Motivation theories and implications for teaching and learning in the biosciences

Learning is fundamental throughout the development of human life. It is also known that motivation is a key factor to successful learning. The pre-entry attributes of the student (Terenzini & Pascarella, 1980) including their own internal attitudes and motivations, are considered important for successful integration into a university system. In addition, Tinto (1975) has maintained that pre-university schooling is important for academic and social integration of students and hence their learning and motivation as deduced from successful completion rates. A pivotal goal of higher education is for students ‘to learn how to learn.’ A variety of teaching approaches encourage students to adopt a deep approach to learning by seeking a personal understanding. Within the science domain, the recent Science and Innovation White Paper (HEFCE 2008) highlighted ‘the critical role that higher education plays in the competitiveness of the nation and the productivity of its public services’. A good supply of well-trained, talented and motivated researchers is essential for research excellence and innovation. The challenge therefore, for higher education, is to skill and motivate science students to become creative and entrepreneurial ‘lifelong learners’ in a fast changing work environment that provides better health care, ensures a cleaner, safer environment, and builds on the existing science base to ensure excellence. For the Biosciences disciplines, QAA Benchmark statements specify motivating and challenging the student with the use of a ‘skilled and balanced selection of teaching and learning techniques’ (QAA website). Blended learning is recommended through a wide range of teaching methods - including laboratory sessions, self-directed study, computer-aided learning, case studies and problem-based learning, demonstrations, active learning sets, work-based learning and/or placements, reflective practice, research project work - and assessment strategies. This paper provides an overview of theories of motivation based on the work of some motivation theorists. Some key principles are identified from the literature that link cognition, motivation and learning and which could have application in the teaching of Biosciences towards the goal of lifelong learning

A theoretical exploration of the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programmes: perspectives of key stakeholders informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Despite numerous published studies about antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) implementation, a lack of theoretical underpinning within this research emerges. This leads to incomplete knowledge of contextual determinants impacting ASP implementation. The aim of this study was to use Consolidated framework for Implementation research (CFIR) to explore key stakeholders' perspective regarding ASP implementation in United Arab Emirates (UAE) hospitals with a focus on facilitators and barriers. The use of CFIR enabled comprehensive evaluation of current ASP implementation in UAE and deduction of several solutions to address barriers. There is a need to seek early leadership engagement to support availing required resources, as well as effective planning and establishment of communication with healthcare providers

The impact of COVID-19 on antimicrobial stewardship implementation in United Arab Emirates hospitals: an exploration informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. [ESCP 2022 Slides]

The disruption of antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASP) caused by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been recognised. This study used a theoretical, qualitative approach to understand the impact of COVID-19 on ASP implementation in hospitals. Semi-structured online interviews, informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) were conducted with ASP team members and other practitioners involved in antimicrobial prescribing in United Arab Emirates (UAE) hospitals. Participants were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling with interviews video recorded, transcribed and independently analysed by two researchers based on identification of CFIR constructs within emerging themes. The study aimed to gain further understanding of ASP implementation in hospitals during the pandemic while also aiming to identify facilitators and barriers to ASP implementation. Thirty-one interviews were conducted across 11 hospitals. The following themes were identified; (1) increased complexity of ASP implementation and changes in prescribing culture influenced by COVID-19, (2) adaptations, networking and cosmopolitanism to enhance integration of COVID-19 management in ASP services and (3) adaptations and networking to support continuity of ASP implementation process. A disruption to pre-pandemic ASP activities was reported with complexity of COVID-19 overwhelming the healthcare system. ASP team members and services showed an ability to adapt and repurpose roles to respond to the pandemic. Interventions included developing national guidelines for treatment of COVID-19 patients and contributing to guideline management and monitoring. A gradual restoration of ASP activities was perceived. Technological adaptations and enhancements in networking were reported as positive impacts of the pandemic. Despite the initial disruption of ASP implementation due to the pandemic, successful adaptation and evolvement of ASP services reflects the high value and adaptability of ASP implementation in UAE hospitals

A theoretical exploration of perspectives of key stakeholders on the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programmes: a qualitative study underpinned by the consolidated framework for implementation research.

