An investigation of the relationship between student characteristics, the learning experience and academic achievement on an online distance learning MBA programme.

The main purpose of this study is to develop and test a conceptual framework of the antecedents of academic achievement for students studying online. The study is essentially exploratory in nature and an adaptation of Biggs’ 3P (Biggs, 1993a) model provides the theoretical framework. A wide range of antecedent variables is considered, including individual student characteristics and behavioural aspects of studying online. Uniquely, the study positions developmental aspects of the student learning experience (deconstructed at course level using an eight level developmental hierarchy derived from Bloom’s taxonomy (Bloom et al., 1956)) as an intermediate outcome. Regression models are calibrated to determine which factors influence both the student learning experience and academic achievement. Variation in the student learning experience (as an intermediate outcome) is explained by student satisfaction with course materials and certain individual student characteristics and behavioural aspects of online study. Disadvantaged students lack previous experience in the study of Economics; have certain learning styles (sensing and verbal); and in the online study context find it difficult both to interact with faculty and to work alone. In terms of academic achievement, the parsimonious model explains 48% of the variance in overall performance in the Economics exam. After student ability the next most important variables of significance relate to developmental aspects of the learning experience, specifically, the level of difficulty experienced both in applying theory to business problems and understanding numerical calculations. The policy implications of the findings are considered and specific recommendations are provided for the enhancement of Edinburgh Business School course resources. The research findings indicate that, in building a theoretical framework for online learning, there is merit in taking into account course-level developmental aspects of the student learning experience. As well as their significance in helping to explain variation in academic achievement, the insights gained on student learning facilitate the design and targeting of interventions to address specific educational needs. It is hoped that this approach may help to address some of the concerns that exist that, in education, technology is not always used in ways which enhance student learning

Are DMARDs effective for rheumatologic diseases besides rheumatoid arthritis?

It's unclear whether disease-modifying antirheumatic agents (DMARDs) as first-line therapy in nonrheumatoid rheumatologic diseases are effective because the question has not been studied. As second-line therapy, the use of some DMARDs appears to be beneficial for patients with psoriatic arthritis (strength of recommendation [SOR: A, based on systematic reviews of good- quality randomized controlled trials) and ankylosing spondylitis (SOR: B, based on systematic reviews of moderate quality trials). Data on the safety and efficacy of DMARDs as second-line therapy for other arthritic conditions is limited (SOR: C, based on small prospective cohort trials)

Hip Pain in Preschool-Age Children

Evidence is lacking on the most common causes of hip pain in children because most data come from cohort studies and include referred patients. Based on these studies, transient synovitis is the most common cause of hip pain in preschool-age children, accounting for more than 80 percent of cases. (Strength of Recommendation [SOR] = B, based on fair-quality cohort studies performed in referred populations). Septic arthritis, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, and trauma are important but less common causes of hip pain in this age group. (SOR = B, based on fair- quality cohort studies performed in referred populations)

How can you help prevent a recurrence of diverticulitis?

A high-fiber diet is often prescribed after recovery from acute diverticulitis, based on extrapolation from epidemiologic data showing an association between low-fiber diets and diverticulosis (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C, expert opinion). No direct evidence establishes a role for fiber in preventing recurrent diverticulitis, however. No evidence supports the common advice to avoid nuts and seeds to prevent diverticulitis. Eating nuts, corn, and popcorn doesn't increase the risk; in fact, nuts and popcorn may have a protective effect (SOR: B, large cohort study)

Financial signal processing: a self calibrating model

Previous work on multifactor term structure models has proposed that the short rate process is a function of some unobserved diffusion process. We consider a model in which the short rate process is a function of a Markov chain which represents the 'state of the world'. This enables us to obtain explicit expressions for the prices of zero-coupon bonds and other securities. Discretizing our model allows the use of signal processing techniques from Hidden Markov Models. This means we can estimate not only the unobserved Markov chain but also the parameters of the model, so the model is self-calibrating. The estimation procedure is tested on a selection of U.S. Treasury bills and bonds.Bonds

What is the appropriate use of sunscreen for infants and children?

The risk and benefits of sunscreen use for children under the age of 6 months are unknown. To avoid sunburn, infants should be kept out of direct sunlight and be covered with protective clothing (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C, expert opinion). For children aged >6 months, a liberal amount of water-resistant, child-safe, broadspectrum sunscreen (protecting from both UVA and UVB), with SPF [equal to or greater than] 15 should be rubbed well into all exposed skin before going outside (SOR: B, case-control and extrapolation of studies). Effectiveness may be increased if sunscreen is applied 30 minutes before exposure and reapplied every 2 hours, particularly if swimming (SOR: C, expert opinion). Tightly woven protective clothing, a wide-brimmed cap, and eye protection should also be used whenever possible

How effective are hypertension self-care interventions?

Simplification of the dosing regimen (eg, once-daily instead of multiple dosing) improves patients' adherence to anti- hypertensive medications (strength of recommendation [SOR]: B, based on a high- quality systematic review of lower-quality randomized controlled trials). Dietary advice promotes modest short-term improvements in self-reported fat intake and fruit and vegetable consumption (SOR: B, based on a high-quality systematic review of lower-quality, randomized controlled trials)

How accurate is the use of ECGs in the diagnosis of myocardial infarct?

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a fairly accurate test in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI). However, given more sensitive technologies, such as cardiac biomarker testing, its primary role should be as an important adjunct in the evaluation and detection of MI (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A).The sensitivity of ECG for detection of MI is directly related to what is defined as positive findings on the ECG for MI. The single most specific ECG finding is the presence of new ST segment elevation of at least 1mm (SOR: A). Other findings such as the development of new pathologic Q waves and ST depression can also be valuable in making the diagnosis

Which Lipoprotein Measurements Are Clinically Useful?

Emerging lipid risk factors for cardiovascular disease include lipoprotein remnants, lipoprotein (a), small LDL particles, HDL subspecies, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein A-I, and oxidized LDL. Measurement of these levels should not be used for routine cardiovascular risk screening. (Strength of Recommendation [SOR]: C, based on expert opinion and lack of clinical outcomes trials

What is the interval for monitoring warfarin therapy once therapeutic levels are achieved?

The international normalized ratio (INR) should be measured monthly once therapeutic levels are achieved and are stable for at least 8 weeks, although treatment should be individualized and an increased frequency may be required by some patients (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C, consensus statements). For highly compliant patients with stable levels and a clear understanding of factors that influence anticoagulation (changes in health, diet, medications), routine monitoring may be extended to 6 weeks (SOR: B, single randomized controlled trial [RCT]) or longer (SOR: C, case series). Patient-managed warfarin therapy, using biweekly self-measurements, results in more time in therapeutic range than routine physicianmanaged care (SOR: A, RCTs)