How does a vocational qualification (BTEC) prepare students for a degree in Biosciences at a research intensive university?

Over the last decade the number of students coming to university with a BTEC qualification has risen. As BTEC students are more likely to come from widening participation backgrounds, accepting students with a BTEC qualification has been instrumental in helping universities to broaden access to Higher Education. However, the poorer progression and retention of students attending university with a BTEC qualification is a key area of concern. The aim of this study was to explore the transition experience of Biosciences students entering university with a BTEC qualification in order to better target support for these students. Focus groups with current students who entered university with a BTEC qualification, and semi-structured interviews with teaching staff at feeder colleges, highlighted that the BTEC equipped students with many transferable skills relevant to university study. In particular it prepared students for time management, report writing, practical laboratory work and working independently. However, our findings suggest that further support is required in mathematics, chemistry, examination and revision techniques. We propose that instilling confidence, encouraging friendship groups, more transparent advertising and developing inclusive curricula may help to improve BTEC student retention and progressio

Interpreting the seasonal cycles of atmospheric oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations at American Samoa Observatory

We present seven years of atmospheric O2/N2 ratio and CO2 concentration data measured from flask samples collected at American Samoa. These data are unusual, exhibiting higher short-term variability, and seasonal cycles not in phase with other sampling stations. The unique nature of atmospheric data from Samoa has been noted previously from measurements of CO2, methyl chloroform, and ozone. With our O2 data, we observe greater magnitude in the short-term variability, but, in contrast, no clear seasonal pattern to this variability. This we attribute to significant regional sources and sinks existing for O2 in both hemispheres, and a dependence on both the latitudinal and altitudinal origins of air masses. We also hypothesize that some samples exhibit a component of "older" air, demonstrating recirculation of air within the tropics. Our findings could be used to help constrain atmospheric transport models which are not well characterized in tropical regions

Market PBL: A Cross-Curricular Exploration of Technological Innovation in Pre-Modern Civilizations

This project-based learning unit incorporates knowledge from history, English, math and science courses. Students explore how geography and available resources, coupled with technological advancements, shape a civilization’s industry and therefore the quality of life of the inhabitants. Students design a product that could be made from the natural resources of their civilization and attempt to sell their product in a simulated market

Exploring white matter microstructural alterations in mild cognitive impairment: a multimodal diffusion MRI investigation utilizing diffusion kurtosis and free-water imaging

BackgroundMild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage from normal aging to dementia, characterized by noticeable changes in cognitive function that do not significantly impact daily life. Diffusion MRI (dMRI) plays a crucial role in understanding MCI by assessing white matter integrity and revealing early signs of axonal degeneration and myelin breakdown before cognitive symptoms appear.MethodsThis study utilized the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database to compare white matter microstructure in individuals with MCI to cognitively normal (CN) individuals, employing advanced dMRI techniques such as diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), mean signal diffusion kurtosis imaging (MSDKI), and free water imaging (FWI).ResultsAnalyzing data from 55 CN subjects and 46 individuals with MCI, this study found significant differences in white matter integrity, particularly in free water levels and kurtosis values, suggesting neuroinflammatory responses and microstructural integrity disruption in MCI. Moreover, negative correlations between Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and free water levels in the brain within the MCI group point to the potential of these measures as early biomarkers for cognitive impairment.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study demonstrates how a multimodal advanced diffusion imaging approach can uncover early microstructural changes in MCI, offering insights into the neurobiological mechanisms behind cognitive decline

A global study to identify a potential basis for policy options when integrating animal welfare into the UN Sustainable Development Goals

