changed education, and instructors are crucial to 21st-century learning standards and methods. Because AI, advanced technology, and automation will rule the future, the next generation of workers must be tech-savvy. This study will identify instructors' digital skills and provide recommendations and a road map to support advanced technological tools and new innovative learning strategies in human resource management.   Design/Methodology/Approach: The research used both qualitative and quantitative methods. A focus group session was conducted to investigate further, and the results of the session helped shape a survey questionnaire that was distributed to 161 instructors at PAAET. The survey aimed to identify the challenges and opportunities presented by online learning.   Findings: Instructors have a positive view of online learning and Ms Teams as a learning management. The study also found some obstacles to online learning platform implementation. These issues include poor helpdesk support, training, management motivation, and electronic educational resources. These obstacles must be overcome for PAAET to adopt a learning system that improves academic performance. No significant gender differences in instructors' perceptions are found.   Originality/Value: This study should help education policymakers be more brave when investing in IT and human resources "Instructors" to create a better and more competitive teaching and learning environment. This study proposes an HRM-based framework to improve digital instructors and the educational process

Physiological Interactions Of Calcium And Vitamin D In Colon

This study aimed to review the literature about possible physiological interactions of calcium and vitamin D in colon. Previous studies have indicated to protective effects of vitamin D and calcium in case of colon cancers. We wanted to check the physiological effects of both of vitamin D and calcium, and either of each of them alone. We suggested effects of metabolism through induction of changes in the levels of various biomarkers that have influences in carcinogenesis including p53, heat shock proteins, iNOS and WT1 gene

Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers in a non-COVID-19 teaching university hospital

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the published reports on COVID-19 emphasized that health care workers (HCWs) get infected more than the general population representing one of the most vulnerable groups. However, that the real percentage of HCWs infected by SARS-CoV-2 in Egypt remains unknown. The researchers conducted the current study to assess seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG among HCWs working in a hospital with no SARS-CoV-2 patients, and to identify the potential factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositivity.Design and Methods: The current study is a cross-sectional study carried out among 455 HCWs at Cairo University Hospital. The researchers administered a questionnaire shortly before the SARS-CoV-2 rapid test is performed using closed-ended question format to obtain information on demographic data of the study participants including age, sex, specialty, clinical information including questions about medical conditions, and. history of previous exposure with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, and history of COVID-19- compatible symptoms during the previous 14 days (cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, shortness of breath, fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, anosmia, ageusia, and chills). Results: We screened 455 HCWs for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, 31.4% were in the high-risk group, and 68.6% in the low-risk group. The overall IgG seroprevalence was 36 (7.9%) (95% CI 5.8 to 10.8). The IgG seroprevalence was significantly higher in low-risk group 11% (35/312) versus high-risk group 0.7% (1/143), p<0.001. Conclusions: Low seropositivity rates for SARS-CoV-2 among HCWs is suggestive of lack of immunity and we are still far from herd immunity

Past, Present, and Future Perspectives on the Systemic Therapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) — A Comprehensive Review

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most frequent cancer, the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and the first leading cause of death in patients with cirrhosis. Management of primary locally advanced, inoperable, recurrent or metastatic HCC is very challenging and continues to be a topic of controversy. Herein, we shed light on the past, present, and future perspectives on the systemic therapy (hormonal therapy, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and novel molecularly targeted therapy) for management of patients with advanced HCC

Benchmarking the outsourcing factors of third-party logistics services selection: analysing influential strength and building a sustainable decision model

Purpose: Outsourcings always affect crucial supply chain functions concerning flexibility and cost. During the decision to outsource and consider third-party logistics service (3PLs) provider selection, decision-makers need to pay more attention to certain critical outsourcing factors such as coordination, integration and cooperation as these key factors are essential to improve overall supply chain performance. The main purpose of this work is to identify the inter-relations among outsourcing decision factors to highlight the most important and influential factors that should be considered and carefully thought through when making outsourcing sustainable decisions. Methodology: A two-phased methodology has been used in this study. In the first phase, outsourcing decision factors are identified from existing literature and validated by decision-makers from industry and academia. To understand the influential strength and build a sustainable model, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method is employed. A courier company in the United Arab Emirates is considered for implementation. Findings: All identified and validated factors are segregated into two categories (cause and effect). The result shows that the most influential factors are; developing strategic alliances, uncertainty and risk mitigation and deficiency of internal resources for a service. Practical implications: There are several insights for industry managers and practitioners. The results of the study may help practitioners and logistics managers to make the logistics service sustainable and more efficient for businesses. Originality/value: The originality of the study is that this study focuses on a courier company to understand the interdependencies among outsourcing decision factors; this is unique in this field of literature

