Supporting the 'Sharing Institution' - Practical Steps Towards a More Open Teaching and Learning Culture

4th International Conference on Open RepositoriesThis presentation was part of the session : Conference PresentationsDate: 2009-05-19 03:00 PM – 04:30 PMInstitutional repositories for research output have developed progressively over the last few years. Although a primary motivation is Open Access both institutional and academic needs must also be met in order to foster this spirit effectively. There is now a greater emphasis on creating a more open culture for teaching and learning and institutions are again beginning to play their part more readily. On a larger scale, there are pioneering global examples of courses being preserved and complex learning materials being deposited in national and international databases. But what does fostering a more open culture in the practice of teaching mean for the institution itself and its academics? The virtual learning environment has given greater opportunities for effective administration of courses but in other ways it has had the opposite effect on sharing and re-use. There is potential for institutional solutions which are complementary to the global landscape. In this paper we report on the practical experiences and issues met, in setting up a institutional resource, EdShare, as a vehicle for sharing educational materials more easily in a multi-disciplinary institution. With constructive feedback from faculty, within the EdSpace project, EdShare has migrated into a more visual, web 2.0 style, resource with a flexible deposit process promoting 'micro-sharing'. It now offers a range of sharing options to support the teaching workflow in an encouraging atmosphere. Other features will support the growing emphasis on multidisciplinary teaching and collaboration - both internally and externally.JIS

The effect of military clothing on gunshot wound patterns in a cadaveric animal limb model

The majority of injuries in survivors of gunshot wounds (GSW) are typically to the extremities. Novel wound ballistic research is encouraged to try and capture corporate knowledge on the management of these injuries gained during recent conflicts and understand the wounding patterns seen. With recent work examining the effect of UK military clothing on extremity GSW patterns in a synthetic model, a model with greater biofidelity is needed for ballistic testing. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of UK military clothing on GSW patterns within a cadaveric animal limb model using two types of ammunition commonly used in recent conflicts—7.62 × 39 mm and 5.45 × 39 mm. In total, 24 fallow deer hind limbs were shot, 12 by 7.62 mm projectiles and the remaining 12 shot by 5.45 mm projectiles, further divided into four with no clothing layers (Cnil), four with a single clothing layer (Cmin) and four with maximum clothing layers (Cmax) as worn on active duty by UK military personnel. Limbs were analysed after ballistic impact using contrast CT scanning to obtain measurements of permanent cavity damage, and results were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed significantly different damage measurements within limbs with Cmax for both ammunition types compared with the other clothing states. This may result in GSWs that require more extensive surgical management, and invites further study

Preliminary effect of projectile yaw on extremity gunshot wounding in a cadaveric animal model: a serendipitous study

Gunshot wounding (GSW) is capable of causing devastating tissue injuries by delivering kinetic energy (KE) through the contact surface area of a projectile. The contact surface area can be increased by yaw, deformation and fragmentation, all of which may be caused by any intermediate layers struck by the projectile prior to entering its target. This study aims to describe whether projectile yaw occurring before penetration of a cadaveric animal limb model causes greater damage with or without clothing layers present using 5.45 × 39 mm projectiles. In total, 12 fallow deer hind limbs were shot, further divided into 4 with no clothing layers (Cnil), 4 with a single clothing layer (Cmin) and 4 with maximum clothing layers (Cmax) as worn on active duty by UK military personnel. Contrast computed tomography (CT) of limbs was used to measure permanent cavity size and the results were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). No significant differences were found among clothing states for each series of measurements taken, with greater cavity sizes noted in all clothing states. This is in contrast to previous work looking at symmetrically flying projectiles in the same model, where a larger permanent cavity was found only with Cmax present. Projectile yaw is therefore likely to be a key variable with regard to causation of damage within this extremity wound model

A preliminary study into injuries due to non-perforating ballistic impacts into soft body armour over the spine

The UK Home Office test method for ballistic protective police body armours considers anterior torso impacts to be the worst-case scenario and tests rear armour panels to the same standards as front panels. The aim of this paper was to examine the injuries from spinal behind armour blunt trauma (BABT) impacts. This study used a cadaveric 65 kg, female pig barrel and 9 mm Luger ammunition (9 × 19 mm, FMJ Nammo Lapur Oy) into HG1/A + KR1 soft armour panels over the spine. Injuries were inspected and sections removed for x-radiography and micro-CT assessment. All shots over the spine resulted in deep soft tissue injuries from pencilling of the armour and the shirt worn under the armour. The wounds had embedded fabric debris which would require surgery to remove resulting in increased recovery time over injuries usually seen in anterior torso BABT impacts, which are typically haematoma and fractured ribs. The shot with the deepest soft tissue wound (41 mm) also resulted in a fractured spinous process. Shots were also fired at the posterior and anterior rib area of the pig barrel, for comparison to the spine. Similar wounds were seen on the shots to the posterior rib area while shallower, smaller wounds were seen on the anterior and one anterior rib shot resulted in a single, un-displaced rib fracture. The anatomical differences between pigs and humans would most likely mean that injury to a human from these impacts would be more serious

