1St Southern African Students Psychology Conference, Gaborone, Botswana

No Abstract

Teaching and learning considerations during the COVID 19 pandemic: Supporting multimodal student learning preferences

Background. The advent of COVID‑19 and the subsequent national lockdown has catapulted higher education institutions into emergency remote teaching (ERT). A principal challenge in this shift is the ability to stimulate student interest towards engagement with, and retention of, course content. The creation of teaching and learning (T&L) resources and activities using a combination of the visual, aural, read/write and kinaesthetic (VARK) modes is fundamental in ensuring student engagement. Objectives. To determine the learning style profiles of undergraduate students and to explore how student learning profiles may be incorporated in T&L approaches during ERT. Methods. This descriptive study profiles the learning preferences of undergraduate students in a health science faculty using the VARK questionnaire. The study further outlines modifications in T&L implemented to support the varied learning preferences during the COVID‑19 ERT response. Results. Our findings demonstrate that the majority of our students have a multimodal learning preference, with the kinaesthetic modality being the most preferred. Voice-over PowerPoint presentations with transitioning images, and audio files, supported the visual and aural learners through asynchronous engagement. Additionally, online discussion forums and applied projects (such as theme park designs) enhanced asynchronous learning by stimulating the visual, read/write and kinaesthetic preferences, respectively. Microsoft Team sessions with PowerPoint presentations supported visual and aural learning preferences through synchronous engagement. Conclusions. Rethinking traditional T&L approaches towards supporting the diverse student learning preferences is critical in student-centred T&L amidst the many challenges that ERT has precipitated. Academics need to be dynamic in their T&L approaches and intuitive in their awareness of how subject content may be modified/enhanced in the ERT environment

Assessment and enhancement of MERRA land surface hydrology estimates

The Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) is a state-of-the-art reanalysis that provides, in addition to atmospheric fields, global estimates of soil moisture, latent heat flux, snow, and runoff for 1979 present. This study introduces a supplemental and improved set of land surface hydrological fields ("MERRA-Land") generated by rerunning a revised version of the land component of the MERRA system. Specifically, the MERRA-Land estimates benefit from corrections to the precipitation forcing with the Global Precipitation Climatology Project pentad product (version 2.1) and from revised parameter values in the rainfall interception model, changes that effectively correct for known limitations in the MERRA surface meteorological forcings. The skill (defined as the correlation coefficient of the anomaly time series) in land surface hydrological fields from MERRA and MERRA-Land is assessed here against observations and compared to the skill of the state-of-the-art ECMWF Re-Analysis-Interim (ERA-I). MERRA-Land and ERA-I root zone soil moisture skills (against in situ observations at 85 U.S. stations) are comparable and significantly greater than that of MERRA. Throughout the Northern Hemisphere, MERRA and MERRA-Land agree reasonably well with in situ snow depth measurements (from 583 stations) and with snow water equivalent from an independent analysis. Runoff skill (against naturalized stream flow observations from 18 U.S. basins) of MERRA and MERRA-Land is typically higher than that of ERA-I. With a few exceptions, the MERRA-Land data appear more accurate than the original MERRA estimates and are thus recommended for those interested in using MERRA output for land surface hydrological studies

Timing is everything: Drivers of interannual variability in blue whale migration.

Blue whales need to time their migration from their breeding grounds to their feeding grounds to avoid missing peak prey abundances, but the cues they use for this are unknown. We examine migration timing (inferred from the local onset and cessation of blue whale calls recorded on seafloor-mounted hydrophones), environmental conditions (e.g., sea surface temperature anomalies and chlorophyll a), and prey (spring krill biomass from annual net tow surveys) during a 10 year period (2008-2017) in waters of the Southern California Region where blue whales feed in the summer. Colder sea surface temperature anomalies the previous season were correlated with greater krill biomass the following year, and earlier arrival by blue whales. Our results demonstrate a plastic response of blue whales to interannual variability and the importance of krill as a driving force behind migration timing. A decadal-scale increase in temperature due to climate change has led to blue whales extending their overall time in Southern California. By the end of our 10-year study, whales were arriving at the feeding grounds more than one month earlier, while their departure date did not change. Conservation strategies will need to account for increased anthropogenic threats resulting from longer times at the feeding grounds

