Comparative Analysis of Distance Learning and Traditional Instructional Delivery Methodologies in Selected Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Graduate Courses

A causal-comparative study that evaluated the qualitative and quantitative data for selected Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University graduate courses in both the distance learning and traditional classroom delivery methods. The population for this study was made up of two segments. The first segment consisted of all students that completed a particular Master of Aeronautical Science course through distance learning, with the instructor that developed the course. The second segment consisted of all students that completed a particular Master of Aeronautical Science course in the classroom environment with the instructor that developed the course for distance learning presentation. The primary instrument for this analysis was the grade reports provided by professors. The grade reports were analyzed to determine if any significant difference in outcomes existed between the distance learning and traditional classroom method students. The two-tailed t test of significance was administered to the quantitative data. This method of analysis provided statistical data to evaluate the hypothesis that no significant difference exists

Relationship Of Student Satisfaction Levels In Distance Learning And Traditional Classroom Environments at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Unviersity

The purpose of this study was to determine (a) what differences, if any, exist between Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) students enrolled in distance learning and traditional courses during 2004 with regard to their satisfaction with course quality and (b) the level of satisfaction of distance learning students with regard to online delivery technology and administrative services provided to them in distance learning. Data were gathered using information from 400 distance learning undergraduate students using the Distance Learning Student Response Questionnaire (DLSRQ) and 400 traditional undergraduate students using the Student Survey Form (SSF). These students were enrolled in at least one of the four courses selected from the general education competency areas of Communications, Mathematics, Humanities, and Social Sciences during 2004. It was concluded that distance learning and traditional classroom students experienced a high level of satisfaction in regard to almost all aspects of course quality. It was also determined that there was very little difference in the levels of satisfaction between the two groups. Unlike traditional classroom students, distance learning students did not express a high level of satisfaction with the timeliness of instructor feedback. They did, however, express a high level of satisfaction with online delivery technology and administrative services. Implications and recommendations addressed a mentoring program, expanded quality control and professional development initiatives. Recommendations for future research were also offered

The Management Of Testing In Distance Learning Environments

In 2004 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University transitioned from proctored examinations for distance learning courses to online examinations that are not proctored. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a significant difference in the midterm and final examination grades between proctored and non-proctored online examinations. Three courses, MGMT 311, MGMT 210 and ASCI 254, were selected for the study,. The study found that there was a significant increase in the mean scores between the midterm and final examinations. What this study did not examine was the impact of the overall course grades. This needs to be considered in future studies.&nbsp

Prognostic model to predict postoperative acute kidney injury in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery based on a national prospective observational cohort study.

Background: Acute illness, existing co-morbidities and surgical stress response can all contribute to postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery. The aim of this study was prospectively to develop a pragmatic prognostic model to stratify patients according to risk of developing AKI after major gastrointestinal surgery. Methods: This prospective multicentre cohort study included consecutive adults undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection, liver resection or stoma reversal in 2-week blocks over a continuous 3-month period. The primary outcome was the rate of AKI within 7 days of surgery. Bootstrap stability was used to select clinically plausible risk factors into the model. Internal model validation was carried out by bootstrap validation. Results: A total of 4544 patients were included across 173 centres in the UK and Ireland. The overall rate of AKI was 14·2 per cent (646 of 4544) and the 30-day mortality rate was 1·8 per cent (84 of 4544). Stage 1 AKI was significantly associated with 30-day mortality (unadjusted odds ratio 7·61, 95 per cent c.i. 4·49 to 12·90; P < 0·001), with increasing odds of death with each AKI stage. Six variables were selected for inclusion in the prognostic model: age, sex, ASA grade, preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate, planned open surgery and preoperative use of either an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker. Internal validation demonstrated good model discrimination (c-statistic 0·65). Discussion: Following major gastrointestinal surgery, AKI occurred in one in seven patients. This preoperative prognostic model identified patients at high risk of postoperative AKI. Validation in an independent data set is required to ensure generalizability

Ecological impacts of an invasive predator are mediated by the reproductive cycle

Predicting the ecological impacts of invasive species is impeded by context-dependencies that can mediate the strength of trophic interactions. Reproductive status is a pervasive context across trophic and taxonomic groups, yet has mostly been neglected in studies of invader impact. The present study examines the influence of the reproductive cycle on predatory impacts of a known damaging invasive freshwater crustacean, Gammarus pulex (Amphipoda), using a comparative functional response approach. Across females that were non-ovigerous, or had immature- or mature-stage embryonic broods, all G. pulex exhibited potentially prey destabilising Type II functional responses towards chironomid larvae. Attack rates were highest by immature embryonic brood stages, and significantly lower by mature embryonic brood stages. Conversely, handling times were consistently lower, and hence maximum feeding rates higher, where broods were present as compared to absent. These predatory patterns may reflect changing resource demands for progeny development across the reproductive cycle, the influence of brood bulk, female moult stage and/or motivational aspects of feeding, such as avoidance of filial cannibalism. Accordingly, many aspects of reproduction may alter the intensity of predatory impacts by invasive species. Future studies considering invader impacts should consider the influence of sex and reproductive status to more holistically quantify and predict population-level invader impacts

Diagnostic dilemmas of mechanical restriction of the medial rectus: A case report

Background Due to the proximity of the maxillary sinus and ethmoid sinuses to the orbit, inflammatory processes that originate in the sinonasal region have the potential to extend into the orbit. Objective We presented a case of ptosis and restrictive strabismus of the medial rectus muscle. Methods A case report with a literature review of possible diagnoses. Results Biopsy, imaging, and laboratory evaluation by otolaryngology, ophthalmology, and rheumatology services were unable to identify the cause of the fibrosis after 22 months of follow-up. A response to oral steroids indicated an inflammatory process. Conclusion Unilateral mechanical restriction of the medial rectus muscle is a rare complication of nasal disease. Inflammatory processes and iatrogenic injury are known to cause fibrosis of surrounding tissue. We presented a unique case of medial rectus fibrosis that did not meet the diagnostic criteria of recognized etiologies

Stability of Monkeypox Virus in Body Fluids and Wastewater

An outbreak of human mpox infection in nonendemic countries appears to have been driven largely by transmission through body fluids or skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. We evaluated the stability of monkeypox virus (MPXV) in different environments and specific body fluids and tested the effectiveness of decontamination methodologies. MPXV decayed faster at higher temperatures, and rates varied considerably depending on the medium in which virus was suspended, both in solution and on surfaces. More proteinaceous fluids supported greater persistence. Chlorination was an effective decontamination technique, but only at higher concentrations. Wastewater was more difficult to decontaminate than plain deionized water; testing for infectious MPXV could be a helpful addition to PCR-based wastewater surveillance when high levels of viral DNA are detected. Our findings suggest that, because virus stability is sufficient to support environmental MPXV transmission in healthcare settings, exposure and dose-response will be limiting factors for those transmission routes