A previously developed methodology to rate the strength of the impact of improving animal welfare on achieving each of the 17 SDGs and the impact of achieving each SDG on animal welfare was used at the third Animal Welfare Global Forum of the World Organisation for Animal Health. Data from 95 participants from key stakeholder categories and organisations involved in animal welfare were analysed. The resulting ‘map’ of the relative strengths of these associations confirmed the expected co-benefits of improving animal welfare and achieving the SDGs. Differences at regional level and according to the economic classification of the country were also identified. This paper focuses on using this ‘map’ as a potential guide for how organisations interested in improving animal welfare could identify potential new allies for strategic partnerships to facilitate the implementation of different policy options. For example, a strategy can be to collaborate with those organisations where the impact is of similar mutual benefit, e.g. between improving animal welfare and achieving SDG 3 (Good health and well-being). Organisations in these two areas are already aligning themselves in the ‘One Health’ movement. Another strategy can be to align with organisations for whom achievement of their goal has the greatest impact on animal welfare, even if the impact is not mutual e.g. by collaborating with organisations working to achieve SDG 16 (Peace justice and strong institutions) and SDG 4 (Quality education). Achieving these goals was considered to have a large impact on improving animal welfare, equivalent to that of achieving SDG 3. In summary, this study can help organisations working in the area of animal welfare identify previously untapped areas of potential support, so tailoring their efforts efficiently, while at the same time themselves supporting movement towards the Agenda 2030. Simply put, the co-benefits make collaboration worthwhile, potentially opening up opportunities that would be unavailable when organisations are working independently towards their own respective goals

Effectiveness of testing, contact tracing and isolation interventions among the general population on reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2: a systematic review

We conducted a systematic literature review of general population testing, contact tracing, case isolation and contact quarantine interventions to assess their effectiveness in reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission, as implemented in real-world settings. We designed a broad search strategy and aimed to identify peer-reviewed studies of any design provided there was a quantitative measure of effectiveness on a transmission outcome. Studies that assessed the effect of testing or diagnosis on disease outcomes via treatment, but did not assess a transmission outcome, were not included. We focused on interventions implemented among the general population rather than in specific settings; these were from anywhere in the world and published any time after 1 January 2020 until the end of 2022. From 26 720 titles and abstracts, 1181 were reviewed as full text, and 25 met our inclusion criteria. These 25 studies included one randomized control trial (RCT) and the remaining 24 analysed empirical data and made some attempt to control for confounding. Studies included were categorized by the type of intervention: contact tracing (seven studies); specific testing strategies (12 studies); strategies for isolating cases/contacts (four studies); and 'test, trace, isolate' (TTI) as a part of a package of interventions (two studies). None of the 25 studies were rated at low risk of bias and many were rated as serious risk of bias, particularly due to the likely presence of uncontrolled confounding factors, which was a major challenge in assessing the independent effects of TTI in observational studies. These confounding factors are to be expected from observational studies during an on-going pandemic, when the emphasis was on reducing the epidemic burden rather than trial design. Findings from these 25 studies suggested an important public health role for testing followed by isolation, especially where mass and serial testing was used to reduce transmission. Some of the most compelling analyses came from examining fine-grained within-country data on contact tracing; while broader studies which compared behaviour between countries also often found TTI led to reduced transmission and mortality, this was not universal. There was limited evidence for the benefit of isolation of cases/contacts away from the home environment. One study, an RCT, showed that daily testing of contacts could be a viable strategy to replace lengthy quarantine of contacts. Based on the scarcity of robust empirical evidence, we were not able to draw any firm quantitative conclusions about the quantitative impact of TTI interventions in different epidemic contexts. While the majority of studies found that testing, tracing and isolation reduced transmission, evidence for the scale of this impact is only available for specific scenarios and hence is not necessarily generalizable. Our review therefore emphasizes the need to conduct robust experimental studies that help inform the likely quantitative impact of different TTI interventions on transmission and their optimal design. Work is needed to support such studies in the context of future emerging epidemics, along with assessments of the cost-effectiveness of TTI interventions, which was beyond the scope of this review but will be critical to decision-making. This article is part of the theme issue 'The effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions on the COVID-19 pandemic: the evidence'

Integrating socio-economic objectives for mine closure and remediation into impact assessment in Canada

