A Study of First Year Undergraduate Computing Students\u27 Experience of Learning Software Development in the Absence of a Software Development Process

Despite the ever-growing demand for software development graduates, it is recognised that a significant barrier for increasing graduate numbers lies in the inherent difficulty in learning how to develop software. This paper presents a study that is part of a larger research project aimed at addressing the gap in the provision of educational software development processes for freshman, novice undergraduate learners, to improve proficiency levels. As a means of understanding how such learners problem solve in software development in the absence of a formal process, this study examines the experiences and depth of learning acquired by a sample set of novice, freshman university learners. The study finds that without the scaffolding of an appropriate structured development process tailored to novices, students are in danger of failing to engage with the problem solving skills necessary for software development, particularly the skill of designing solutions prior to coding

Preparing Masters level mental health nurses to work within a wellness paradigm: findings from the eMenthe project

Mental health promotion remains an important component of mental health nursing practice. Supporting wellness at both individual and societal levels has been identified as one of the key tenets of mental health promotion. However, the prevailing biomedical paradigm of mental health education and practice has meant that many nurses have not been equipped to incorporate a wellness perspective into their mental health practice. This paper reports on an exploratory study which details the knowledge, skills and attitudes required by Masters level mental health nurses to practice within a wellness paradigm from the perspective of three groups of key stakeholders; service users and family members (n= 23), experienced mental health nurses (n=49) and Masters level mental health nursing students (n=37). Findings, which were reported from individual and focus group interviews across five European countries, suggest a need to re-orientate mental health nursing education to include a focus on wellness and resilience to equip mental health nurses with the skills to work within a strengths-based rather than a deficits-based model of mental health practice. Key challenges to working within a wellness paradigm were identified in the prevailing dominance of the biomedical model of cause and treatment of mental health problems which focuses on symptoms rather than the holistic functioning of the individual, and positions the person as passive in the nurse-service user relationship

Analyzing the effects of lactose on calcium absorption in premature infants using HR-ICP-Mass Spectrometry

Abstract only availableWith advances in neonatal care, premature infants are surviving at increasing rates. During the third trimester of pregnancy, the bone mineral content of infants rapidly increases. It is therefore becoming essential to accurately mimic the womb environment to maintain growth and sustain the health of premature infants as if they were in utero. Regulating calcium absorption in premature infants is crucial primarily for bone formation, as 99% of the calcium in the human body is found in the bones and the teeth. The effect of lactose containing formulas on calcium absorption in premature infants has not been well established. Concerns have been noted in the scientific community regarding lactose intolerance especially in premature infants, as lactase, the enzyme responsible for lactose digestion, is most readily detectible during the third trimester of pregnancy. In this study, in conjunction with Dr. Laura Hillman of the University of Missouri Hospital, each infant was fed lactose and maltose formulas during different weeks using a dual tracer method in which two calcium isotopes were administered, 44Ca orally and 46Ca intravenously. Urine samples were collected after 24 hours. Analysis related natural abundances of calcium isotopes to the measured values in the urine. Polyatomic ion interferences were differentiated from the calcium peaks by analyzing the samples at a resolution of 4000. Mathematical corrections for interferences caused by titanium and doubly charged strontium were determined by measuring the specific isotopes 47Ti and 87Sr++ and using known natural abundances of the interfering isotopes to correct each calcium count rate. Mathematical calculations relate the enriched isotope ratio measurements of 44Ca and 46Ca to calcium absorption. Analysis regarding the effect of lactose on calcium absorption is ongoing. Our data precision on the ICP-MS was acceptable with percent relative standard deviations (%RSD) for external precision over the course of a week at 1.4, 2.2, 0.71, and 1.4 for isotope ratios 42Ca: 43Ca, 42Ca: 44Ca, 42Ca: 46Ca, and 42Ca: 48Ca respectively. Daily internal precision (%RSD) values were .37, 1.3, .69, and 1.5. The precision shows the viability of utilizing HR-ICP-MS analysis for calcium isotope ratios.NSF-REU/NIH Program in Radiochemistr

Temporally delayed linear modelling (TDLM) measures replay in both animals and humans

There are rich structures in off-task neural activity which are hypothesised to reflect fundamental computations across a broad spectrum of cognitive functions. Here, we develop an analysis toolkit - Temporal Delayed Linear Modelling (TDLM) for analysing such activity. TDLM is a domain-general method for finding neural sequences that respect a pre-specified transition graph. It combines nonlinear classification and linear temporal modelling to test for statistical regularities in sequences of task-related reactivations. TDLM is developed on the non-invasive neuroimaging data and is designed to take care of confounds and maximize sequence detection ability. Notably, as a linear framework, TDLM can be easily extended, without loss of generality, to capture rodent replay in electrophysiology, including in continuous spaces, as well as addressing second-order inference questions, e.g., its temporal and spatial varying pattern. We hope TDLM will advance a deeper understanding of neural computation and promote a richer convergence between animal and human neuroscience

Mapping replication dynamics in Trypanosoma brucei reveals a link with telomere transcription and antigenic variation

Survival of Trypanosoma brucei depends upon switches in its protective Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) coat by antigenic variation. VSG switching occurs by frequent homologous recombination, which is thought to require locus-specific initiation. Here, we show that a RecQ helicase, RECQ2, acts to repair DNA breaks, including in the telomeric site of VSG expression. Despite this, RECQ2 loss does not impair antigenic variation, but causes increased VSG switching by recombination, arguing against models for VSG switch initiation through direct generation of a DNA double strand break (DSB). Indeed, we show DSBs inefficiently direct recombination in the VSG expression site. By mapping genome replication dynamics, we reveal that the transcribed VSG expression site is the only telomeric site that is early replicating – a differential timing only seen in mammal-infective parasites. Specific association between VSG transcription and replication timing reveals a model for antigenic variation based on replication-derived DNA fragility

