Emergent requirements for supporting introductory programming

The problems associated with learning and teaching first year University Computer Science (CS1) programming classes are summarized showing that various support tools and techniques have been developed and evaluated. From this review of applicable support the paper derives ten requirements that a support tool should have in order to improve CS1 student success rate with respect to learning and understanding

Factors affecting neonatal and peripartum maternal metabolism and behavior in beef cattle and horses

Three studies were conducted to investigate perinatal changes in metabolism and behavior of beef cattle and horses. In the first study, effects of parity on perinatal nutrient availability assessed through calf size and vigor, placental characteristics, maternal and neonatal metabolic status, and colostrum quality were examined in beef cattle. Calves born to multiparous dams had greater birth weight and tended to have larger placentas. Protein was greater and lactose tended to be less in colostrum from primiparous dams. There was an interaction of parity x hour for all neonatal calf serum energy metabolites as well as BUN, creatinine, albumin, and insulin. In the second study, changes in neonatal foal and peripartum mare metabolites were examined during the 72 h after foaling. The majority of neonatal foal serum energy and protein metabolites, electrolytes, metabolic enzymes, and complete blood chemistry profiles changed over time, indicating the importance of age at sampling time during the first 72 h postnatally. Peripartum maternal plasma glucose, serum BUN, and serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) also changed within 24 h postpartum. The objectives of the third study were to determine changes in locomotion behavior prior to parturition in beef cattle, and the effect of parity on those behavioral changes. Changes in activity were detected during the 3 d prior to calving, with some parameters affected by parity. Lying bouts increased on the day prior to calving, with these increases primarily occurring during the 3 h prior to calving. This indicates that lying bouts may be useful for calving prediction technologies.Includes bibliographical reference

Validation of the Brazilian version of the VERITAS-Pro scale to assess adherence to prophylactic regimens in hemophilia

Introduction: Prophylaxis is the treatment of choice for patients with severe hemophilia. Low adherence may limit the effectiveness of the prophylactic regimen, thereby compromising outcomes. Objective: The objective of this study was to validate the Brazilian version of the VERITAS-Pro prophylaxis adherence scale, originally an American questionnaire that can be answered by the individual responsible for prophylaxis as well as by an observer. Methods: The scale has 24 questions divided into six subscales: Routine, Dosage, Plan, Remember, Skip and Communicate. Participants were recruited at a blood center in southeastern Brazil for validation and reliability analyses. Validation measures included the results obtained using analog visual scales of adherence, interval between medication dispensed by the treatment center pharmacy and the percentage of recommended doses administered and infusions registered in the patients’ logs. Results: The study included 32 individuals responsible for prophylaxis and five observers. The internal consistency was very good for the VERITAS-Pro total score, excellent for the Remember, Skip and Communicate subscales, good for the Dosage subscale, and acceptable for the Routine and Plan subscales. Twelve participants answered the questionnaire on more than one occasion to evaluate reproducibility. The intraclass correlation coefficient was excellent. Regarding convergent validity, the VERITAS-Pro scores were moderately correlated with the global adherence scale and with infusion log records, but showed a weak correlation with pharmacy dispensation records. Conclusion: The Brazilian version of VERITAS-Pro is a valid and reliable instrument, enabling the understanding of specific factors related to non-adherence and allowing targeted interventions for proper treatment.

Evaluation of public involvement in research : time for a major re-think?

The way that public involvement in research has been evaluated as a complex intervention has derailed the development of an evidence base. Two alternative approaches are available for constructing and evaluating patient involvement, each of which requires us to revisit the purposes and values that underpin it in each stage of the research process