Community Engagement: International Day of the Older Person 2009

No Abstract

Drone Policy Overview

Modern advances in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, have meant the proliferation of these aircraft throughout the United States (U.S.) that include uses for military, government, commerce, and recreation. Coinciding with advances in technology, increased access to drones, and decreased operational complexities, regulatory models have not been able to adapt to the evolving aerial environment

Engaging Sleeplessness In Seattle at Clinical Site 1

Introduction The National Library of Medicine notes an emerging area of research interest is the relationship between substance abuse and sleep (Mahfoud et al., 2009). According to the same 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, “7.6 percent of Americans older than 12 years met the criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence” and goes on to highlight the mundanity of sleep disorder. Additionally, the 2008 National Sleep Foundation’s “Sleep in American” poll demonstrated “addicts in recovery are 5 to 10 times more likely to experience sleep disorders.” (Moufoud et al., 2009). Clinical Site 1 is an agency in Downtown Seattle focusing on maintaining recovery, reducing relapse, building relationships, and regaining a sense of independence. The agency notes the importance for healing and hope, and has already helped many people transform their lives. It has become a safe, home-like, and family-oriented place filled with meals, coffee, love, and respect. Four nursing students from Seattle Pacific University were assigned to design and implement an intervention in this population. To determine a nursing diagnosis, a windshield survey and verbal assessments were conducted. The results indicated a comprehensive knowledge deficit among the clients related to social determinants of health (SDOH) as evidenced by reported sleep hygiene habits. Background The assessments at Clinical Site 1 populated a wide variety of health needs, dependent on each person\u27s unique recovery journey. It was collectively decided that a significant health concept that affects the majority of the population at the site is sleep quality. Multiple clients reported not getting quality sleep, as well as a sleep hygiene knowledge deficit. Sleep is a basic 3 human necessity that affects both a person\u27s physical and mental status. Researchers at Harvard Medical School noted the functions and mechanisms of sleep is, “essential for many vital functions including development, energy conservation, brain waste clearance, modulation of immune responses, cognition, performance, vigilance, disease, and psychological state” (Zielinkski, et al., 2016). Additionally, targeting interventions around sleep hygiene can improve the client\u27s recovery progress (Substance Use and Mental Health services Administration, 2014). Many adjustments to this populations sleep routine did not require access to medical supervision or expensive supplies. Individuals can improve their sleep habits themselves after receiving education regarding sleep hygiene. These recommendations based in education can turn into new habits and furthermore increase their sleep quantity and quality, and the overall functions of their mind and body. The Model of Change states that interventions at the preparation and action stage lead to the maintenance stage where clients can self-sustain habits (Raihan, 2023). Improper sleep hygiene is prevented at the secondary level of prevention in the Three Levels of Prevention model because it targets an already existing problem by encouraging behavior modification (Kisling, 2022). Activities with rationale To maintain a schedule and focused goal as a team, a GANTT chart and Logic Model were produced prior to beginning implementing the intervention (Table 4, Table 1). To more fully determine the sleep quality of the population, a 10 question survey was produced (Table 3, Figure 3). Over the weeks of intervention, the survey was also readministered on previously educated clients to assess intervention efficacy (Table 5). To target the secondary level of prevention at the preparation and action stages of change, client educational pamphlets and 4 client sleep kits were made using the budget of $30. The client education pamphlets addressed 5 drug-free topics — exercise habits, sleep environment, diet and substance habits, power napping, and consistency, inspired by the Tips For Better Sleep (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022), which coincides with published findings at Fargo that demonstrate “Sleep hygiene education has the potential to be a key strategy for improving sleep in the general population” (Irish, 2015). Because researchers at Baylor conclude “participants who wrote a to-do list at bedtime fell asleep faster” (Scullin, 2018), sleep kits included pens and journals, as well as earplugs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, and hand lotion. In the study, regardless of what they wrote down, their sleep improved, and those who used the strategy of making a to-do list before bed further eased their transition into sleep. With both of the sleep kit and education interventions, the main focus was to find realistic interventions that would not only be effective but also achievable and sustainable for the client population. Distribution of pamphlets and sleep kits was a both passive and active process. Both resources were set-out on the coffee counters as well as solicited directly to accommodate different levels of client sociability. In the Knowledge-Skills-Abilities (KSA) framework, this intervention targets the knowledge stage with education, and the skills stage with supplies to practice journaling (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.). This project engages the assurance stage of the Public Health Function model by directly engaging the community (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). This intervention also targets the behavioral outcomes in the Pender model of individual characteristics and experiences, behavior-specific cognitions and affect, and behavioral outcomes (Pender, 2011). Lastly, survey data and open ended responses were compiled into graphics and tables to determine their impact. Outcome Overall, clients at Clinical Site 1 demonstrate a moderate knowledge deficit related to SDOH as evidenced by reported sleep hygiene habits. From the approximately 64 clients at Clinical Site 1 interacted with, 57% voluntarily engaged in the intervention process (Figure 1). From the 10 Question Survey, most clients reported sleeping at night (91%), most sleep in their own living space (77%), and nearly none use ear plugs to sleep (8%) (Figure 3). Across the span of 3 weeks, 20 sleep kits and approximately 50 pamphlets were distributed directly to clients (Table 2, Figure 2). Statements from clients regarding habit changes post-education are recorded in Table 5. Notably, the most common response regarded improving the quietness of their sleep environment, followed by working towards a consistent time to sleep. Overall, clients demonstrated an increased understanding in sleep hygiene. Conclusion In conclusion, clients have expressed a desire to increase their quality of sleep based on interventions performed. For the clients that actively engaged, the data shows a growth in their progress towards improving their sleep. For the unengaged clients at Clinical Site 1, further work is needed to promote healthy sleep habits. Moving forward, more resources can be considered including sleep masks and meditation training. These resources can potentially be obtained through fundraising and/or neighborhood outreach. Throughout this intervention, limited resources and time have negatively influenced the depth of behavior modifications. Findings conclude clients with knowledge deficit related to SDOH improved in regard to sleep hygiene behaviors. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). The importance of Ksa’s. The Importance of KSA’s (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) in the Federal Application Process. https://www.cdc.gov/hrmo/ksahowto.htm Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Tips for better sleep. Basics about sleep: Centers for disease control and prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). 10 essential public health services. Public health infrastructure center. https://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/publichealthservices/essentialhealthservices.html Irish, L. A., Kline, C. E., Gunn, H. E., Buysse, D. J., & Hall, M. H. (2015). The role of sleep hygiene in promoting public health: A review of empirical evidence. Sleep medicine reviews, 22, 23–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2014.10.001 Kisling, LA., Das, M. (2022). Prevention Strategies. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537222/ Mahfoud, Y., Talih, F., Streem, D., & Budur, K. (2009). Sleep disorders in substance abusers: How common are they?. Psychiatry (Edgmont) 6(9), 38–42. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2766287/ Pender, N. J. (2011). Health promotion model manual. https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/85350/?sequence=1 Raihan, N., & Cogburn, M. (2023). Stages of Change Theory. StatPearls Publishing. 7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556005/#article-29429.s6 Scullin, M. K., Krueger, M. L., Ballard, H. K., Pruett, N., & Bliwise, D. L. (2018). The effects of bedtime writing on difficulty falling asleep: A polysomnographic study comparing to-do lists and completed activity lists. Journal of experimental psychology: General, 147(1), 139–146. https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0000374 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). Treating sleep problems of people in recovery from substance use disorders. In Brief, 8(2). https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma14-4859.pdf Zielinski, M. R., McKenna, J. T., & McCarley, R. W. (2016). Functions and mechanisms of sleep. AIMS neuroscience, 3(1), 67–104. https://doi.org/10.3934/Neuroscience.2016.1.6

