An Investigative Study Into Student Motivation and Identity Among Upper Class Electrical and Computer Engineering Students

This study investigates upper-class electrical and computer engineering students’ motivation and how students identify with their major. In addition, it also explores how student chosen research, projects, and learning impact the levels of motivation in students and how students identify with their major. Three different surveys were used over the course of the spring semester of 2017 at the University of Maine for this study: the Pittsburgh Freshman Engineering Aptitude Survey, the Project Ownership Survey, and the 2017 Electrical and Computer Engineering Survey. Participants for this study were junior and senior electrical and computer engineers, and students enrolled in ECE 466: Sensor Technology and Information. This study found that students exposed to research prior to the selection of a project, experienced increased levels of ownership and motivation for projects. Secondly, this study found that students experienced lower levels of motivation near the end of the semester when compared to the beginning

Development of an Electrical Interface for A Lateral Field Excited Sensor System

Sensor systems are utilized to provide critical information to an end user which may range from a physician in a heath care facility to a soldier in a battle field environment. The heart of the sensor system is the sensing platform, examples of which include semiconductor, piezoelectric and optical devices. The responses of these sensors must be converted into a format that the user can read and interpret. This conversion is achieved through integrating the sensing platform with an electrical interface. The focus of this thesis is the development of the first electrical interface for Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) sensors in the Lateral Field Excitation (LFE) configuration. Common techniques used for interfacing with thickness field excitation (TFE) QCM devices include impedance-based systems, oscillator systems, and phase-mass based systems. Although oscillators have been successfully designed for TFE QCMs, attempts to develop an oscillator-based interface system for the LFE QCMs operating in air and vacuum media have been unsuccessful. A comparative study of LFE and TFE sensors operating in air and vacuum media was conducted to determine the reason why these interfaces do not work with LFE QCMs. It was concluded that compared to TFE sensors LFE sensors have higher motional resistance, Rm, and narrower separation between the series and parallel resonant frequencies, which inhibited oscillation. To identify an optimum configuration for the 6MHz LFE sensor based on the sensor\u27s impedance response, 45 different configurations for the LFE sensor were fabricated and tested. Based on the conclusions of the comparative study and further investigation into QCM electrical interfaces, two electrical interface systems were investigated for the chosen LFE: the Balanced Bridge Oscillator (BBO) and the Phase Shift Monitoring system. The BBO, a type of frequency tracking system, was selected as the parallel capacitance seen by the sensor can be compensated for, improving the bandwidth of the sensors impedance response. This circuit can be tuned to match the LFE response, and incorporate automatic gain control. However, The fabricated BBO was unable to achieve a stable oscillation with current LFE devices. The Phase-Shift Monitoring system, which is based on the Phase-Mass characterization method, utilizes an external signal to excite the sensor, and the change in the phase shift of the sensor is tracked as a load is applied to it. The system outputs two DC signals corresponding to the detected change in phase-shift and signal amplitude. The Phase-Mass Monitoring system was tested using both liquid and solid loading with the LFE sensor, and was able to consistently detect masses in the 10s of micrograms range. When the LFE was loaded with 52μg in air, the system output 7.45mV with a tolerance of ±0.6mV. The Phase-Shift Monitoring system is the first electrical interface to be successfully integrated with the LFE sensor platform in air and vacuum media, where oscillator-based systems have been unsuccessful. Further work and testing on the system are required to fully characterize the phase-mass relationship of the LFE, as well as developing the system for commercialization

miR-196b target screen reveals mechanisms maintaining leukemia stemness with therapeutic potential.

We have shown that antagomiR inhibition of miRNA miR-21 and miR-196b activity is sufficient to ablate MLL-AF9 leukemia stem cells (LSC) in vivo. Here, we used an shRNA screening approach to mimic miRNA activity on experimentally verified miR-196b targets to identify functionally important and therapeutically relevant pathways downstream of oncogenic miRNA in MLL-r AML. We found Cdkn1b (p27Kip1) is a direct miR-196b target whose repression enhanced an embryonic stem cell–like signature associated with decreased leukemia latency and increased numbers of leukemia stem cells in vivo. Conversely, elevation of p27Kip1 significantly reduced MLL-r leukemia self-renewal, promoted monocytic differentiation of leukemic blasts, and induced cell death. Antagonism of miR-196b activity or pharmacologic inhibition of the Cks1-Skp2–containing SCF E3-ubiquitin ligase complex increased p27Kip1 and inhibited human AML growth. This work illustrates that understanding oncogenic miRNA target pathways can identify actionable targets in leukemia

Preclinical testing of antimicrobials for cystic fibrosis lung infections: current needs and future priorities.

A workshop was held by the PIPE-CF strategic research centre to consider preclinical testing of antimicrobials for cystic fibrosis (CF). The workshop brought together groups of people from the CF community to discuss current challenges and identify priorities when developing CF therapeutics. This paper summarizes the key points from the workshop from the different sessions, including talks given by presenters on the day and round table discussions. Currently, it is felt that there is a large disconnect throughout the community, with communication between patients, clinicians and researchers being the main issue. This leads to little consideration being given to factors such as treatment regimes, routes of administration and side effects when developing new therapies, that could alter the day-to-day lifestyles of people living with CF. Translation of numerical data that are obtained in the laboratory to successful outcomes of clinical trials is also a key challenge facing researchers today. Laboratory assays in preclinical testing involve basing results on bacterial clearance and decrease in viable cells, when these are not factors that are considered when determining the success of a treatment in the clinic. However, there are several models currently in development that seek to tackle some of these issues, such as the organ-on-a-chip technology and adaptation of a hollow-fibre model, as well as the development of media that aim to mimic the niche environments of a CF respiratory tract. It is hoped that by summarizing these opinions and discussing current research, the communication gap between groups can begin to close

Demographic and Spatiotemporal Patterns of Avian Influenza Infection at the Continental Scale, and in Relation to Annual Life Cycle of a Migratory Host

Since the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in the eastern hemisphere, numerous surveillance programs and studies have been undertaken to detect the occurrence, distribution, or spread of avian influenza viruses (AIV) in wild bird populations worldwide. To identify demographic determinants and spatiotemporal patterns of AIV infection in long distance migratory waterfowl in North America, we fitted generalized linear models with binominal distribution to analyze results from 13,574 blue-winged teal (Anas discors, BWTE) sampled in 2007 to 2010 year round during AIV surveillance programs in Canada and the United States. Our analyses revealed that during late summer staging (July-August) and fall migration (September-October), hatch year (HY) birds were more likely to be infected than after hatch year (AHY) birds, however there was no difference between age categories for the remainder of the year (winter, spring migration, and breeding period), likely due to maturing immune systems and newly acquired immunity of HY birds. Probability of infection increased non-linearly with latitude, and was highest in late summer prior to fall migration when densities of birds and the proportion of susceptible HY birds in the population are highest. Birds in the Central and Mississippi flyways were more likely to be infected compared to those in the Atlantic flyway. Seasonal cycles and spatial variation of AIV infection were largely driven by the dynamics of AIV infection in HY birds, which had more prominent cycles and spatial variation in infection compared to AHY birds. Our results demonstrate demographic as well as seasonal, latitudinal and flyway trends across Canada and the US, while illustrating the importance of migratory host life cycle and age in driving cyclical patterns of prevalence

How can community pharmacists be supported to manage skin conditions? A multi-stage stakeholder research prioritisation exercise.

ObjectiveTo establish research priorities which will support the development and delivery of community pharmacy initiatives for the management of skin conditions.DesignAn iterative, multi-stage stakeholder consultation consisting of online survey, participant workshops, and prioritisation meeting.SettingAll data collection took place online with participants completing a survey (delivered via the JISC Online Survey platform, between July 2021 and January 2022) and participating in online workshops and meetings (hosted on Microsoft Teams between April and July 2022).Participants174 community pharmacists and pharmacy staff completed the online survey. 53 participants participated in the exploratory workshops (19 community pharmacists, 480 non pharmacist members of pharmacy staff and 30 members of the public). 4 healthcare professionals who were unable to attend a workshop participated in a one-to-one interview. 29 participants from the workshops took part in the prioritisation meeting (584 pharmacists/pharmacy staff, 1 other healthcare professional, and 23 members of the public).ResultsFive broad areas of potential research need were identified in the online survey: (1) identifying and diagnosing skin conditions; (2) skin conditions in skin of colour; (3) when to refer skin conditions; (4) disease specific concerns; and (5) product specific concerns. These were explored and refined in the workshops to establish ten potential areas for research which will support pharmacists in managing skin conditions. These were ranked in the prioritisation meeting. Amongst those prioritised were topics which consider how pharmacists work with other healthcare professionals to identify and manage skin conditions.ConclusionsSurvey responses and stakeholder workshops all recognised the potential for community pharmacists to play an active role in the management of common skin conditions. Future research may support this in the generation of resources for pharmacists, in encouraging public take-up of pharmacy services, and in evaluating the most effective provision for dealing with skin conditions.STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS• Novel exploration of the research needs associated with the care of skin conditions within community pharmacy.• An iterative, multi-stage consultation ensured detailed insight about the topic.• The involvement of pharmacists, pharmacy staff, healthcare professionals and members of the public ensured that all pertinent voices were heard.• Participants were self-selecting and may have had a particular interest/perspective upon skin conditions.• Greater participation from pharmacists in the prioritisation workshops may have been beneficial

An interview study of the experiences of cellulitis diagnosis amongst health care professionals

Objectives: To explore healthcare professionals (HCPs) experiences and challenges in diagnosing suspected lower limb cellulitis.Setting: UK nationwide.Participants: 20 qualified HCPs, who had a minimum of 2 years clinical experience as an HCP in the national health service and had managed a clinical case of suspected cellulitis of the lower limb in the UK. HCPs were recruited from departments of dermatology (including a specialist cellulitis clinic), general practice, tissue viability, lymphoedema services, general surgery, emergency care and acute medicine. Purposive sampling was employed to ensure that participants included consultant doctors, trainee doctors and nurses across the specialties listed above. Participants were recruited through national networks, HCPs who contributed to the cellulitis priority setting partnership, UK Dermatology Clinical Trials Network, snowball sampling where participants helped recruit other participants and personal networks of the authors.Primary and secondary outcomes: Primary outcome was to describe the key clinical features which inform the diagnosis of lower limb cellulitis. Secondary outcome was to explore the difficulties in making a diagnosis of lower limb cellulitis.Results: The presentation of lower limb cellulitis changes as the episode runs its course. Therefore, different specialties see clinical features at varying stages of cellulitis. Clinical experience is essential to being confident in making a diagnosis, but even among experienced HCPs, there were differences in the clinical rationale of diagnosis. A group of core clinical features were suggested, many of which overlapped with alternative diagnoses. This emphasises how the diagnosis is challenging, with objective aids and a greater understanding of the mimics of cellulitis required.Conclusion: Cellulitis is a complex diagnosis and has a variable clinical presentation at different stages. Although cellulitis is a common diagnosis to make, HCPs need to be mindful of alternative diagnoses

An interview study to determine the experiences of cellulitis diagnosis amongst health care professionals in the UK

OBJECTIVES: To explore healthcare professionals (HCPs) experiences and challenges in diagnosing suspected lower limb cellulitis. SETTING: UK nationwide. PARTICIPANTS: 20 qualified HCPs, who had a minimum of 2 years clinical experience as an HCP in the national health service and had managed a clinical case of suspected cellulitis of the lower limb in the UK. HCPs were recruited from departments of dermatology (including a specialist cellulitis clinic), general practice, tissue viability, lymphoedema services, general surgery, emergency care and acute medicine. Purposive sampling was employed to ensure that participants included consultant doctors, trainee doctors and nurses across the specialties listed above. Participants were recruited through national networks, HCPs who contributed to the cellulitis priority setting partnership, UK Dermatology Clinical Trials Network, snowball sampling where participants helped recruit other participants and personal networks of the authors. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES: Primary outcome was to describe the key clinical features which inform the diagnosis of lower limb cellulitis. Secondary outcome was to explore the difficulties in making a diagnosis of lower limb cellulitis. RESULTS: The presentation of lower limb cellulitis changes as the episode runs its course. Therefore, different specialties see clinical features at varying stages of cellulitis. Clinical experience is essential to being confident in making a diagnosis, but even among experienced HCPs, there were differences in the clinical rationale of diagnosis. A group of core clinical features were suggested, many of which overlapped with alternative diagnoses. This emphasises how the diagnosis is challenging, with objective aids and a greater understanding of the mimics of cellulitis required. CONCLUSION: Cellulitis is a complex diagnosis and has a variable clinical presentation at different stages. Although cellulitis is a common diagnosis to make, HCPs need to be mindful of alternative diagnoses

Quiet-Sun imaging asymmetries in NaI D1 compared with other strong Fraunhofer lines

Imaging spectroscopy of the solar atmosphere using the NaI D1 line yields marked asymmetry between the blue and red line wings: sampling a quiet-Sun area in the blue wing displays reversed granulation, whereas sampling in the red wing displays normal granulation. The MgI b2 line of comparable strength does not show this asymmetry, nor does the stronger CaII 8542 line. We demonstrate the phenomenon with near-simultaneous spectral images in NaI D1, MgI b2, and CaII 8542 from the Swedish 1-m Solar Telescope. We then explain it with line-formation insights from classical 1D modeling and with a 3D magnetohydrodynamical simulation combined with NLTE spectral line synthesis that permits detailed comparison with the observations in a common format. The cause of the imaging asymmetry is the combination of correlations between intensity and Dopplershift modulation in granular overshoot and the sensitivity to these of the steep profile flanks of the NaI D1 line. The MgI b2 line has similar core formation but much wider wings due to larger opacity buildup and damping in the photosphere. Both lines obtain marked core asymmetry from photospheric shocks in or near strong magnetic concentrations, less from higher-up internetwork shocks that produce similar asymmetry in the spatially averaged CaII 8542 profile.Comment: Accepted by Astron & Astrophys. In each in-text citation the year links to the corresponding ADS abstract pag

Mediation in the Law Curriculum

Cited by Lord Neuberger in ‘Educating Future Mediators’ at the 4th Civil Mediation Council National Conference, May 201