Teacher performance characteristics and pupil outcomes within science classrooms in Kuwaiti high schools

No one can deny the wealth of information that has been gained in the last seventy years or so, in relation to what happens in classrooms and about relationships between teachers' behaviours and other variables related to the quality of teaching. The main purpose of this study was to: 1) see how science has been introduced in some Kuwaiti high schools; 2) examine the effects the adopted methods of teaching may have had on Kuwaiti pupils' intellectual outcomes; 3) examine the effects the sex of pupils /teachers may have had on the intellectual attainments of the observed fourth grade high school pupils; 4) assess how pupils perceived their science teachers' behaviours and to compare these perceptions with those of science supervisors, in Kuwait, of these same teachers; 5) examine the effects the sex of pupils/teachers may have had on the perception of pupils to the characteristics of their science teachers6) locate variables related to both the behaviours of the observed science teachers, in their classrooms, and the teacher-pupil classroom interaction variables that affected the achievement of science pupils. Thus this present research is the first comprehensive observational study undertaken of science teaching in Kuwaiti high schools

Health care workers in conflict and post-conflict settings: Systematic mapping of the evidence

Background Health care workers (HCWs) are essential for the delivery of health care services in conflict areas and in rebuilding health systems post-conflict. Objective The aim of this study was to systematically identify and map the published evidence on HCWs in conflict and post-conflict settings. Our ultimate aim is to inform researchers and funders on research gap on this subject and support relevant stakeholders by providing them with a comprehensive resource of evidence about HCWs in conflict and post-conflict settings on a global scale. Methods We conducted a systematic mapping of the literature. We included a wide range of study designs, addressing any type of personnel providing health services in either conflict or post-conflict settings. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the general characteristics of the included papers and built two interactive systematic maps organized by country, study design and theme. Results Out of 13,863 identified citations, we included a total of 474 studies: 304 on conflict settings, 149 on post-conflict settings, and 21 on both conflict and post-conflict settings. For conflict settings, the most studied counties were Iraq (15%), Syria (15%), Israel (10%), and the State of Palestine (9%). The most common types of publication were opinion pieces in conflict settings (39%), and primary studies (33%) in post-conflict settings. In addition, most of the first and corresponding authors were affiliated with countries different from the country focus of the paper. Violence against health workers was the most tackled theme of papers reporting on conflict settings, while workforce performance was the most addressed theme by papers reporting on post-conflict settings. The majority of papers in both conflict and post-conflict settings did not report funding sources (81% and 53%) or conflicts of interest of authors (73% and 62%), and around half of primary studies did not report on ethical approvals (45% and 41%). Conclusions This systematic mapping provides a comprehensive database of evidence about HCWs in conflict and post-conflict settings on a global scale that is often needed to inform policies and strategies on effective workforce planning and management and in reducing emigration. It can also be used to identify evidence for policy-relevant questions, knowledge gaps to direct future primary research, and knowledge clusters

Preferential Solvation Study of the Synthesized Aldose Reductase Inhibitor (SE415) in the {PEG 400 (1) + Water (2)} Cosolvent Mixture and GastroPlus-Based Prediction

This article presents evidence that the binary cosolvent system can be a promising approach for enhanced oral absorption in controlling diabetes mellitus (DM) and associated complications in humans

Hemostasis of Left Atrial Appendage Bleed With Lariat Device

New devices designed for minimally invasive closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) may be a viable alternative for patients in whom anticoagulation is considered high risk. The Lariat (Sentreheart, Redwood City, CA), which is currently FDA-approved for percutaneous closure of tissue, requires both trans-septal puncture and epicardial access. However it requires no anticoagulation after the procedure. Here we describe a case of effusion and tamponade during a Lariat procedure with successful completion of the case and resolution of the effusion

Knowledge management in Islamic and conventional banks in the United Arab Emirates

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the extent that knowledge management (KM) is practiced by Islamic and conventional banks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design/methodology/approach: Following secondary research, structured in-depth, qualitative interviews were conducted with CEOs, senior managers, and department heads of eight banks in the UAE. Findings: Islamic banks in the UAE were found to be relatively more actively engaged in KM than conventional banks. However, both Islamic and conventional banks were found to be focused on knowledge capture, knowledge transfer, and knowledge sharing. Most of the banks in this study could be classified as being in the pre- or early implementation phase of KM. The study found scant knowledge-based marketing taking place in either type of bank. None of the banks was found to have a dedicated knowledge champion (KM Officer). Similarly, none of the banks was identified as possessing a strong organization-wide KM culture. Research limitations/implications: Cultural norms concerning privacy limited willingness to participate and information sharing. Although the sample was small, it was deemed reliable, as participants not only understood the importance of research to the development of the UAE, a country very keen to participate in the knowledge-based economy, but they also held key positions in their banks which allowed them full knowledge of the scope of KM implementation, utilization, and practice in their organizations and they agreed to full disclosure and transparency in their responses. The implication of this research is that best practice in KM can be implemented in banks in the UAE once KM gaps are identified. Originality/value: The banking sector is an important element of the UAE economy. Successful and appropriate implementation of KM practices in UAE banks may buttress the Emirati economy, especially during the current banking crisis. The insight gained from the initial findings of this research can assist KM implementation, utilization, and practice in UAE banks, thereby aiding organizations\u27 learning and the development of a knowledge culture in banks which, in turn, may lead to increased productivity and gains in competitive advantage, growth, and profit. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Management of recurrent mechanical prosthetic tricuspid valve thrombosis in the perioperative period of noncardiac surgery: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Mechanical valves in the tricuspid position may be prone to thrombosis with even brief lapses in anticoagulation. The management of patients with a history of recurrent mechanical tricuspid valve thrombosis who require noncardiac surgery is complex.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 43-year-old Pakistani woman with a mechanical tricuspid valve and a history of multiple episodes of mechanical valve thrombosis presented for noncardiac surgery. After her surgery she was found to have another episode of valve thrombosis and underwent a redo tricuspid valve replacement.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This case brings up the important dilemma that exists when patients with a mechanical tricuspid valve and a history of recurrent valve thrombosis require noncardiac surgery.</p