15 research outputs found
Teaching Competency in the Digital Era in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines
This study investigated the challenges of teaching in the digital environment and identified digital competency among lecturers in higher learning institutions in the digital era. The survey was carried out from April to September 2022 with 155 valid responses among 200 lecturers, 77.5% response rate from private and public higher learning institutions from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. PLS-SEM was used to analyse the survey results and hypothesis testing was conducted through bootstrapping. Among the seven hypotheses proposed, six were accepted and one was rejected, which was the development of digital learning resources towards competency teaching in the digital era.
Keywords: teaching competency, digital era, higher learning institutions, PLS-SEM
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI
Teaching Competency in the Digital Era in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines
This study investigated the challenges of teaching in the digital environment and identified digital competency among lecturers in higher learning institutions in the digital era. The survey was carried out from April to September 2022 with 155 valid responses among 200 lecturers, 77.5% response rate from private and public higher learning institutions from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. PLS-SEM was used to analyse the survey results and hypothesis testing was conducted through bootstrapping. Among the seven hypotheses proposed, six were accepted and one was rejected, which was the development of digital learning resources towards competency teaching in the digital era
Satisfaction with and Challenges of Bank Remittance in Student Payments in the Philippines
The education sector is one of many that has been affected by the digitization of payments and administrative processes. The study used a descriptive survey method to analyze the student payment process, focusing on the stakeholders’ preferences, satisfaction, and challenges with bank remittance. The respondents included 422 undergraduate and graduate students, 13 parents, and 18 personnel in one University in the Philippines. The vast majority of respondents (63.68 percent – 95.86 percent) were aware of the university’s cash payments, online fund transfers through banks, over-the-counter bank deposits, bill payments through banks, GCash, Paygate. Except for GCash, only 50% or less were aware that payments could be made through Remittance Centers and e-wallets. Payment preferences were influenced by the respondents’ awareness on and the security, ease of use, and accessibility of payment platforms, resulting in a moderate level of satisfaction with the payment process. The study revealed that the student payment process requires improvement because the mode of bank remittances permitted by the University is not suited for immediate payment verification. There is a need to increase the number of bank partnerships that allow for the integration of the University’s software facility for bill payment. In some areas, students do not have access to banks or bill payment services. E-wallet or digital wallet applications such as GCash can be used to pay University fees
Esputo induzido nas doenças pulmonares intersticiais â Um estudo piloto
Resumo: Introdução: A indução de esputo com soro hipertónico tem sido apontada como uma alternativa, mais económica e segura, ao lavado broncoalveolar na avaliação de doentes com doença pulmonar intersticial (DPI). Objetivo: Avaliar a segurança e a exequibilidade do esputo induzido nas DPI e comparar os perfis celulares do estudo com os resultados obtidos por lavado broncoalveolar. Material e métodos: Vinte doentes realizaram indução de esputo com soro hipertónico (4,5%) num intervalo de 2 semanas após a realização de lavado broncoalveolar. Foram analisadas as contagens diferenciais e a viabilidade celular. Para a análise foram utilizados os testes de Wilcoxon e a correlação de Spearman's e um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: Dos 20 sujeitos estudados (média de idade 49,4 ± 16,4 anos, 70% do sexo masculino), foi obtida uma amostra satisfatória de esputo em 15 (75%). A indução foi interrompida num doente, devido a uma queda significativa do PEF. Os perfis celulares obtidos do esputo induzido e do lavado broncoalveolar foram distintos (p < 0,05), com exceção dos eosinófilos, e não se verificaram correlações estatisticamente significativas entre os 2 métodos. Comparando os resultados do esputo com os valores de referência, verificou-se um aumento de linfócitos (3,2 vs. 0,5%) e eosinófilos (1,4 vs. 0,0%). Quando se compararam os resultados do esputo dos doentes com sarcoidose e pneumonite de hipersensibilidade, ambos os grupos apresentaram um aumento de linfócitos (4,4 vs. 3,9%) e a contagem de neutrófilos