Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Nothotylenchus medians and N. similis (Nematoda: Anguinidae) from Southern Alberta, Canada

The nematode family, Anguinidae, is a diverse group of polyphagous nematodes, generally known as fungal feeders or parasites of aerial plant parts. Here, we present the morphological and molecular characterization of adult females of two Nothotylenchus species, N. medians and N. similis, along with host association and geographical distribution data of the genus. Both species are recorded as new reports from Canada and designated as reference populations for future studies. Morphological or morphometrical variation was not observed in the Canadian population of N. medians and N. similis, in comparison with the original description. Phylogenetic analyses based on 18S and D2–D3 of 28S genes placed both species within Anguinidae. Since the biology of the genus Nothotylenchus has not been rigorously characterized, the habitat and distribution information presented in this study will shed some light on the ecology of these nematodes. Notably, the detection of N. medians and N. similis in our nematode inventory survey indicates that considerable Nothotylenchus diversity is hidden in these soils. Consequently, increased surveys and more in-depth research are needed to explore the full diversity of anguinids inhabiting these cultivated areas.

Assessment practices in Saudi higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study determines the assessment practices used by teaching staff in Saudi universities, explores how these assessment practices have changed during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, and investigates how teaching staffs’ priorities and preferences for education on assessment during the pandemic were shaped. To support professional development, the study also aims to raise teaching staffs’ awareness of assessment practices. Teaching staff in Saudi universities were invited to complete the Approaches to Classroom Inventory survey. The results showed that the most highly endorsed practices included giving feedback, linking assessments to learning objectives and learning outcomes, using scoring guides, and monitoring and revising assessment approaches. The least endorsed practices included mapping summative assessment to curriculum expectations, responding to the cultural and linguistic diversity of students, and accommodating students with special needs/exceptionalities in assessments. Further, during the pandemic, formative assessments were rarely used. Although faculty members from various colleges and fields of specialty showed similar patterns in endorsing assessment practices, they differed in their preferences and needs for assessment education.

Rediscovery of the endemic Afrotropical genus Spathioplites (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Doryctinae) with major range extension records for Spathioplites phreneticus

The endemic, monotypic Afrotropical genus Spathioplites Fischer, 1962 is rediscovered based on new specimens collected in South Africa and Senegal. Spathioplites phreneticus Fischer, 1962 was previously known from the holotype (male) and 12 paratypes (11 males and a female) collected in Chad in 1959. As part of an ongoing long-term insect inventory survey program in Africa new specimens were recently collected in Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve in South Africa, extending the distribution range southwards by 4900 km. An additional historical specimen from Senegal was discovered in the collections of the Natural History Museum in Paris, extending the range westwards by 4000 km. Possible reasons for the disjunct distribution exhibited by current locality records for this species are discussed. The holotype male and a paratype female, as well as one of the two newly collected South African females were imaged. These photographs, as well as genus and species re-descriptions, are provided. An identification key to the Old World genera in the doryctine tribe Spathiini s. str. is also presented. All images and interactive identification keys are available on www.waspweb.org.

Depression, anxiety, burnout and empathy among Spanish medical students

Medical Education studies suggest that medical students experience mental distress in a proportion higher than in the rest of the population In the present study, we aimed to conduct a nationwide analysis of the prevalence of mental health problems among medical students. The study was carried out in 2020 in all 43 medical schools in Spain, and analyzes the prevalence of depression, anxiety, empathy and burnout among medical students (n = 5216). To measure these variables we used the Beck Depression Inventory Test for assessing depression, the Maslach Burnout Inventory Survey for Students was used for burnout, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to assess anxiety state and trait and the Jefferson Empathy Scale 12 to obtain empathy scores. In relation to depression, the data indicate an overall prevalence of 41%, with 23.4% of participants having moderate to severe levels, and 10% experiencing suicidal ideation. Burnout prevalence was 37%, significantly higher among 6th year than among 1st year students. Anxiety levels were consistent with those reported previously among medical students (25%), and were higher than in the general population for both trait and state anxiety. The prevalence of trait anxiety was higher among women. Empathy scores were at the top end of the scale, with the highest-scoring group (>130) containing a greater percentage of women. Similarly to those published previously for other countries, these results provide a clear picture of the mental disorders affecting Spanish medical students. Medicine is an extremely demanding degree and it is important that universities and medical schools view this study as an opportunity to ensure conditions that help minimize mental health problems among their students. Some of the factors underlying these problems can be prevented by, among other things, creating an environment in which mental health is openly discussed and guidance is provided. Other factors need to be treated medically, and medical schools and universities should therefore provide support to students in need through the medical services available within their institutions.