Ballistic research techniques: visualizing gunshot wounding patterns

There are difficulties associated with mapping gunshot wound (GSW) patterns within opaque models. Depending on the damage measurement parameters required, there are multiple techniques that can provide methods of “seeing” the GSW pattern within an opaque model. The aim of this paper was to test several of these techniques within a cadaveric animal limb model to determine the most effective. The techniques of interest were flash X-ray, ultrasound, physical dissection, and computed-tomography (CT). Fallow deer hind limbs were chosen for the model with four limbs used for each technique tested. Quarantined 7.62 × 39 mm ammunition was used for each shot, and each limb was only shot once, on an outdoor range with shots impacting at muzzle velocity. Flash X-ray provided evidence of yaw within the limb during the projectile’s flight; ultrasound though able to visualise the GSW track, was too subjective and was abandoned; dissection proved too unreliable due to the tissue being cadaveric so also too subjective; and lastly, CT with contrast provided excellent imaging in multiple viewing planes and 3D image reconstruction; this allowed versatile measurement of the GSW pattern to collect dimensions of damage as required. Of the different techniques examined in this study, CT with contrast proved the most effective to allow precise GSW pattern analysis within a cadaveric animal limb model. These findings may be beneficial to others wishing to undertake further ballistic study both within clinical and forensic fields

Adhesive Capsulitis in Eight Dogs: Diagnosis and Management

ABSTRACT:Objective: To describe clinical and diagnostic findings as well as management of adhesive capsulitis in dogs.Background: Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is a syndrome defined by loss of range of motion of the shoulder and may be the end-stage manifestation of several primary conditions.Evidentiary Value: This is a case report series of eight dogs with chronic forelimb lameness diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis.Methods: Medical records (June 1, 2010 to September 1, 2015) including, physical examination findings, radiographic findings, magnetic resonance imaging findings, arthroscopy findings, and treatment plans were reviewed. Results: All dogs presented with a chronic, grade III-VI/VI forelimb lameness. On orthopedic examination all dogs had moderate to significant discomfort on shoulder extension and flexion and severe restriction of range of motion. Six of the eight dogs had evidence of bone remodeling and sclerosis in the affected shoulder on radiographs. Six of had an initial diagnostic ultrasound performed, which revealed evidence of fibrous scar tissue. Five dogs had magnetic resonance imaging performed that revealed moderate shoulder effusion and enhancement of the synovial lining of the shoulder. Arthroscopy was performed in five of the eight patients. Three were noted to have significant contracture, adhesions and fibrous scar tissue of the joint capsule. Severe inflammation was noted throughout the synovium of two patients. All eight patients tried conservative management consisting of oral medications and rehabilitation therapy. Five of the eight patients received extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Three patients received regenerative medicine treatment in the affected supraspinatus and shoulder. Regardless of the treatment elected, none of the dogs were reported to have significant improvement. Conclusion: Adhesive capsulitis is an uncommon cause of chronic forelimb lameness. Further investigation is needed to describe the etiology and pathogenesis of adhesive capsulitis in dogs to evaluate the effectiveness of both non-surgical and surgical treatment modalities, establish treatment protocols, and evaluate short- and long-term clinical outcome of patients.Application: Adhesive capsulitis should be considered in patients with chronic forelimb lameness and moderate to significant discomfort and restriction on shoulder range of motion

The effect of fabric mass per unit area and blood impact velocity on bloodstain morphology