estava significativamente aumentada na pneumonite de hipersensibilidade (65,4 vs. 10,6%; p < 0,05), achado também presente no lavado. Conclusão: O esputo induzido é um método seguro e exequÃvel nas DPI. Embora as contagens celulares obtidas não se correlacionem com as do lavado, os perfis celulares do esputo podem ajudar na distinção das diferentes DPI. Abstract: Introduction: Induced sputum with hypertonic saline has been suggested as a safer and cheaper alternative to bronchoalveolar lavage for evaluation of patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Objective: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of sputum induction in ILD and to compare sputum cellular profiles with paired bronchoalveolar lavage fluid results. Material and methods: Twenty patients underwent sputum induction with 4.5% saline within 2 weeks of bronchoalveolar lavage. Total, differential cell counts and cellular viability were assessed. Wilcoxon test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used and a p<0,05 was considered statistically significant. Results: From a total of 20 subjects (mean age 49.4 ± 16.4 years, 70% male) a satisfactory sputum sample was obtained in 15 subjects (75%). Induction was stopped in one subject, due to a significant decrease in PEF. The cell profiles for induced sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were different (P <.05), except for eosinophils, and there were no significant correlations between the two methods. Compared to sputum reference values there was an increase of lymphocytes (3.2% vs 0.5%) and eosinophils (1.4% vs 0.0%). Comparing sarcoidosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis sputum, both diseases had an increase in lymphocytes (4.4 vs 3.9%), with a significant higher neutrophil count in hypersensitivity pneumonitis (65.4% vs 10.6% P <0.05), a finding also seen in BALF. Conclusion: Induced sputum is feasible and safe in interstitial lung diseases. Although sputum cellular counts are not correlated with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, sputum cellular profiles may help to distinguish different ILD. Palavras-chave: Esputo induzido, Doenças pulmonares intersticiais, Sarcoidose, Pneumonite de hipersensibilidade, Lavado broncoalveolar, Keywords: Induced sputum, Interstitial lung disease, Sarcoidosis, Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, Bronchoalveolar lavage flui
Induced sputum in interstitial lung diseases â A pilot study
Introduction: Induced sputum with hypertonic saline has been suggested as a safer and cheaper alternative to bronchoalveolar lavage for evaluation of patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Objective: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of sputum induction in ILD and to compare sputum cellular profiles with paired bronchoalveolar lavage fluid results. Materials and methods: Twenty patients underwent sputum induction with 4.5% saline within 2 weeks of bronchoalveolar lavage. Total, differential cell counts and cellular viability were assessed. Wilcoxon test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used and a p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: From a total of 20 subjects (mean age 49.4 ± 16.4 years, 70% male) a satisfactory sputum sample was obtained in 15 subjects (75%). Induction was stopped in one subject, due to a significant decrease in PEF. The cell profiles for induced sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were different (p < 0.05), except for eosinophils, and there were no significant correlations between the two methods. Compared to sputum reference values there was an increase of lymphocytes (3.2% vs 0.5%) and eosinophils (1.4% vs 0.0%). Comparing sarcoidosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis sputum, both diseases had an increase in lymphocytes (4.4 vs 3.9%), with a significant higher neutrophil count in hypersensitivity pneumonitis (65.4% vs 10.6% p < 0.05), a finding also seen in BALF. Conclusion: Induced sputum is feasible and safe in interstitial lung diseases. Although sputum cellular counts are not correlated with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, sputum cellular profiles may help to distinguish different ILD. Resumo: Introdução: A indução de esputo com soro hipertónico tem sido apontada como uma alternativa, mais económica e segura, ao lavado broncoalveolar na avaliação de doentes com doença pulmonar intersticial (DPI). Objetivo: Avaliar a segurança e a exequibilidade do esputo induzido nas DPI e comparar os perfis celulares do estudo com os resultados obtidos por lavado broncoalveolar. Material e métodos: Vinte doentes realizaram indução de esputo com soro hipertónico (4,5%) num intervalo de 2 semanas após a realização de lavado broncoalveolar. Foram analisadas as contagens diferenciais e a viabilidade celular. Para a análise foram utilizados os testes de Wilcoxon e a correlação de Spearman's e