EFFECTS OF IRRIGATION WITH TREATED WASTEWATER ON THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF WHITE CORN

In order to investigate the effects of applying treated waste water as a source of irrigation on both physical properties and chemical composition of white corn, this study was conducted at a land in the neighborhood of Gaza Waste Water Treatment Plant (GWWTP). The land was divided into three groups of cells; each group was irrigated with one water type. The Irrigation types were: (1) Irrigation with Tap water (TW) The control, (2) Irrigation with Treated Waste Water (TWW) and (3) Alternating Irrigation with both TW and TWW. The results indicated that the second set, as compared to the control, had not recorded significant difference in the physical properties, whereas the third set had recorded lower physical properties and had seen significant difference. On the other hand, the chemical analyses demonstrated high increase in concentration of each of TKN, TP and K in plant’s leaves of the second set. Keywords: Municipal Waste Water, Reuse, Corn, Drip Irrigation, Agriculture, Gaza

Implementation Of Intervention Program For Controlling Glucose Level Among ICU Patients

Introduction: Hyperglycemia and insulin resistance are common in critically ill patients, even if they have not previously had diabetes, and the risk of mortality or significant morbidity is high among those who are treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) for more than 5 days. Study objectives: To assess the effect of glucose management protocol on mortality and morbidity in a heterogeneous population of critically ill adult patients. Methods and materials: Study design: A randomized controlled trial. Study setting: Intensive care unit (ICU) for adult patients at King Hussein Medical Center, the Royal Medical Services. Study sample: A total of 50 patients were included in this study and assigned randomly into two groups, control group (N=25), and intervention group (N=25). Study protocol: The intervention group subjects were to undergo a glucose control protocol with insulin infusion titrated to maintain blood glucose level in a target range of 120-160 mg/dL; except septic patients, in whom the target was higher, 160- 180 mg/dL. Patients in the second group (control group) were treated by a conventional approach with reduction of blood glucose level only if the level was markedly elevated (>200 mg/dL) to maintain blood glucose level in a target range of 180-200 mg/dL Study findings: Although the difference in mortality between the two treatment groups was not significant at 28 days (p=0.370) and at 60 days (p=0.555), but it was to be considered for further improvements. No significant increase in hypoglycemia episodes was reported in our blood glucose level target. There was no significant difference in the development of new organ failure, new renal insufficiency, number of patients undergoing transfusion of packed red blood cells, use of antibiotics for more than 10 days, length of stay in the ICU and length of stay in the hospital. It was noticed that the rates of positive blood cultures were lower in the interventional group (8%) than in the control group (32), (p=0.068). Conclusion: The glucose management protocol resulted in significantly improved glycemic control and was not associated with increased rate of death or hypoglycemia

Management of ankle fractures in diabetic patients: case series of seven patients

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of retrograde intramedullary nailing with antibiotic-impregnated cement in the management of ankle fractures in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy, focusing on postoperative outcomes. Methods: This study included seven diabetic patients with traumatic ankle fractures and peripheral neuropathy. Postoperative data collection was performed, focusing on evaluating fracture healing through radiographic evidence, time to achieve full weight-bearing, and any complications, including infection, wound dehiscence, or the need for additional surgical intervention. Results: Regarding postoperative complications, among seven diabetic patients with ankle fractures, only one patient developed a medial foot ulcer. Four patients achieved full weight-bearing without pain within five months, and no cases of delayed union, malunion, or nonunion were recorded. Conclusions: Orthopedic surgeons face challenges treating ankle fractures in diabetic patients due to high morbidity and mortality rates. Our case series demonstrated that the minimally invasive tibiotalocalcaneal option may reduce infection risk and require fewer operations, with only one postoperative complication and no intraoperative issues. Level of evidence: IV, Case serie