Integrating student engagement with the DeLone & McLean model to assess the effectiveness of Online Learning System during COVID-19 pandemic

The Coronavirus pandemic has created significant challenges for higher education institutions and rushed them toward the utilization of IT resources to practice online learning as a replacement of the face-to-face classrooms. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the online learning system (OLS) in driving student engagement and generating positive performance impact during the Coronavirus outbreak. A conceptual model is proposed by adopting the D&M model to examine the impact of the OLS overall quality dimensions (system quality, information quality, and service quality) on student’s performance impact and to study the mediating effect of actual use, student satisfaction, and student engagement on this relationship. By depending on a sample of 781stuents at both ungraduated and postgraduate levels enrolled at public universities in Egypt, using a self-administrated online survey to collect the data and SEM-PLS to analyze the data. The results indicate the significance of OLS quality dimensions direct effect on actual use, student satisfaction, student engagement and performance impact. Also, student engagement has the highest direct effect on performance impact and indirectly it enhances the relationship between overall quality dimensions and performance impact. These findings suggest several theoretical and managerial implications which specifically highlight the importance of overall quality and student engagement as determinants of OLS effectiveness

Mediatizing Slum Relocation in Egypt: Between Legitimization and Stigmatization

In Egypt, the relocation of residents of informal areas of housing into “proper” living environments is presented as a major political achievement offering citizens a much-improved quality of life. Therefore, it is not surprising that, following the Arab Uprisings, the current regime is widely publicizing relocation projects as success stories on TV and social media. As a way of garnering legitimization and securing stability, this official representation is reshaping the residents’ urban life and evoking narratives of slum dwellers’ transformation into respected citizens. Tackling a new area of interdisciplinary research between urban studies and media and communication studies, this article investigates the portrayal in mainstream media channels and social media platforms of two relocation projects (Al-Asmarat in Cairo and Al-Max in Alexandria), contrasting them with the residents’ perceptions of their new homes and their efforts to produce counter-imagery. The authors argue that both the state-dominated representation of the Al-Asmarat resettlement as an ideal solution to the crisis of informal settlements, as well as the more bottom-up construction of the Al-Max community as a picturesque fishing community, do not reflect the material experience of the inhabitants—despite it being presented as such in nationwide reporting. The effective centering of the public debate around the mediatized images has thus deflected criticism and enabled urban development projects to be positioned to legitimize the current rule despite the shortcomings of their implementation

Flow behavior and mechanical properties of multi-pass thermomechanically processed 7075 Al-alloy

Research on multi-pass hot processing of 7075 Al-alloy was rarely discussed. This study aims to design and evaluate different thermomechanical processing strategies (TMPS) to produce 3 mm-thick sheets of 7075 Al-alloy. A physical simulation was performed using the hot compression test of a Gleeble 3500 to study flow mechanisms and microstructural evolution, while an experimental investigation was carried out using a rolling mill to examine the effect of TMPS on the mechanical properties. Four hot forming strategies were designed and tested at a constant strain rate of 0.1 s−1 over a temperature range of 200–450 °C. These strategies involved applying a constant amount of deformation of 65–70% in single (SP), double (DP), triple (TP), and quadruple (QP) passes of thermomechanical processing to study the influence of multi-pass thermomechanical processing on the final mechanical properties and industrial feasibility. The microstructure analysis showed a significant refinement and more uniform distribution of precipitates with an increasing number of passes, as observed through optical micrographs and the full width at half maximum (FWHM)-position relationship of XRD data. The results indicate that QP is the optimum strategy for producing the best mechanical properties in the shortest production time