The Effect of Scale on the Applicability of Taylor’s Frozen Turbulence Hypothesis in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer

Taylor’s frozen turbulence hypothesis is the central assumption invoked in most experiments designed to investigate turbulence physics with time resolving sensors. It is also frequently used in theoretical discussions when linking Lagrangian to Eulerian flow formalisms. In this work we seek to quantify the effectiveness of Taylor’s hypothesis on the field scale using water vapour as a passive tracer. A horizontally orientated Raman lidar is used to capture the humidity field in space and time above an agricultural region in Switzerland. High resolution wind speed and direction measurements are conducted simultaneously allowing for a direct test of Taylor’s hypothesis at the field scale. Through a wavelet decomposition of the lidar humidity measurements we show that the scale of turbulent motions has a strong influence on the applicability of Taylor’s hypothesis. This dependency on scale is explained through the use of dimensional analysis.We identify a ‘persistency scale’ that can be used to quantify the effectiveness of Taylor’s hypothesis, and present the accuracy of the hypothesis as a function of this non-dimensional length scale. These results are further investigated and verified through the use of large-eddy simulations.Keywords: Humidity, Atmospheric boundary layer, Taylor’s frozen turbulence hypothesis, Raman lida

Factors impacting the implementation of a psychoeducation intervention within the mental health system: a multisite study using the consolidation framework for implementation research

Background: Despite a strong evidence base and policy recommendation supporting the implementation of psychoeducation interventions within the mental health system, equitable access for many service users and family members has not been achieved. To enhance translation, developing an evidence-base around the factors that influence implementation of interventions is critical. Methods: The aim of the study was to explore the factors influencing implementation of a group cofacilitated recovery focused psychoeducation intervention. The study design was explorative qualitative descriptive, involving the collection of data through individual and focus group interviews with key stakeholders (n = 75) involved with the implementation within 14 mental health sites in the Republic of Ireland. The Consolidation Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used as a conceptual framework to guide data collection and analysis. Results: Key enablers and barriers were identified across all CFIR domains of the framework with some factors (depending on context) being both an enabler and a barrier. Important factors in the outer setting domain included structural stability within national systems and the peer payment system, while the extent of a recovery�oriented culture, leadership, implementation readiness, and buy-in were influential factors in the inner setting. The characteristics of the intervention in terms of design, evidence-base and adaptability also shaped the intervention’s implementation as did the knowledge, beliefs and self-efficacy of facilitators. In terms of processes, implementation was influenced by the degree of engagement of key individuals who championed and supported the programme. The results highlight that while some of the barriers were specific to the programme, many reflected systemic and structural challenges within health services more generally. Conclusion: Findings from this study provide an enhanced understanding of the different layers of determinants to implementation of an intervention. Overcoming challenges will involve positive and ongoing engagement and collaboration across the full range of stakeholders that are active within each domain, including policy and operational levels. The quality of leadership at each domain level is of crucial importance to successful implementation. Keywords: Implementation science, Barriers, Enablers, Psychoeducation, Mental health services, Framework analysis, Consolidation framework for implementation researc

Scoping review of factors influencing the implementation of group psychoeducational initiatives for people experiencing mental health difficulties and their families

Background: Despite evidence to support the effectiveness of psychoeducation for people experiencing mental health difficulties and their families, understanding issues around the implementation of such programmes is limited. Aim: The aim of this scoping review was to synthesise the peer-reviewed literature on barriers and enablers influencing the implementation of group psychoeducation in adult mental health services. Methods: Using a pre-defined search strategy and PRISMA guidelines, four databases were systematically searched. Two reviewers independently screened and applied exclusion/inclusion criteria. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies were included if they provided empirical evidence on the barriers and enablers. Three reviewers independently extracted data. Following this, data were analysed using a five-level implementation framework. Results: Eight articles met the inclusion criteria. Barriers to implementation were identified at all five levels of the framework: participant; practitioner; intervention; organisational; and structural level. Enablers to implementation were evident at four levels: participant; provider; intervention; and organisational level. Conclusions: The findings of the review provide preliminary information on factors that impact implementation. However, large-scale studies informed by implementation theories are required. In addition, other studies are needed to address the potential impact of different models of intervention and explore strategies to minimize obstacles and support sustainability

“The Road We Travel”: Developing a co-produced narrative for a photovoice project

4.1 Introduction: PhotoVoice is a participatory methodology in which marginalized communities represent their lived experiences through photography. While the methodology aims to foster partnerships throughout all phases, the literature suggests that in the field of mental health, some phases are often completed without participant involvement. 4.2 Aims: This paper elaborates on how the PhotoVoice method was used to engage service users and family members around their experience of involvement in a co-produced and co-facilitated mental health education intervention, in order to enhance public and policymakers knowledge of the project. 4.3 Methods: Ten participants were recruited and trained in the PhotoVoice method. Participants documented, through photography, their experiences of involvement in the education intervention. Following this, participants came together to co-produce and disseminate the photography exhibition to the public. 4.4 Results: PhotoVoice proved to be a flexible and creative method by which to include marginalized groups. By adhering to the collaborative principles of the methodology, service users and family members can retain decision-making power from the project's inception to its conclusion. 4.5 Implications for Practice: PhotoVoice is ideal for use within mental health nursing as it coincides with the recovery principle of promoting collaborative partnership between service users, family members and clinicians