While a plethora of studies report antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) implementation, these are limited by a lack of theoretical underpinning. This may lead to missing key factors that are likely to influence the successful or unsuccessful implementation. The aim of this study was to explore key stakeholders' perspectives of ASP implementation in United Arab Emirates (UAE) hospitals, with a focus on facilitators and barriers. The study employed a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews conducted with ASP stakeholders involved in clinical use of antimicrobials at the individual patient level, and including ASP team members and non-members. An interview schedule based on published literature and grounded in the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was developed, reviewed, and piloted. Recruitment was via purposive and snowball sampling. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed by two independent researchers using CFIR as a coding framework. Data saturation was achieved at thirty-one interviews. Multiple CFIR constructs were identified as implementation facilitators or barriers. Facilitators included external policy requirements (both national and international), leadership support, stakeholders' engagement, collaborative culture, effective communication, and forward planning. Barriers included blame culture, complexity of ASP implementation and a shortage of expert personnel. Numerous facilitators and barriers to ASP implementation from a stakeholders' perspective were identified in this research. The value of early leadership engagement to support provision of required resources, a need for effective planning and establishment of multiple engagement techniques, and valuable communication with healthcare providers are the main recommendations emerging to support improvement in clinical practice

The impact of COVID-19 on antimicrobial stewardship implementation in UAE hospitals: an exploration informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). [ICAHS Poster]

Despite numerous published studies about antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) implementation, a lack of theoretical underpinning within this research emerges. This leads to incomplete knowledge of contextual determinants impacting ASP implementation. The aim of this study was to use Consolidated framework for Implementation research (CFIR) to explore key stakeholders' perspective regarding ASP implementation in United Arab Emirates (UAE) hospitals with a focus on facilitators and barriers

The impact of COVID-19 on antimicrobial stewardship programme implementation in hospitals: an exploration informed by the consolidated framework for implementation research.

The disruption of antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASP) caused by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been recognised. This study used a theoretical, qualitative approach to understand the impact of COVID-19 on ASP implementation in hospitals. Semi-structured online interviews, informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), were conducted with ASP team members and other practitioners involved in antimicrobial prescribing at hospitals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Participants were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling, with video-recorded interviews transcribed and independently analysed by two researchers, based on identification of CFIR constructs within emerging themes. Thirty-one interviews were conducted across eleven UAE hospitals. The following themes were identified: (1) increased complexity of ASP implementation and changes in prescribing culture influenced by COVID-19; (2) adaptations, networking and cosmopolitanism to enhance integration of COVID-19 management in ASP services; and (3) adaptations and networking to support continuity of ASP implementation process. A disruption to pre-pandemic ASP activities was reported, with the complexity of COVID-19 overwhelming the healthcare system. ASP team members and services showed an ability to adapt and repurpose roles to respond to the pandemic. Interventions included developing national guidelines for treatment of COVID-19 patients and contributing to guideline management and monitoring. A gradual restoration of ASP activities was perceived. Technological adaptations and enhancements in networking were reported as positive impacts of the pandemic. Despite the initial disruption of ASP implementation due to the pandemic, successful adaptation and evolvement of ASP services reflects the high value and adaptability of ASP implementation in UAE hospitals

On the biocompatibility and teat retention of in situ gelling intramammary formulations : cattle mastitis prevention and treatment

Treatment and prevention of cattle mastitis remains a formidable challenge due to the anatomical and physiological constraints of the cow udder. In this study, we investigated polymeric excipients and solvents that can form, (when combined) novel, non-toxic and biocompatible in situ gelling formulations in the mammary gland of bovine cattle. We also report on a new approach to screen intramammary formulations using fresh excised cow teats. Fourteen hydrophilic polymers and six solvents were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity and biocompatibility towards cultured bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-T), microscopic and macroscopic examination upon contact with excised cow teats. No significant cytotoxicity (p > 0.05) was observed with polyethylene oxides, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium alginate and xanthan gum. Polycarbophil and carbopol polymers showed significantly higher cytotoxicity (p p < 0.05). In situ gelling formulations comprising hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or carboxymethyl cellulose and solvents in specific ratios were biocompatible at higher concentrations with MAC-T cells compared to alginates. All investigated formulations could undergo in situ sol-to-gel phase transformation, forming non-toxic gels with good biocompatibility in excised cow teats hence, showing potential for use as intramammary carriers for sustained drug delivery

