2,539 research outputs found
Comparison of the costâeffectiveness of a computerâassisted learning program with a tutored demonstration to teach intestinal motility to medical students
Computerâbased simulations of undergraduate experiments in pharmacology and physiology may offer a costâeffective alternative to the traditional live laboratory for some students, for whom laboratory skills are less important. Here we describe a study which compares two approaches to teaching preclinical medical students the pharmacology of colonic motility. Half of one cohort received a tutored live demonstration of an isolated tissue laboratory, while the other half used a computer simulation program covering the same subject. The study demonstrated that student learning was comparable for both groups, that many students found the computer simulation an acceptable alternative and that the latter required significantly less resource
Evaluation of the usefulness of a computerâbased learning program to support student learning in pharmacology
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a computerâbased teaching program in supporting and enhancing traditional teaching methods. The program covers the pharmacology of inflammation and has been evaluated with a group of secondâyear medical students at a UK university. The study assessed subjectâspecific knowledge using a preâ and postâtest and surveyed, by questionnaire, studentsâ perceptions of the usefulness of the program to support learning before and after use. The use of computers for learning amongst this cohort of students was widespread. The results demonstrated an increase in students â knowledge of the pharmacology of inflammation, coupled with a positive attitude towards the CBL program they had used and the advantages that this mode of study may provide in enabling students to manage their own learning. However, students did not feel that the program could substitute for traditional teaching (lectures)
Engaging Students Engaging Industry Engaging Enterprise
A reflective piece on how a small team of students and academics gained more awareness of their own sense of enterprise and creativity. The case study examines the phases and crisis points of the whole event process and identifies some of the key learning outcomes for all involved
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LENSÂź and SFF: Enabling Technologies for Optimized Structures
Optimized, lightweight, high-strength structures are needed in many applications from aerospace
to automotive. In pursuit of such structures, there have been proposed analytical solutions and
some specialized FEA solutions for specific structures such as automobile frames. However,
generalized 3D optimization methods have been unavailable for use by most designers.
Moreover, in the cases where optimized structural solutions are available, they are often hollow,
curving, thin wall structures that cannot be fabricated by conventional manufacturing methods.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories and the University of Rhode Island teamed to solve
these problems. The team has been pursuing two methods of optimizing models for generalized
loading conditions, and also has been investigating the methods needed to fabricate these
structures using Laser Engineered Net Shapingâą (LENSÂź) and other rapid prototyping
methods. These solid freeform fabrication (SFF) methods offer the unique ability to make
hollow, high aspect ratio features out of many materials. The manufacturing development
required for LENS to make these complex structures has included the addition of rotational axes
to Sandiaâs LENS machine bringing the total to 5 controlled axes. The additional axes have
required new efforts in process planning. Several of the unique structures that are only now
possible through the use of SFF technology are shown as part of the discussion of this exciting
new application for SFF.Mechanical Engineerin
First-Order Reorientation of the Flux-Line Lattice in CaAlSi
The flux line lattice in CaAlSi has been studied by small angle neutron
scattering. A well defined hexagonal flux line lattice is seen just above Hc1
in an applied field of only 54 Oe. A 30 degree reorientation of this vortex
lattice has been observed in a very low field of 200 Oe. This reorientation
transition appears to be of first-order and could be explained by non-local
effects. The magnetic field dependence of the form factor is well described by
a single penetration depth of 1496(1) angstroms and a single coherence length
of 307(1) angstroms at 2 K. At 1.5 K the penetration depth anisotropy is 2.7(1)
with the field applied perpendicular to the c axis and agrees with the
coherence length anisotropy determined from critical field measurements.Comment: 5 pages including 6 figures, to appear in Physical Review Letter
The role of flow rotation in the adult right atrium: a 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance study
Objective: In healthy adults, the right atrium (RA) serves as a reservoir for the systemic flow return from the superior vena cava (SVC) and inferior vena cava (IVC), preparing the two flows to be transferred to the right ventricle (RV) and pulmonary circulation. This study aims to quantify the haemodynamics of the RA and the associated SVC and IVC inflows, which have not been fully understood to date. Approach: Eighteen adults with structurally normal hearts underwent 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging. The cardiac cycle was resolved to 20 temporal phases with a spatial resolution of 3x3x3mm3. Analysis included objective visualisation of the flow structures in the RA identified by three different vortex identification criteria, kinetic energy (KE), enstrophy and dissipation. KE and helicity flux were also assessed in both caval veins. Main results: Vortex identification methods confirmed that in the majority of subjects the blood flow from the caval veins filling the RA during ventricular systole is not chaotic, but rather forms an organised pattern of a single coherent forward turning vortex structure. Thirteen subjects displayed a single vortex flow structure, four showed multiple vortices and one had a helical flow pattern without a clear vortex structure. A strong positive correlation exists between the flow KE and enstrophy density. Significance: This suggests that flow energy in the RA is mainly rotational, part of which is convected by the highly helical SVC and IVC inflows. Multiple vortices tend to be associated with higher dissipation rates in the central RA region due to turbulence. The rotational nature of the flow in the RA maintains KE better than non-rotational flow. RA flow characteristics are highly related to the helicity content in the caval veins, as well as the KE flux intensity. Lower caval helicity or IVC KE flux dominance tends to favour single vortex formation while the opposite tends to lead to multiple vortices or the rare helical flow patterns. Atria lacking single vortex flow are inclined to have a larger energy input from atrial contraction
Generic First Order Orientation Transition of Vortex Lattices in Type II Superconductors
First order transition of vortex lattices (VL) observed in various
superconductors with four-fold symmetry is explained microscopically by
quasi-classical Eilenberger theory combined with nonlocal London theory. This
transition is intrinsic in the generic successive VL phase transition due to
either gap or Fermi velocity anisotropies. This is also suggested by the
electronic states around vortices. Ultimate origin of this phenomenon is
attributed to some what hidden frustrations of a spontaneous symmetry broken
hexagonal VL on the underlying four-fold crystalline symmetry.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figures, some typos are correcte
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