Estimation of Tree Carbon Stocks in the Green Open Space of the Faculty of Forestry, Tanjungpura University

The presence of green open space containing vegetation in urban areas plays a vital role in absorbing and storing carbon in biomass. Tanjungpura University (Untan) Pontianak has a green open area in the New Building of the Faculty of Forestry. This study aimed to describe carbon reserves stored in biomass above ground level (vegetation) in green open areas around the New Building of Faculty of Forestry Untan Pontianak. Data were collected using an inventory survey by non-destructive sampling, which includes recording with fully enumerated data collection on the type and diameter of trees with a continuous line plot system. The data were then analyzed using allometric equations to obtain biomass values. The results found as many as 56 species of trees with a total of 558 individuals dominated by Litsea garciae and Hevea brasiliensis. The results showed the amount of carbon stored at the tree level of 59.06 tons/ha (76.18%), pole level of 13.94 tons/ha (17.99%), and sapling level of 4.52 tons/ha (5.83%), with an average carbon stock of 77.52 tons/ha. Thus, the green open area could store 148.53 tons of carbon in tree biomass. Although it is a small area, this peatland ecosystem could accumulate peat in organic soil and its vegetation and should be managed as peatland forests. Therefore, proper management is essential, and hydrology management is needed mainly due to its nature. Keywords: allometric equation, biomass, carbon stocks, green open space

Incidence and clinical characteristics of spinal arteriovenous shunts: hospital-based surveillance in Okayama, Japan

OBJECTIVE There have been no accurate surveillance data regarding the incidence rate of spinal arteriovenous shunts (SAVSs). Here, the authors investigate the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of SAVSs. METHODS The authors conducted multicenter hospital-based surveillance as an inventory survey at 8 core hospitals in Okayama Prefecture between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2019. Consecutive patients who lived in Okayama and were diagnosed with SAVSs on angiographic studies were enrolled. The clinical characteristics and the incidence rates of each form of SAVS and the differences between SAVSs at different spinal levels were analyzed. RESULTS The authors identified a total of 45 patients with SAVSs, including 2 cases of spinal arteriovenous malformation, 5 cases of perimedullary arteriovenous fistula (AVF), 31 cases of spinal dural AVF (SDAVF), and 7 cases of spinal epidural AVF (SEAVF). The crude incidence rate was 0.234 per 100,000 person-years for all SAVSs including those at the craniocervical junction (CCJ) level. The incidence rate of SDAVF and SEAVF combined increased with advancing age in men only. In a comparative analysis between upper and lower spinal SDAVF/SEAVF, hemorrhage occurred in 7/14 cases (50%) at the CCJ/cervical level and in 0/24 cases (0%) at the thoracolumbar level (p = 0.0003). Venous congestion appeared in 1/14 cases (7%) at the CCJ/cervical level and in 23/24 cases (96%) at the thoracolumbar level (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The authors reported detailed incidence rates of SAVSs in Japan. There were some differences in clinical characteristics of SAVSs in the upper spinal levels and those in the lower spinal levels.

Empirical Analysis of the Phenomenon of Job Burnout Among Employees in the Banking Sector

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the phenomenon of job burnout among employees in the Greek banking sector in adverse economic circumstances. Information regarding the level of the burnout syndrome was assessed based on the Maslach burnout inventory survey. The responses obtained from 237 participants were analyzed using correlation analysis. The main findings of the research show that burnout syndrome has intensified due to daily pressures in a highly competitive environment caused by the difficult economic situation the country is experiencing in recent years. According to the results, it is more likely that the job burnout syndrome may occur among the employee in the direct customers' services and affect younger people and those with less than 20 years working experience. The professional development and promotion do not affect the level of risk that an employee will face the job burnout syndrome.

Effect of parental relationships on stress levels of students in a medical college

Introduction: Multiple studies have been conducted on the theme of stress faced by medical students due to the load of medical education and lack of adequate stress coping skills which may affect the students variedly. Objective: To critically assess stress levels in medical students of Shifa College of Medicine (a private medical college in Islamabad, Pakistan) and the quality of relationship between students and parents, thereby studying a relationship between the two. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the students of Shifa College of Medicine. A sample size of 315 students filled a pretested student stress questionnaire, which was made using the student life stress inventory survey consisting of 34 questions. Data was then analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: Increased levels of stress were found to be common among medical students with a prevalence of 53.3% among our study group. A total of 65.7% students face stress due to the increased expectations of their parents. There was a positive correlation (p<0.05) between stress faced by medical students and their relationship with parents. Academics, lack of recreational time and high self-expectations were also major contributors to student stress. Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a positive relationship between parental involvement and medical student stress at Shifa College of Medicine, which manifested in the form of excessively high parental aspirations, leading to adverse effects on the academic, social and personal life of a medical student.

Teachers’ Utilization of Computer-Based Technology in Science Instruction

With the onset of Education 4.0 and the VUCAD2 world, the use of technology in instruction has been fully maximized. This study aimed to determine the teachers’ utilization of computer-based technology in science instruction. The study used descriptive survey research using the Computer-Based Technology Inventory Survey Questionnaire (CBTI-SQ). A total of 41 science teachers in two state-owned secondary schools in Zambales, Philippines served as respondents in the study. Based on the findings, the computer-based technology (CBT) in science instruction is a trend in the 21st-century learning. Teachers utilized CBT in instruction to improve their teaching that significantly uplifts students’ learning interests and concept understanding. However, teachers encounter difficulties due to low ICT literacy, unstable internet connection, power interruption, and sometimes they find it too expensive to use the CBT. The study recommends ICT training-workshop and encourages teachers to utilize appropriate CBT instruction based on the context of the students. The findings have important implications to policy development and curriculum enhancement.