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is not independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease event : a cohort study

There are no consistent results between previous studies for an independent association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. To determine if there is an independent association between NAFLD and CVD events. In the present study, valid outcome data of 4808 subjects were available for phase 2 of our cohort study. These subjects had been followed up for seven years from phase 1, beginning in 2009-2010 to phase 2 during 2016-2017. Simple and multiple Cox proportional models were used to determine the association between NAFLD in the primary phase of the cohort and subsequent fatal and non-fatal CVD events during follow-up. The incidence of non-fatal CVD events in males with NAFLD was significantly higher ( = 0.004) than in males without NAFLD. A positive association was demonstrated between NAFLD and non-fatal CVD events in males (Hazard ratio = 1.606; 95%CI: 1.166-2.212; = 0.004) by the simple Cox proportional hazard model, but no independent association was detected between these in the multiple Cox models. No independent association was detected between NAFLD and CVD. It is likely that diabetes mellitus and age may be the principle mediators in this regard. [Abstract copyright: ©The Author(s) 2020. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.

A population-based prospective study on obesity-related non-communicable diseases in northern Iran: rationale, study design, and baseline analysis

BackgroundIran is facing an epidemiological transition with the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, such as obesity-related disorders and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). We conducted a population-based prospective study to assess the prevalence and incidence rates of CVDs and obesity-related metabolic disorders and to evaluate the predictive ability of various CVD risk assessment tools in an Iranian population.MethodWe enrolled 5,799 participants in Amol, a city in northern Iran, in 2009–2010 and carried out the first repeated measurement (RM) after seven years (2016–2017). For all participants, demographic, anthropometric, laboratory, hepatobiliary imaging, and electrocardiography data have been collected in the enrollment and the RM. After enrollment, all participants have been and will be followed up annually for 20 years, both actively and passively.ResultsWe adopted a multidisciplinary approach to overcome barriers to participation and achieved a 7-year follow-up success rate of 93.0% with an active follow-up of 5,394 participants aged 18–90 years. In the RM, about 64.0% of men and 81.2% of women were obese or overweight. In 2017, about 16.2% and 5.2% of men had moderate or severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, while women had a significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (35.9%), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (20.9%) than men. Of 160 deceased participants, 69 cases (43.1%) died due to CVDs over seven years.ConclusionThe most prevalent obesity-related chronic disease in the study was metabolic syndrome. Across the enrollment and RM phases, women exhibited a higher prevalence of obesity-related metabolic disorders. Focusing on obesity-related metabolic disorders in a population not represented previously and a multidisciplinary approach for enrolling and following up were the strengths of this study. The study outcomes offer an evidence base for future research and inform policies regarding non-communicable diseases in northern Iran

Holistic Course Design: proposals for a short course on biosafety

New infectious diseases continue to emerge and evolve while pathogens that cause known infections but whose incidence has increased significantly over the past three decades are ‘re-emerging’ (NIAID 2004) and since 1973, more than 36 new infectious diseases have been identified. Strategies to control them calls for targeted research and training as well as enhancing in-country research capacity. In order to develop scientific research and expertise, especially in developing countries, training for working in specialised facilities with these infectious agents is crucial. Furthermore, several countries have embarked on international initiatives to strengthen emergency preparedness in response to terrorist activities (‘bio-terrorism’) by linking academic expertise to state and local health agency needs. These activities have in common the requirement for an increase in the number of people experienced and working in the field of ‘biosafety’. This is one of the most recently-developed safety disciplines, the intention of which is to eliminate or prevent the risks related to the use of “biological agents” (Caucheteux and Mathot, 2005) ... The most important element of containment is strict adherence to standard microbial practices and techniques and persons working with infectious agents or potentially infected material must be made aware of the potential hazards and be trained to the high level of proficiency required to handle such material safely. Yet, despite the urgent need for this kind of knowledge transfer and skill development, there was, at the time (the Summer of 2006) no existing provision within the UK. However, LondonMet, with its recently-commissioned, state-of-the-art Science Centre is in an ideal position to offer both the specialised CL3 facilities and staff skilled in their use in the required context. The short course described here was developed in the main as a response to the clear and demonstrated need but also as a way of generating national and international transfers of knowledge in the field and establishing LondonMet’s credentials in this area of work