Self-Regulated Learning Prompts in the Enhancement of Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking has been recognized as an essential concept in nursing curricula, as well as an important outcome for nursing students. The process of journaling has been used as an educational tool within nursing education to evaluate the critical thinking skills in nursing students. Despite its vigorous use, there is no specific format or conceptual model that is used consistently in nursing education to guide the journaling process or to evaluate if critical thinking is or has indeed occurred. This study will introduce the concept of using self-regulated learning (SRL) theory to prompt Basic BSN students in the development of critical thinking skills through the act of journaling. Self-regulated learning was used to format and apply journaling prompts to guide the Medical-Surgical II clinical rotation of Cleveland State University nursing students. The hypothesis was that students who use the self-regulated prompts will show a higher level of critical thinking skills as compared to the students who did not use the self-regulated prompts. A convenience sample of students were recruited and randomly assigned into groups. Journal reflections were scored and evaluated using the Lasater Clinical Judgement Rubric for the presence of cognitive, metacognitive and motivational critical thought processes. A t-test analysis was conducted to measure the difference between the two BSN groups for level of critical thinking. The results of this study did not show a significant difference between the two groups, but is a step in developing a more conceptually consistent method of guiding and evaluating the journaling process in order to show the presence of critical thinking

Self-Regulated Learning Prompts in the Enhancement of Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking has been recognized as an essential concept in nursing curricula, as well as an important outcome for nursing students. The process of journaling has been used as an educational tool within nursing education to evaluate the critical thinking skills in nursing students. Despite its vigorous use, there is no specific format or conceptual model that is used consistently in nursing education to guide the journaling process or to evaluate if critical thinking is or has indeed occurred. This study will introduce the concept of using self-regulated learning (SRL) theory to prompt Basic BSN students in the development of critical thinking skills through the act of journaling. Self-regulated learning was used to format and apply journaling prompts to guide the Medical-Surgical II clinical rotation of Cleveland State University nursing students. The hypothesis was that students who use the self-regulated prompts will show a higher level of critical thinking skills as compared to the students who did not use the self-regulated prompts. A convenience sample of students were recruited and randomly assigned into groups. Journal reflections were scored and evaluated using the Lasater Clinical Judgement Rubric for the presence of cognitive, metacognitive and motivational critical thought processes. A t-test analysis was conducted to measure the difference between the two BSN groups for level of critical thinking. The results of this study did not show a significant difference between the two groups, but is a step in developing a more conceptually consistent method of guiding and evaluating the journaling process in order to show the presence of critical thinking

Self-Regulated Learning Prompts in the Enhancement of Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking has been recognized as an essential concept in nursing curricula, as well as an important outcome for nursing students. The process of journaling has been used as an educational tool within nursing education to evaluate the critical thinking skills in nursing students. Despite its vigorous use, there is no specific format or conceptual model that is used consistently in nursing education to guide the journaling process or to evaluate if critical thinking is or has indeed occurred. This study will introduce the concept of using self-regulated learning (SRL) theory to prompt Basic BSN students in the development of critical thinking skills through the act of journaling. Self-regulated learning was used to format and apply journaling prompts to guide the Medical-Surgical II clinical rotation of Cleveland State University nursing students. The hypothesis was that students who use the self-regulated prompts will show a higher level of critical thinking skills as compared to the students who did not use the self-regulated prompts. A convenience sample of students were recruited and randomly assigned into groups. Journal reflections were scored and evaluated using the Lasater Clinical Judgement Rubric for the presence of cognitive, metacognitive and motivational critical thought processes. A t-test analysis was conducted to measure the difference between the two BSN groups for level of critical thinking. The results of this study did not show a significant difference between the two groups, but is a step in developing a more conceptually consistent method of guiding and evaluating the journaling process in order to show the presence of critical thinking

Evaluating social science and humanities knowledge production: An exploratory analysis of dynamics in science systems