This paper discusses the effects of thickness, mass per unit area, sett, yarn linear density and twist of calico fabrics (100% cotton, plain woven) on the morphology of passive bloodstains. Horse blood was dropped vertically onto three calico fabrics with different mass per unit areas (85.1 g/m², 163.5 g/m² and 224.6 g/m²). Six different impact velocities were used (1.7 ms-1, 2.9 ms-1, 4.1 ms-1, 4.9 ms-1, 5.1 ms-1 and 5.4 ms-1). The dry bloodstains were largest on the calico with the lightest mass per unit area. The low yarn linear density and large inter-yarn spaces meant that the blood could wick into the yarns from all directions and along the intra-yarn spaces. The calico with the middle mass per unit area had the smallest mean dry bloodstain area for four out of the six velocities. The twist level for this calico was greater than for the calicos with a heavier or lighter mass per unit area. This reduced the amount of wicking which occurred along the yarns due to the tighter yarn structure. The calico with the heaviest mass per unit area had the highest yarn linear density resulting in a thicker fabric, so the blood could not as easily penetrate into the fabric. This resulted in a thicker wet blood layer remaining on the fabric surface, where it gradually wicked vertically into the yarns under gravity. Less wicking along the yarns occurred, resulting in a smaller bloodstain than on the fabric with the lightest mass per unit area. The correlation between impact velocity and mean dry bloodstain area was greater for the calicos with the medium and heaviest mass per unit area than for the calico with the lightest mass per unit area. For the calicos with the medium and heaviest mass per unit area, the distance the blood spread laterally at impact, which increased with the increase in impact velocity, had a greater influence on the dry bloodstain area than the amount of wicking

Investigating bloodstain dynamics at impact on the technical rear of fabric

Using high speed video, the impact of blood drops falling at three velocities (1.9, 4.2 and 5.8 ms−1) were filmed from both the technical face and for the first time the technical rear of three different mass per unit areas (85.1, 163.5 and 224.6 g/m²) of 100% cotton calico. It was seen that there were two stages in the creation of a bloodstain on fabric; the impact dynamics, followed by wicking along the intra-yarn spaces. In the first stage, once the blood impacted the fabric, blood was visible on the technical rear of the fabrics with the medium and lightest mass per unit area within as little as 0.067 ms after impact. No blood was visible on the technical rear of the fabric with the heaviest mass per unit area following impact or the medium mass per unit area from 1.7 ms−1 impacts. On the technical face of the fabric, the blood drop spread laterally and then receded for 8 ms following impact. The dynamics on the technical face were not affected by what was occurring on the technical rear of the fabric. The bloodstain on the technical rear initially only increased until 0.8 ms following impact. The increase in technical rear bloodstain area was caused by continued movement of the blood through to the rear of the fabric as the blood drop spread on the technical face. Once the impact dynamics were concluded within 8 ms of impact, there was no further change in the bloodstain for the remaining 67 ms of high speed video. Following this the blood wicked into and along the yarns, resulting in a dry technical rear bloodstain on all fabrics at all velocities

Accessing Healthcare: The Experience of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Maine

Previous research has revealed that children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are significantly more likely to have both unmet healthcare needs than those with other disabilities. In addition, they are more likely to have difficulty accessing primary or specialized medical care. Minority status, living in a rural location, and low income can exacerbate these disparities. Other obstacles to effective healthcare for individuals with ASD include the following: (1) severity of symptoms associated with ASD; (2) lack of knowledge or skill by medical practitioners; (3) lack of access to comprehensive healthcare supports or a medical home; and (4) lack of access to health insurance for needed supports and services. Individuals with ASD of all ages are likely to have a range of other medical and psychological conditions, making the need for comprehensive healthcare imperative. The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies (CCIDS), Maine’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, and the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council have published a research report, Accessing Healthcare: The Experience of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Maine (2014), that reveals promising positive trends, as well as areas of concern, in healthcare access for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders in Maine. The Maine Developmental Disabilities Council funded research to collect information about the experience of accessing healthcare from 85 parents of children with ASD and 22 adults with ASD or their guardians who live in Maine. A consultant conducted structured in-person interviews to collect the data and the University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies’ primary researcher, Alan Kurtz, Ph.D. Candidate and Coordinator of Education and Autism, analyzed the method, data collected, and reported the results. Report co-authors include Angie Schickle, Margaret Carr, Marnie Bragdon-Morneault, Susan Russell, Debra Rainey, Jill Downs and Nancy Cronin

The effect of underwired and sports bras on breast shape, key anthropometric dimensions, and body armour comfort

This study follows on previous research which investigated the comfort and types of bras worn by UK female police officers when wearing body armour and performing typical activities. This controlled study involved a cohort of 31 female police officers and investigated three main areas. Firstly the effect of professional bra fitting on size and comfort, secondly the effect of wearing an underwired bra or a sports bra on comfort and ability to perform certain actions, and thirdly the effect of an underwired bra and sports bra on key anthropometric data in relation to the fitting of body armour