Phenotypic and Molecular Detection of Antiseptic Resistance Genes among Clinical Staphylococcus aureus Isolates During COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has expanded the use of chlorhexidine digluconate, a biocide frequently used in hospitals, to inhibit the spread of infection. Genes responsible for resistance against the quaternary ammonium compound qac in Staphylococcus aureus isolates have been shown to confer tolerance to a number of biocidal chemicals, including chlorhexidine. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of antiseptic resistance genes (qacA/B and qacC) in clinical isolates of methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The study also aimed to investigate the association between the presence of the mecA, qacA/B, and qacC genes in MRSA isolates and the susceptibility of the isolates to chlorhexidine to evaluate its future use in the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI) hospital, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for patients with MRSA. S. aureus isolates (n = 100) were collected from inpatients and outpatients at TBRI. A minimal inhibitory concentration of chlorhexidine was also detected. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mecA, qacA/B, and qacC genes. The results revealed that 84% of S. aureus isolates were MRSA. MRSA (61.9%) and MSSA (68.8%) isolates were susceptible to chlorhexidine. The qacA/B gene was more dominant, being detected in 34%, while qacC was detected in only 5% of S. aureus isolates. All S. aureus isolates with reduced susceptibility to chlorhexidine harbored either the qacA/B or qacC genes. The clinical use of chlorhexidine may continue to increase, emphasizing the significance of continuous caution underlining the emergence of new clones with reduced susceptibility and avoiding antiseptic misuse

Wall panel structure design optimization of a hexagonal satellite

Considering that it satisfies high strength and stiffness at a low weight, the grid structure is the ideal option for meeting the requirements for developing the wall panel structure for the satellite. The most attractive grid structures for the satellite wall panel industry are isogrid and honeycomb structures. The first part of this work involves studying the mechanical and dynamic performance of five designs for the satellite wall panel made of 7075-T0 Al-alloy. These designs include two isogrid structures with different rib widths, two honeycomb structures with different cell wall thicknesses, and a solid structure for comparison. The performance of these designs was evaluated through compression, bending, and vibration testing using both finite element analysis (FEA) with the Ansys workbench and experimental testing. The FEA results are consistent with the experimental ones. The results show that the isogrid structure with a lower rib thickness of 2 mm is the best candidate for manufacturing the satellite wall panel, as this design reveals the best mechanical and dynamic performance. The second part of this work involves studying the influence of the length of the sides of the best isogrid structure in the range of 12 mm–24 mm on its mechanical and dynamic performance to achieve the lowest possible mass while maintaining the structure's integrity. Then, a modified design of skinned wall panels was introduced and dynamically tested using FEA. Finally, a CAD model of a hexagonal satellite prototype using the best-attained design of the wall panel, i.e., the isogrid structure with a 2 mm rib width and 24 mm-long sides, was built and dynamically tested to ensure its safe design against vibration. Then, the satellite prototype was manufactured, assembled, and successfully assessed

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Effect of Hot-Rolling Strategy on the Flow Behavior, Productivity, and Mechanical Performance of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy

This work involves studying the effects of applying various designed hot-rolling strategies, using the uniaxial hot compression regimes of the Gleeble 3500 thermo-mechanical simulator on the microstructure, flow behavior, and productivity of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. These strategies were then practically implemented using a rolling mill to produce finished sheets with a thickness of 3 mm. The tensile properties of these finished Ti-6Al-4V sheets were examined, aiming at attaining the optimum rolling strategy conditions that result in upgrading the mechanical performance of the alloy. The undertaken hot-rolling strategies can be divided into two main groups; both comprise applying a total amount of deformation of 75% at a constant strain rate of 0.1 s−1. The first group, isothermal hot rolling regime (IR), includes three strategies and involves applying the total amount of deformation at constant temperatures, i.e., 900, 800, and 750 °C. The second group, non-isothermal hot rolling regime (NIR), includes three strategies and involves partitioning the total amount of deformation into multi-step deformation at variable temperatures in a range of 900–750 °C. The dynamic flow softening is dominant in all IR strategies after the flow stress attains the peak at a low strain value. Then, dynamic flow softening occurs due to the dynamic recrystallization and α phase spheroidization, while a combination of flow softening and hardening takes place on the different passes of the NIR strategies. The designed hot-rolling strategies result in finished sheets with a fine multimodal microstructure that fructifies different mechanical properties that can be employed for different industrial purposes