Background: the issue The cyclical and volatile nature of resource economies means that particular extraction sites may be subject to sudden closure and abandonment, often leaving behind considerable social and environmental problems. There are an estimated 10,000 or more abandoned mines across Canada, ranging from small workings to large, complex post-industrial sites. Two federal Auditor General’s reports (2002 and 2012) highlighted abandoned mines as being among Canada’s most toxic sites, representing major public liabilities in the billions of dollars. In addition to these legacy sites, the many current and planned mineral developments across Canada’s northern mining belt are forecast to close in the coming two decades. Mine closure regulation and assessment practices vary widely across Canada, particularly surrounding socio-economic impacts. Typically, closure and remediation receive scant attention during the impact assessment phase of major mineral development projects, with the focus instead placed on mitigating the initial ecological and social impacts of development and operations. Public assessments and reviews of closure and remediation plans for active mines (where they occur) rarely include Indigenous knowledge, values or land uses as part of setting remediation goals and standards. In the context of both historical, ongoing, and anticipated mineral development activities in Canada, a better understanding of the state of knowledge surrounding the role and practice of impact assessment for mine closure and remediation is required. This emphasis on mine closure and reclamation (rather than mineral development proposals more generally) reflects the particular knowledge and policy challenges associated with this final (and frequently longest) phase of the mining cycle, including: addressing long-term environmental and social impacts; financial securities for post-closure liabilities; post-remediation monitoring and relinquishment of closed sites; and the often complicated regulatory arrangements surrounding operating versus abandoned mines. In addition, while the majority of impact assessments (IA) occur at the front end of large-scale mining projects and do not include detailed discussions or evaluations of closure and remediation, in recent years some high-profile mine remediation projects have themselves been subject to full IA reviews. Objectives This Knowledge Synthesis Report investigates and illuminates the gaps in environmental and social impact assessment practices for mine closure and remediation. In particular, we assess: i) whether and how mine closure and remediation are incorporated into environment and impact assessment processes (in Canada); ii) public participation and oversight of mine closure and remediation (through environment and impact assessment processes); and iii) the various regulations, policies, and practices of mine closure and remediation, as reflected in actual closure plan documents. To understand the state of knowledge related to these issues, we undertook a systematic literature review (Section 3) using major scientific databases to identify and assess studies related to mine remediation, public participation, and impact assessment. Second, we undertook a review of mine closure plans (Section 4), with a focus on major mining developments in the Canadian North, to analyse how they have undergone regulatory review or environmental assessment, and consider how they incorporate community engagement, socioeconomic impacts, and Indigenous participation in remediation planning. Finally, we summarize and link the results of these analyses and discuss their implications for both environmental assessment and mine closure and remediation. Methodology and results: The systematic literature review (Section 3) entailed a targeted search through over 20 databases encompassing environmental studies, policy studies, anthropology, sociology, dissertation and thesis catalogues, and other grey literature. In addition, a database of ‘known’ or familiar literature was compiled by the researchers and reviewed using the same screening protocol as our systematic search. Search strings focused on a range of terms related to public engagement, mining, remediation, and environmental assessment. The search and screening process yielded a total of 14 sources for detailed synthesis and analysis. The lack of common research design among the studies reviewed suggests the topic and field of study is fragmented. Analysis of both the systematic review and ‘known’ literature demonstrates that much of the potentially relevant research does not directly address impact assessment, closure, and community engagement, but rather focuses on one of those three topics, with passing or contextual mentions of the others. The closure plan review (Section 4) entailed a qualitative comparison of closure plans from mines operating in Yukon (1), the Northwest Territories (3), Nunavut (3), Nunavik (2), and Labrador (1) (see Table 4). Instead of examining closure plans from all provinces and territories, these five regions were chosen due to the inconsistent availability of closure plans across Canada. In addition to evaluating the accessibility of these plans for public scrutiny, these closure plans were systematically assessed based on the evidence of public engagement; inclusion and use of community knowledge; acknowledgement of socio-economic impacts of closure; and plans to mitigate impacts. These practices vary widely between closure plans and jurisdictions, but in general public, consultation and engagement of community knowledge and social impacts in closure planning are vague and inconsistent. There does not appear to be a clear relationship between impact assessment processes and closure plans, and there are significant gaps in the policies governing both. Key messages ● mine closure and remediation is often the longest and most complex phase of the mining cycle, yet receives the least attention during project assessment and approval ● the long-term, even perpetual nature of post-mining impacts is a major sustainability challenge and contributes to cumulative impacts in extractive regions ● the mitigation of social impacts of mine closure and remediation is poorly addressed in closure and remediation policy ● community engagement and public scrutiny of closure plans, including during the project assessment phase, is crucial to equitable and effective closure and remediation practice ● particular attention is required to the legacies of mining and mine remediation for Indigenous communities in the context of settler colonial relations and more recent practices related to negotiated agreements ● future research is required to integrate and enhance knowledge of these issues and to make recommendations for impact assessment and closure policy and practic