Knowledge is gaining increasing importance in modern-day society as a factor of production and, ultimately, growth. This article explores the dynamics in university knowledge production and its effect on the state of university-industry-policy exchange in the Netherlands. Science systems are said to be in transformation. The university has evolved from performing conventional research and educational functions to serving as an innovation-promoting knowledge hub; dynamics that have received mixed reactions. The social sciences and humanities (SSH) take a special position, insofar as their focus seems primarily to be placed on conventional research and educational functions, and not directly on (commercial) valorization. Societal changes are, however, pressing for a reconsideration of the role of SSH. In our article, we distinguish between three important new movements that seem to be affecting SSH. It is believed that these movements, which are already having an impact today, will considerably influence SSH in the future. These developments are further differentiation, synthesis between the various subdisciplines of SSH and the natural sciences, and shifts in paradigms. The aims of this article are twofold: (1) to assess what is believed to be the most likely development of SSH by means of discovering relevant subsets of factors influencing university knowledge production; and (2) to discover whether the knowledge production factors show characteristics of a general development similar to the "Mode 2" concept. A systematic qualitative database was created by means of 22 semi-structured personal interviews with key representatives from business, university and the policy sector. Our explanatory framework employs an artificial intelligence method, i.e. rough set analysis. On the basis of these results, we find that a small minority of the respondents prefers a closer relationship of SSH to society, government and industry, and other institutional centers of authority, whilst interdisciplinarity in particular is regarded as having an overall positive influence on the future of SSH in the Netherlands. Consequently, the idea of a clear distinction between Mode 1 and Mode 2 knowledge production, i.e. traditional knowledge and knowledge carried out in the context of application, is not supported by our data. © 2009 Interdisciplinary Centre for Comparative Research in the Social Sciences and ICCR Foundation

Spectroscopic and biochemical insight into an electron-bifurcating [FeFe] hydrogenase

The heterotrimeric electron-bifurcating [FeFe] hydrogenase (HydABC) from Thermotoga maritima (Tm) couples the endergonic reduction of protons (H+) by dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) ( increment G(0) approximate to 18 kJ mol(-1)) to the exergonic reduction of H+ by reduced ferredoxin (Fd(red)) ( increment G(0) approximate to - 16 kJ mol(-1)). The specific mechanism by which HydABC functions is not understood. In the current study, we describe the biochemical and spectroscopic characterization of TmHydABC recombinantly produced in Escherichia coli and artificially maturated with a synthetic diiron cofactor. We found that TmHydABC catalyzed the hydrogen (H-2)-dependent reduction of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) in the presence of oxidized ferredoxin (Fd(ox)) at a rate of approximate to 17 mu mol NADH min(-1) mg(-1). Our data suggest that only one flavin is present in the enzyme and is not likely to be the site of electron bifurcation. FTIR and EPR spectroscopy, as well as FTIR spectroelectrochemistry, demonstrated that the active site for H-2 conversion, the H-cluster, in TmHydABC behaves essentially the same as in prototypical [FeFe] hydrogenases, and is most likely also not the site of electron bifurcation. The implications of these results are discussed with respect to the current hypotheses on the electron bifurcation mechanism of [FeFe] hydrogenases. Overall, the results provide insight into the electron-bifurcating mechanism and present a well-defined system for further investigations of this fascinating class of [FeFe] hydrogenases. Graphic abstrac

Intercluster Redox Coupling Influences Protonation at the H‑cluster in [FeFe] Hydrogenases

[FeFe] hydrogenases catalyze proton reduction and hydrogen oxidation displaying high rates at low overpotential. Their active site is a complex cofactor consisting of a unique [2Fe] subcluster ([2Fe]_H) covalently bound to a canonical [4Fe–4S] cluster ([4Fe–4S]_H). The [FeFe] hydrogenase from <i>Desulfovibrio desulfuricans</i> is exceptionally active and bidirectional. This enzyme features two accessory [4Fe–4S]_F clusters for exchanging electrons with the protein surface. A thorough understanding of the mechanism of this efficient enzyme will facilitate the development of synthetic molecular catalysts for hydrogen conversion. Here, it is demonstrated that the accessory clusters influence the catalytic properties of the enzyme through a strong redox interaction between the proximal [4Fe–4S]_F cluster and the [4Fe–4S]_H subcluster of the H-cluster. This interaction enhances proton-coupled electronic rearrangement within the H-cluster increasing the apparent p<i>K</i>_a of its one electron reduced state. This may help to sustain H₂ production at high pH values. These results may apply to all [FeFe] hydrogenases containing accessory clusters