Mediatizing Slum Relocation in Egypt: Between Legitimization and Stigmatization

In Egypt, the relocation of residents of informal areas of housing into "proper" living environments is presented as a major political achievement offering citizens a much-improved quality of life. Therefore, it is not surprising that, following the Arab Uprisings, the current regime is widely publicizing relocation projects as success stories on TV and social media. As a way of garnering legitimization and securing stability, this official representation is reshaping the residents' urban life and evoking narratives of slum dwellers' transformation into respected citizens. Tackling a new area of interdisciplinary research between urban studies and media and communication studies, this article investigates the portrayal in mainstream media channels and social media platforms of two relocation projects (Al-Asmarat in Cairo and Al-Max in Alexandria), contrasting them with the residents' perceptions of their new homes and their efforts to produce counter-imagery. The authors argue that both the state-dominated representation of the Al-Asmarat resettlement as an ideal solution to the crisis of informal settlements, as well as the more bottom-up construction of the Al-Max community as a picturesque fishing community, do not reflect the material experience of the inhabitants - despite it being presented as such in nationwide reporting. The effective centering of the public debate around the mediatized images has thus deflected criticism and enabled urban development projects to be positioned to legitimize the current rule despite the shortcomings of their implementation

Role of multimodal advanced biomarkers as potential predictors of cognitive and psychiatric aspects of Parkinson's disease

Abstract Background The value of biomarker research in Parkinson's disease (PD) exists in the early detection and accurate diagnosis of non-motor neuropsychiatric symptoms with implications for future treatment strategies. The aim of the this work was to assess and predict risk for possible cognitive, psychiatric abnormalities in patients with early stage idiopathic PD using a combination of advanced diagnostic biomarkers for early recognition and intervention. Methods This cross-sectional case–control study was conducted on 58 eligible idiopathic PD-patients, and 45 age/sex-matched healthy controls. All participants were subjected to neuro-psychiatric-, radiological-, audiological-, and laboratory-evaluations. Cognitive assessment was performed using Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Mattis Dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease-Cognitive scales. Depression was evaluated by Hamilton Depression and Beck Depression Inventory-II rating scales. Radiologically, volumetric-MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and susceptibility weighted imaging were done. Audiologically, P300 and cortical auditory evoked potentials were elicited. Laboratory investigations included 24 h-urinary 5-HIAA and serum levels of IL6, BDNF, 5-HT, and aberrant cimiRNA 132-3p expression profile. Results Neuropsychological scales revealed mild depression and mild cognitive impairment, with significant differences in PD group. Volumetric-MRI highlighted that PD-patients had a significant bilateral decrease in the mean cortical thickness and thickness/volume of many brain areas. DTI showed a reduction in fractional isotropy and a significant bilateral increase in mean diffusivity through many areas in PD-patients. Patients also had either absent or diminished amplitude of P300,P1, diminished amplitude of N1,P2,N2 and delayed latency of all previous waves. There was a significant reduction of 24 h-urinary 5-HIAA and serum BDNF, with significant elevation of serum IL6, as well as non-significant reduction of serum 5-HT and microRNA-132-3p(2-ΔCt) in PD-patients. Conclusions Early stage PD-patients had subtle cognitive impairment and depression as detected by psychometric scales and correlated significantly with the various biomarkers, including advanced neuro-imaging, evoked potential studies, and laboratory markers. The key message of this work include evaluating the high prevalence of cognitive and psychiatric impairment in early idiopathic PD has encouraged research and workup for precision medicine. Proper integration of advanced multimodal biomarkers in this study has led to predict the risk of early mild cognitive and psychiaric affection. This will optimize the health strategies for early proper management to improve quality of life