Veterans’ civilian employment experiences: Lessons learnt from focus groups

Emerging evidence highlights employment as a key factor influencing the success of transition from military to civilian life. Historically, employment programs have focused on improving skills such as resume writing and interview skills. However, it is likely that employment challenges are more than these practical barriers. Four focus groups with employed and unemployed Gulf War Era II veterans were conducted aimed at moving past a practical perspective by gaining experiential understandings of veterans’ employment. Thematic analysis indicated that the veterans’ employment experiences were best understood temporally in two master themes: pretransition and the divergent experiences of veterans who did and did not plan ahead and living the transition and the veterans’ experiences of employment barriers and facilitators. Further to the two master themes, an underlying thread of the need for self-determination was evident. Interpretation of the results led to the development of recommendations for policy, service provision, and future research

Synthesis and characterisation of pyrene-labelled polydimethylsiloxane networks: towards the in situ detection of strain in silicone elastomers

Pyrene-substituted polyhydromethylsiloxanes (PHMS-Py-x) were synthesised by the hydrosilylation reaction of prop-3-enyloxymethylpyrene with polyhydromethylsiloxane (M-n = 3700). The ratio of pyrene substituent to Si-H unit was varied to afford a range of pyrene-functionalised polysiloxanes. These copolymers were subsequently incorporated into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomers by curing via either Pt(0) catalysed hydrosilylation with divinyl-terminated PDMS (M-n = 186) and tetrakis(dimethylsiloxy) silane, or Sn(II) catalysed condensation with alpha,omega-dihydroxyPDMS (M-n = 26 000) and tetraethoxysilane. An alternative method involving the synthesis and integration of [3-(pyren-1-ylmethoxy)propyl]triethoxysilane (Py-TEOS) into PDMS elastomers was also investigated: a mixture of alpha,omega-dihydroxyPDMS (M-n = 26 000), tetraethoxysilane, and Py-TEOS was cured using an Sn( II) catalyst. Certain of the resulting fluorescent pyrene-labelled elastomers were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis. No significant changes were observed in the thermal or mechanical properties of the elastomers containing pyrene when compared to otherwise identical samples not containing pyrene. All of the pyrene-containing elastomers were demonstrated to be fluorescent under suitable excitation in a photoluminescent spectrometer. Two of the elastomers were placed in a photoluminescence spectrometer and subjected to cycles of extension and relaxation (strain = 0-16.7%) while changes in the emission spectra were monitored. The resulting spectra of the elastomer containing the PHMS-Py-50 copolymers were variable and inconsistent. However, the emission peaks of elastomers containing Py-TEOS displayed clear and reproducible changes in fluorescence intensity upon stretching and relaxation. The intensity of the monomer and excimer emission peaks was observed to increase with elongation of the sample and decrease upon relaxation. Furthermore, the ratio of the intensities of the excimer : monomer peak decreased with elongation and increased with relaxation. In neither case was there appreciable hysteresis, suggesting that fluorescent labelling of elastomers is a valid approach for the non-invasive in situ monitoring of stress and strain in such materials

Structural connectivity and brain network analyses in Parkinson's disease: A cross-sectional and longitudinal study.

IntroductionParkinson's disease (PD) is an idiopathic disease of the central nervous system characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can reveal underlying brain changes associated with PD.ObjectiveIn this study, structural connectivity and white matter networks were analyzed by diffusion MRI and graph theory in a cohort of patients with PD and a cohort of healthy controls (HC) obtained from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) database in a cross-sectional analysis. Furthermore, we investigated longitudinal changes in the PD cohort over 36 months.ResultCompared with the control group, participants with PD showed lower structural connectivity in several brain areas, including the corpus callosum, fornix, and uncinate fasciculus, which were also confirmed by a large effect-size. Additionally, altered connectivity between baseline and after 36 months was found in different network paths inside the white matter with a medium effect-size. Network analysis showed trends toward lower network density in PD compared with HC at baseline and after 36 months, though not significant after correction. Significant differences were observed in nodal degree and strength in several nodes.ConclusionIn conclusion, altered structural and network metrics in several brain regions, such as corpus callosum, fornix, and cingulum were found in PD, compared to HC. We also report altered connectivity in the PD group after 36 months, reflecting the impact of both PD pathology and aging processes. These results indicate that structural and network metrics might yield insight into network reorganization that occurs in PD