um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: Dos 20 sujeitos estudados (média de idade 49,4 ± 16,4 anos, 70% do sexo masculino), foi obtida uma amostra satisfatória de esputo em 15 (75%). A indução foi interrompida num doente, devido a uma queda significativa do PEF. Os perfis celulares obtidos do esputo induzido e do lavado broncoalveolar foram distintos (p < 0,05), com exceção dos eosinófilos, e não se verificaram correlações estatisticamente significativas entre os 2 métodos. Comparando os resultados do esputo com os valores de referência, verificou-se um aumento de linfócitos (3,2 vs. 0,5%) e eosinófilos (1,4 vs. 0,0%). Quando se compararam os resultados do esputo dos doentes com sarcoidose e pneumonite de hipersensibilidade, ambos os grupos apresentaram um aumento de linfócitos (4,4 vs. 3,9%) e a contagem de neutrófilos estava significativamente aumentada na pneumonite de hipersensibilidade (65,4 vs. 10,6%; p < 0,05), achado também presente no lavado. Conclusão: O esputo induzido é um método seguro e exequÃvel nas DPI. Embora as contagens celulares obtidas não se correlacionem com as do lavado, os perfis celulares do esputo podem ajudar na distinção das diferentes DPI. Keywords: Induced sputum, Interstitial lung disease, Sarcoidosis, Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, Palavras-chave: Esputo induzido, Doenças pulmonares intersticiais, Sarcoidose, Pneumonite de hipersensibilidade, Lavado broncoalveola
Differential responses of adiposity, inflammation and autonomic function to aerobic versus resistance training in older adults
Background: Increased body fat, autonomic dysfunction and low-grade chronic inflammation are interrelated risk factors implicated in the etiology of several chronic conditions normally presented by older adults. Objective: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of different training protocols on reducing body fat, improving autonomic function, and decreasing low-grade systemic inflammation in community-dwelling elderly adults. Methods: Fifty participants (11 men, 68. ±. 5.5. years) were randomly allocated into resistance or aerobic training or control groups. Evaluations were done at baseline and following the 8-month intervention period on their body composition (assessed by DXA), inflammatory biomarkers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP], tumor necrosis-alpha [TNF-. α], interferon-gamma [IFN-γ], interleukins-6 and -10 [IL-6, IL-10]), lipoproteic profile, fasting glycemia, blood pressure, heart rate variability (HRV; frequency and time domains) and aerobic fitness (assessed by six-minute walk distance [6MWD]). A paired t-test was used to detect changes (%δ. =. [(post-test score. -. pretest score). /. pre-test score]. ×. 100) within groups, while between-group differences were analyzed using the one-way ANOVA or General Linear Models. Results: A significant change (δ%) both in total (-. 5.4. ±. 6.3% and -. 3.3. ±. 2.9%, respectively) and central body fat (8.9. ±. 11.3% and -. 4.8. ±. 4.5%) was observed in resistance and aerobic training groups, respectively; along with a change in resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures (-. 9.2. ±. 9.8% and -. 8.5. ±. 9.6%), heart rate (-. 4.6. ±. 6.5%), hs-CRP (-. 18.6. ±. 60.6%), and 6MWD (9.5. ±. 6.9%) in response to aerobic training. Conclusions: The present findings provide further evidence for the benefits of aerobic and resistance training on reducing body fat. Aerobic training was demonstrated to reduce hs-CRP and blood pressure in community-dwelling elderly participants with no serious medical conditions. © 2013 Elsevier Inc
Suberose e doença dos criadores de aves: estudo comparativo do perfil radiológico, funcional e do lavado broncoalveolar
RESUMO: A alveolite alérgica extrÃnseca (AAE) é uma doença intersticial pulmonar de mediação imunológica, resultando da inalação repetida de vários agentes ambientais. Tem sido descrita heterogeneidade da apresentação clÃnica e do perfil do lÃquido de lavagem broncoalveolar (LLBA), possivelmente relacionada com diferentes exposições ocupacionais.O objectivo deste trabalho foi comparar as caracterÃsticas clÃnicas, funcionais, radiológicas e do LLBA de duas das mais frequentes AAE no nosso paÃs: a suberose e a doença de criadores de aves (DCA).Foram estudados 81 doentes com suberose, com média de idades de 38,8±11,3 anos e exposição média de 20,0±10,5 anos e 32 doentes com DCA, com uma média de idades de 46,3±11,8 anos e exposição média de 10,5±1,0 anos.Os doentes com DCA apresentavam mais formas agudas, enquanto as formas subagudas e crónicas predominaram na suberose. A sÃndroma ventilatória restritiva foi o padrão funcional mais frequente, sendo mais severo na DCA. As opacidades em âvidro despolidoâ foram o padrão mais frequentemente encontrado na tomografia axial computorizada de alta resolução. A normalidade da radiografia de tórax foi mais frequentemente observada na