Intercluster Redox Coupling Influences Protonation at the H‑cluster in [FeFe] Hydrogenases

[FeFe] hydrogenases catalyze proton reduction and hydrogen oxidation displaying high rates at low overpotential. Their active site is a complex cofactor consisting of a unique [2Fe] subcluster ([2Fe]_H) covalently bound to a canonical [4Fe–4S] cluster ([4Fe–4S]_H). The [FeFe] hydrogenase from <i>Desulfovibrio desulfuricans</i> is exceptionally active and bidirectional. This enzyme features two accessory [4Fe–4S]_F clusters for exchanging electrons with the protein surface. A thorough understanding of the mechanism of this efficient enzyme will facilitate the development of synthetic molecular catalysts for hydrogen conversion. Here, it is demonstrated that the accessory clusters influence the catalytic properties of the enzyme through a strong redox interaction between the proximal [4Fe–4S]_F cluster and the [4Fe–4S]_H subcluster of the H-cluster. This interaction enhances proton-coupled electronic rearrangement within the H-cluster increasing the apparent p<i>K</i>_a of its one electron reduced state. This may help to sustain H₂ production at high pH values. These results may apply to all [FeFe] hydrogenases containing accessory clusters

Prospective Double-Arm Study of Fibrinolysis in Surgical Patients

Background.During surgery, the balance between thrombosis and fibrinolysis is altered. Methods reported to increase fibrinolysis, such as compression devices, may reduce venous thrombosis. However, there are no prospective studies comparing methods and the effect on fibrinolysis.Materials and methods.In a prospective study, general surgical patients were randomized to either sequential compression devices (Group 1) or subcutaneous heparin (Group 2), and fibrinolysis factors were measured in order to determine the effect on the fibrinolysis system. Blood samples were drawn at a similar time of the day with the tourniquet off. Specifically, t-PA antigen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and D-dimer were measured preoperatively (preop) and on Postoperative Days (POD) 1 and 7 by the ELISA method. Fibrinolysis factors were reported as the mean ±SD and as percentage change from preoperative values. Noninvasive vascular studies were performed preop, and on POD 1, 7, and 30, by an examination of the infrainguinal venous system and external iliac veins in bilateral lower extremities. Nonambulatory patients were excluded from the study and DVT prophylaxis methods were initiated at surgery and used through POD 2.Results.For the 136 patients in the study, there were no differences in clinical characteristics such as age, surgical time (all >60 min), anesthesia type (general or spinal), type of surgical procedure, or other risk factors for DVT. Two DVTs occurred at POD 1 and 30 (both Group 2), and one pulmonary embolism in each group (POD 7 for Group 1; POD 1 for Group 2). For subjects without thrombosis, D-dimer changes were parallel for both groups, increasing through POD 7. Similarly, t-PA antigen levels rose from baseline on POD 1 in both groups, with a return toward baseline by POD 7. The PAI-1 levels increased on POD 1 in both groups, but severalfold more in Group 1 (compression devices). The elevation in PAI-1 decreased by 50% in Group 1 by POD 7, while values returned to normal in Group 2. These changes were not significant using the Mann-Whitney test. Only three patients had thrombotic episodes so that data on changes in fibrinolysis factors are difficult to compare with the larger group.Conclusions.This is the first report of a prospective, randomized comparison of fibrinolysis factors using sequential compression devices in comparison to low dose unfractionated heparin in general surgical patients, and comparing postoperative values to preop. Both groups showed an enhanced fibrinolysis by elevation in t-PA antigen and D-dimer on POD 1, as expected when fibrinolysis occurs. While PAI-1 and t-PA work in parallel, the marked elevation of PAI-1 on POD 1 (although only slightly above reference values) and continuing into POD 7 for subjects using compression devices requires further inquiry. The elevation of PAI-1 in the face of elevated t-PA and D-dimer has been reported, but the comparison between patients using sequential compression devices and mini-dose heparin has not been reported. The reason for the elevation requires additional study into other influences on the synthesis, secretion, and/or function of PAI-1 that do not affect t-PA