No abstract

The global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the resulting lockdown has led to the closure of all education institutions in an effort to contain transmission of the infection and students inevitably switched to online learning.Students were faced with the new challenge of adapting to virtual lessons in order to optimize continuous education during times of crisis. We aimed to assess satisfaction level of university students with online and in-class biology course. We used a crosssectional study design, and collected data using a questionnaire. Total student satisfaction level with biology course was rated high. The instructor's online lesson teaching methods scored the highest (4.41 ± 0.089), while virtual instruction scored lower (4.24 ± 0.84). Instructors were significanly better at interaction with students, preparation of lessons, and student evaluation for in-class lessons. Therefore, instructors need to communicate better with students, improve their lessons, integrate good teaching techniques, and sustain an interactive environment during online classes.

Cysticercosis, a parasitic infection caused by the larval form of the tapeworm Taenia hydatigena, is a global challenge to the livestock industry. In this study, 56 goats slaughtered in Khishig-Undur, Mongolia, were evaluated for the presence of cystic lesions. The mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene was analyzed for collected cysts to determine genetic variability. In total, 46.4% (26/56) of the evaluated goats were positive for T. hydatigena infection, with most of the cysts found attached to the omentum, mesentery, liver, or spleen. Partial 12S rRNA gene sequences were obtained from all evaluated cysts and aligned with known sequences for T. hydatigena. Infection prevalence was higher in goats three years of age and older (50.0%; 17/34) than in goats less than three years of age (40.9%; 9/22), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.356). No significant differences were noted in infections between male (38.1%; 8/21) and female (51.4%; 18/35) animals (p = 0.245). Infection with T. hydatigena appears to be highly prevalent in goats in Khishig-Undur; however, additional studies are needed to evaluate local parasite transmission dynamics and the impact of this parasite on local livestock production.