The Effect of Virtual Learning as a Result of COVID-19

In the early spring of 2020, the United States began to experience the effects of the question-inspiring, novel COVID-19 viral illness, with the onset of massive business, school, and entertainment closures, initiating a shift towards virtual learning, communication, and professional interactions. This paper is intended to identify the common experiences of two nursing students throughout the COVID-19 pandemic by utilizing a personal narrative, or autoethnographic approach, coupled with reviews of previously published literature relating to shared themes of the authors, including the rapid changes to an online environment from traditional classroom settings, the stressors that were experienced as a result of that alteration, and the personal development and growth which accompanied the transitions of this time period. Noting an increased resilience to rapid, unexpected changes affecting daily life, as well as enhanced knowledge of self-motivation and organization, the authors have experienced a number of constructive takeaways that will likely be implemented in the many years ahead. While the COVID-19 pandemic led to a variety of uncomfortable and detrimental outcomes and an array of losses which will not be forgotten, positive consequences can still be observed, leading to an improved future

Preliminary Analysis of Student Accommodations at Higher Education Institutions in the Midwest with Communication Disorders Programs

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify accommodations available to students in Midwestern higher education institutions. The number of students with disabilities entering graduate programs, including in CSD, is increasing. There are multiple barriers that impact success for students with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations for students are legally required in higher education, but little is known about the types of accommodations available to CSD students at different institutions. An enhanced understanding of common accommodation may help CSD programs proactively prepare programs to support graduate students in academic and clinical training. Method: Analysis of the accommodations listed on the websites of 40 different institutions that provide CSD education in the Midwestern region was conducted to identify themes in accommodations in these institutions. . Results: Assistive technology was the most common type of accommodation theme identified. In addition, alternate formats and accommodations related to physical environment/assistance were also frequently noted themes. Conclusions: While the most commonly reported available accommodations are designed for use in traditional academic settings, some may also be relevant to clinical training for CSD students for disabilities. However, their application in clinical education should be made more obvious to ensure student learning and success

Investigation of Graduate Student Stress in Speech Language Pathology

The purpose of this research was to investigate the average stress levels and types of stressors experienced by graduate students (GS) in speech-language pathology (SLP) programs and the academic supports GS perceived to be helpful. An online survey examining stress was administered to 238 GS in SLP. The average stress level, types of stressors, demographic characteristics of participants related to their stress response, and reported academic program supports were analyzed. Correlation coefficients were computed to determine the relationship between reported stress, demographic variables, and program characteristics. Moderate and high levels of stress were reported by 96% of SLP GS as measured by the Academic Stress Scale. Lower levels of reported total stress were correlated with increased age, enrollment in a distance learning program, and being married or living with a partner. Participants most commonly mentioned frequent communication with faculty and access to on campus stress resources/education about stress management to be helpful. The results suggest that the majority of GS in SLP bear moderate and high levels of stress. Future research is warranted to investigate ways that faculty and student communication skills and academic supports can be implemented to aid in stress management

Self-Balancing Two Wheeled Robot

Automation is increasingly becoming a larger part of daily life. From automated telephone calls to machines in manufacturing, robots are generally an effective and efficient way to reduce overhead costs, increase consistency in products and services, and perform tasks that may be hazardous to humans. The successful design and building of a two-wheeled balancing robot demonstrates a knowledge of control systems and sensor interfacing that can translate to real world applications. Helping seniors live on their own, performing dangerous mining work, repeatedly screwing the same piece in an assembly line, are great examples of a controls automation system freeing time up for a person to perform more important or more complex tasks, and all of these tasks use design techniques similar to that of a balancing robot. The robot will balance on two wheels and be able to have loads of varying weight and size (up to 5lbs) placed on the top platform. It will be capable of handling disturbances including bumps from humans or running into stationary objects and it can accommodate flooring changes (carpet, tile etc.) while maintaining balance. An accelerometer and a gyroscope feed information back to a pic microcontroller which feeds a PWM signal to two motors that drive the wheels so they stay under the center of mass of the robot

Pharmacologic prophylaxis for atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery: a systematic review

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia occurring after cardiac surgery. Its incidence varies depending on type of surgery. Postoperative AF may cause hemodynamic deterioration, predispose to stroke and increase mortality. Effective treatment for prophylaxis of postoperative AF is vital as reduces hospitalization and overall morbidity. Beta - blockers, have been proved to prevent effectively atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery and should be routinely used if there are no contraindications. Sotalol may be more effective than standard b-blockers for the prevention of AF without causing an excess of side effects. Amiodarone is useful when beta-blocker therapy is not possible or as additional prophylaxis in high risk patients. Other agents such as magnesium, calcium channels blocker or non-antiarrhythmic drugs as glycose-insulin - potassium, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, N-acetylcysteine and statins have been studied as alternative treatment for postoperative AF prophylaxis