suberose. Ambos os tipos de AAE tinham alveolite linfocÃtica no LLBA: suberose â 6,6±5,7 x 105 ml-1 células, 58,8±18,9% linfócitos; DCA â 9,0±6,5 x 105 ml-1 células, 61,7±22,2% linfócitos. Apesar de os linfócitos CD8+ do LLBA predominarem em ambas doenças, a percentagem de células CD4+ e a relação CD4/CD8 eram significativamente mais elevadas na DCA (suberose: 0,47±0,33 versus BFD: 1,1±1,5; p <0.005). Para além disso, a celularidade do LLBA e o número de mastócitos eram também significativamente mais elevados na DCA.Em conclusão, a suberose e a doença de criadores de aves são AAE com diferentes perfis clÃnicos e laboratoriais, sugerindo que, apesar das suas semelhanças fisiopatológicas, diferentes exposições antigénicas podem causar uma diferente dinâmica da resposta imune/inflamatória do pulmão.REV PORT PNEUMOL 2004; X (1): 63-75 ABSTRACT: Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis (EAA) is an immunologically mediated interstitial lung disease that may result from repeated inhalation of many different environmental agents. Heterogeneity of the clinical presentation and bronchoalveolar lavage profiles has been described, possibly related to different occupational exposures. The aim of our study was to compare bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), clinical, functional and radiological characteristics of the two most frequent forms of EAA seen in our practice: Suberosis and Bird Fancierâs Disease (BFD).We included 81 patients with Suberosis, with a mean age of 38.8±11.3 years and a mean exposure of 20.0±10.5 years and 32 patients with BFD, with a mean age of 46.3±11.8 years and mean exposure of 10.5±1.0 years.Patients with BFD had more acute forms, while subacute and chronic presentations predominated in Suberosis. Restrictive defect was the most frequent pattern of lung function impairment, and more severe in BFD. Ground glass opacities were the most frequent pattern in high-resolution computed tomography. A normal chest x-ray was more frequently seen in Suberosis. Both types of EAA had lymphocytic alveolitis in BALF: Suberosis 6.6±5.7 x 105 ml-1 cells, 58.8±18.9% lymphocytes; bird fancierâs disease - 9.0±6.5 x 105 ml-1 cells, 61.7±22.2% lymphocytes. Although BALF CD8+ lymphocytes predominated in both diseases, the proportion of CD4+ and CD4/CD8 ratios were significantly higher in Bird Fancierâs Disease (Suberosis: 0.47±0.33 versus BFD: 1.1±1.5; p <0.005). Moreover, BALF cellularity and mast cell counts were also significantly higher in BFD.In conclusion, Suberosis and bird fancierâs disease are EAA with different clinical and laboratory profiles, suggesting that despite their pathophysiological similarities, different antigenic exposures may cause different immune and inflammatory response dynamics in the lung.REV PORT PNEUMOL 2004; X (1): 63-75 Palavras-chave: Lavagem broncoalveolar, TAC-AR, suberose, doença de criadores de aves, Key-words: Bronchoalveolar lavage, HRCT, suberosis, bird fancierâs diseas
Substance P antagonist improves both obesity and asthma in a mouse model
Evidence suggests a causal relationship between obesity and asthma; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Substance P (SP), involved in neurogenic inflammation by acting through its receptor NK1-R, seems to participate in obese–asthma phenotype in mice. To evaluate the effect of a selective substance P receptor antagonist on a mouse model of diet-induced obesity and asthma. Diet-induced obese Balb/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) and treated with a selective NK1-R antagonist or placebo. Serum glucose, insulin, IL-6, resistin, and OVA-specific IgE levels were quantified. A score for peribronchial inflammation in lung histology was used. Cells were counted in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Adipocyte sizes were measured. Ovalbumin-obese mice treated with NK1-R antagonist had lower weight (P = 0.0002), reduced daily food intake (P = 0.0021), reduced daily energy intake (P = 0.0021), reduced surface adipocyte areas (P < 0.0001), lower serum glucose (P = 0.04), lower serum insulin (P = 0.03), lower serum IL-(P = 0.0022), lower serum resistin (P = 0.0043), lower serum OVA-specific IgE (P = 0.035), and lower peribronchial inflammation score (P < 0.0001) than nontreated OVA-obese mice. We observed an interaction between obesity, allergen sensitization, and treatment with NK1-R antagonist for metabolic and systemic biomarkers, and for allergen sensitization and bronchial inflammation, showing a synergy between these variables. In an experimental model of obesity and asthma in mice, NK1-R blockade improved metabolic and systemic biomarkers, as well as allergen sensitization and bronchial inflammation. These positive effects support a common pathway in the obese–asthma phenotype and highlight SP as a target with potential clinical interest in the obese–asthma epidemics.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio