A Standard-Based Model For Adaptive E-Learning Platform For Mauritian Academic Institutions

The key aim of this paper is to introduce a standard-based model for adaptive e-learning platform for Mauritian academic institutions and to investigate the conditions and tools required to implement this model.  The main forces of the system are that it allows collaborative learning, communication among user, and reduce considerable paper work.  Adaptation in the context of e-learning is about creating a learner experience that purposely adjusts to various conditions over a period of time with the intention of increasing pre-defined success criteria.  Adaptation requires the functionality to be able to interact with and manipulate data on the learning design, the users and the system, and its contents.  Therefore, adaptation is not an add-on that can just be plugged into a learning environment.  Each of the conditions for adaptation has to be represented in a rigorous way.  We will introduce a model based on a set of key learning technology standards that enable a structured, integrated view on designing, using and validating adaptation

Randomised controlled trial of oxygen therapy and high-flow nasal therapy in African children with pneumonia

Purpose: The life-saving role of oxygen therapy in African children with severe pneumonia is not yet established. / Methods: The open-label fractional-factorial COAST trial randomised eligible Ugandan and Kenyan children aged > 28 days with severe pneumonia and severe hypoxaemia stratum (SpO2  3 h receipt of oxygen were excluded. The primary endpoint was 48 h mortality; secondary endpoints included mortality or neurocognitive sequelae at 28 days. / Results: The trial was stopped early after enrolling 1852/4200 children, including 388 in the severe hypoxaemia stratum (median 7 months; median SpO2 75%) randomised to HFNT (n = 194) or LFO (n = 194) and 1454 in the hypoxaemia stratum (median 9 months; median SpO2 88%) randomised to HFNT (n = 363) vs LFO (n = 364) vs permissive hypoxaemia (n = 727). Per-protocol 15% of patients in the permissive hypoxaemia group received oxygen (when SpO2 < 80%). In the severe hypoxaemia stratum, 48-h mortality was 9.3% for HFNT vs. 13.4% for LFO groups. In the hypoxaemia stratum, 48-h mortality was 1.1% for HFNT vs. 2.5% LFO and 1.4% for permissive hypoxaemia. In the hypoxaemia stratum, adjusted odds ratio for 48-h mortality in liberal vs permissive comparison was 1.16 (0.49–2.74; p = 0.73); HFNT vs LFO comparison was 0.60 (0.33–1.06; p = 0.08). Strata-specific 28 day mortality rates were, respectively: 18.6, 23.4 and 3.3, 4.1, 3.9%. Neurocognitive sequelae were rare. / Conclusions: Respiratory support with HFNT showing potential benefit should prompt further trials

All-dielectric metamirror for independent and asymmetric wave-front control

We report on the design and the numerical and experimental characterization of an all-dielectric reflecting focusing metasurface (metamirror) which does not have a back reflector, but effectively reflects incident waves with the desired reflection phase gradient. The profile of the reflection phase can be tuned independently for both sides of the single-layer subwavelength-thick metamirror by properly selecting dimensions of its dielectric inclusions. Such a feature stems from the bianisotropic omega properties of the inclusions. To demonstrate independent control of the reflection phase, we have designed a metamirror focusing normally incident plane waves at different focal distances being illuminated from the opposite sides. The proposed two-sided metamirror can find applications in antennas, diffraction gratings, and complex holograms. The absence of conducting elements makes it a perfect candidate for optical applications requiring asymmetric wave-front control.Peer reviewe

Long-term health care interruptions among HIV-positive patients in Uganda

Please help populate SUNScholar with the full text of SU research output. Also - should you need this item urgently, please send us the details and we will try to get hold of the full text as quick possible. E-mail to [email protected]. Thank you.Journal Articles (subsidised)Geneeskunde en GesondheidswetenskappeInterne Geneeskund