A Comprehensive Overview of In-patients Treated for Hepatocellular Carcinoma at a Tertiary Care Facility in Tanzania

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the commonest causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, only a limited number of studies on HCC have been conducted in Tanzania. We therefore conducted a cross-sectional study among in-patients treated for HCC in a tertiary referral hospital located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in order to provide a concise description of the clinical characteristics and treatment options offered in the study setting. We identified 36 in-patients treated for HCC over a 6-month data collection period. Seventy-seven percent (n = 28) of the participants were males and about two-thirds (61.2%) were aged between 40 and 60 years. Majority (44.4% [n = 16]) of the patients had Child-Pugh class B and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 2 (33.3% [n = 12]). Patients with tumors >6.5 cm and multinodular tumors (>3 nodules) accounted for 69.4% (n = 25) and 55.6% (n = 20), respectively. Portal vascular invasion and extrahepatic metastasis were respectively present in 27.8% (n = 10) and 25% (n = 9) of the patients. Of the study participants, only two had early-stage disease as per the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, corresponding to the observed tumor resection rate of 5.6%. The most frequently reported inoperable factor among the study participants was an ECOG performance status > 0 (n = 30 [83.3%]). Findings thus reveal a high proportion of late-stage diseases among participants that could have resulted in the observed low tumor resection rate. Initiatives to facilitate identification of the disease at an early stage are therefore paramount in optimizing care

Design, Implementation and Evaluation of a National Campaign to Deliver 18 Million Free Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets to Uncovered Sleeping Spaces in Tanzania.

Since 2004, the Tanzanian National Voucher Scheme has increased availability and accessibility of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to pregnant women and infants by subsidizing the cost of nets purchased. From 2008 to 2010, a mass distribution campaign delivered nine million long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) free-of-charge to children under-five years of age in Tanzania mainland. In 2010 and 2011, a Universal Coverage Campaign (UCC) led by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW) was implemented to cover all sleeping spaces not yet reached through previous initiatives. The UCC was coordinated through a unit within the National Malaria Control Programme. Partners were contracted by the MoHSW to implement different activities in collaboration with local government authorities. Volunteers registered the number of uncovered sleeping spaces in every household in the country. On this basis, LLINs were ordered and delivered to village level, where they were issued over a three-day period in each zone (three regions). Household surveys were conducted in seven districts immediately after the campaign to assess net ownership and use. The UCC was chiefly financed by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria with important contributions from the US President's Malaria Initiative. A total of 18.2 million LLINs were delivered at an average cost of USD 5.30 per LLIN. Overall, 83% of the expenses were used for LLIN procurement and delivery and 17% for campaign associated activities. Preliminary results of the latest Tanzania HIV Malaria Indicator Survey (2011-12) show that household ownership of at least one ITN increased to 91.5%. ITN use, among children under-five years of age, improved to 72.7% after the campaign. ITN ownership and use data post-campaign indicated high equity across wealth quintiles. Close collaboration among the MoHSW, donors, contracted partners, local government authorities and volunteers made it possible to carry out one of the largest LLIN distribution campaigns conducted in Africa to date. Through the strong increase of ITN use, the recent activities of the national ITN programme will likely result in further decline in child mortality rates in Tanzania, helping to achieve Millennium Development Goals 4 and 6

Positive selection at high temperature reduces gene transcription in the bacteriophage ϕX174

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Gene regulation plays a central role in the adaptation of organisms to their environments. There are many molecular components to gene regulation, and it is often difficult to determine both the genetic basis of adaptation and the evolutionary forces that influence regulation. In multiple evolution experiments with the bacteriophage ϕX174, adaptive substitutions in <it>cis</it>-acting regulatory sequences sweep through the phage population as the result of strong positive selection at high temperatures that are non-permissive for laboratory-adapted phage. For one <it>cis</it>-regulatory region, we investigate the individual effects of four adaptive substitutions on transcript levels and fitness for phage growing on three hosts at two temperatures.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The effect of the four individual substitutions on transcript levels is to down-regulate gene expression, regardless of temperature or host. To ascertain the conditions under which these substitutions are adaptive, fitness was measured by a variety of methods for several bacterial hosts growing at two temperatures, the control temperature of 37°C and the selective temperature of 42°C. Time to lysis and doublings per hour indicate that the four substitutions individually improve fitness over the ancestral strain at high temperature independent of the bacterial host in which the fitness was measured. Competition assays between the ancestral strain and either of two mutant strains indicate that both mutants out-compete the ancestor at high temperature, but the relative frequencies of each phage remain the same at the control temperature.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our results strongly suggest that gene transcription plays an important role in influencing fitness in the bacteriophage ϕX174, and different point mutations in a single <it>cis</it>-regulatory region provided the genetic basis for this role in adaptation to high temperature. We speculate that the adaptive nature of these substitutions is due to the physiology of the host at high temperature or the need to maintain particular ratios of phage proteins during capsid assembly. Our investigation of regulatory evolution contributes to interpreting genome-level assessments of regulatory variation, as well as to understanding the molecular basis of adaptation.</p