On the impact of the Bristol ChemLabS’ outreach programme on admissions to the School of Chemistry

Analysis of the average number of applicants received from schools that engaged in the Bristol ChemLabS Outreach program prior to a student‟s application with those that did not engage, shows a significant increase in applicants from engaged schools. The significance is weaker when just Post 16 students are considered but this is almost certainly due to a smaller sample size. When this analysis was inspected in terms of the distance of the school from the University of Bristol, there was an increase in the number of applicants from engaged schools irrespective of distance. However, a statistically significant increase was observed for schools within 50 miles of the University from an analysis of just Post 16 students. Students who applied to the department from an engaged school were more likely to accept an offer and also to make the department their firm acceptance. A slightly higher number of applications that were rejected came from engaged schools too. There are two possible reasons; first, the engagement may have encouraged more students who did not have the required entry qualifications. Second, during the period of analysis, the overall entry grades went up by one grade each year. Such a dramatic rise was probably the reason for the slightly elevated numbers

A complete description of the magnetic ground state in spinel vanadates

Capturing the non-collinear magnetic ground state of the spinel vanadates AV$_2$O$_4$ (A= Mn, Fe and Co) remains an outstanding challenge for state-of-the-art ab-initio methods. We demonstrate that both the non-collinear spin texture, as well as the magnitude of local moments, are captured by a single value of the on-site Hubbard $U$ of 2.7~eV in conjunction with the local spin density approximation (LSDA+$U$), provided the source term (i.e., magnetic monopole term) is removed from the exchange-correlation magnetic field ${\bf B}_{XC}$. We further demonstrate that the magnetic monopole structure in ${\bf B}_{XC}$ is highly sensitive to the value of $U$, to the extent that the interplay between on-site localization and local moment magnitude is qualitatively different depending on whether the source term is removed or not. This suggests that in treating strongly correlated magnetic materials within the LSDA+$U$ formalism, subtraction of the unphysical magnetic monopole term from the exchange-correlation magnetic field is essential to correctly treat the magnetic ground state.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

COVID-19 prevalence and mortality in longer-term care facilities

This essay considers the factors that have contributed to very high COVID-19 mortality in longer-term care facilities (LTCFs). We compare the demographic characteristics of LTCF residents with those of community-dwelling older adults, and then we review the evidence regarding prevalence and infection fatality rates (IFRs), including links to frailty and some comorbidities. Finally, we discuss policy measures that could foster the physical and mental health and well-being of LTCF residents in the present context and in potential future pandemics

The myriad positive impacts of the Virtual Learning Environment, from LabSims to Smart Worksheets (a 17 year journey)

PROBLEM Introducing a virtual learning environment (VLE) in support of practical teaching in Chemistry is not trivial. In this study we identify keys areas which are essential for successful implementation based on 17 years of experience. PLAN We have analysed a range of metrics from first initiating a VLE in the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) called Bristol CemLabS in 2006 and compare and contrast a similar implementation in the Faculty of Natural Sciences at The University of the Western Cape in South Africa in 2020. ACTION There are strong similarities in both environments following implementation of a VLE. Raising of confidence of students in using instruments and carrying out techniques found in an undergraduate chemistry laboratory is clear, increasing students understanding of the theory behind techniques and their real appreciation of health and safety. For demonstrators, their role changes from one where they are giving instruction to one where they are discussing the development of the practical investigation with the students. For academics, the transformation in ability of students, and long-term impacts on practical ability and final year projects that can be undertaken are noted. REFLECTION The transformation in both case studies was pretty much instant and irreversible for the students. Key elements required are strong IT support, strong collaboration between staff, demonstrators and technical staff. The main question to ask is why did we take so long to do this

Tracer concentration profiles measured in central London as part of the REPARTEE campaign

There have been relatively few tracer experiments carried out that have looked at vertical plume spread in urban areas. In this paper we present results from two tracer (cyclic perfluorocarbon) experiments carried out in 2006 and 2007 in central London centred on the BT Tower as part of the REPARTEE (Regent’s Park and Tower Environmental Experiment) campaign. The height of the tower gives a unique opportunity to study vertical dispersion profiles and transport times in central London. Vertical gradients are contrasted with the relevant Pasquill stability classes. Estimation of lateral advection and vertical mixing times are made and compared with previous measurements. Data are then compared with a simple operational dispersion model and contrasted with data taken in central London as part of the DAPPLE campaign. This correlates dosage with non-dimensionalised distance from source. Such analyses illustrate the feasibility of the use of these empirical correlations over these prescribed distances in central London

Atmospheric chemistry regimes in intercontinental air traffic corridors:Ozone versus NOx sensitivity

This study focusses on the environmental consequences of aircraft NOx emissions and their role and impact on ozone formation in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS). We use a global chemistry transport/box model approach to quantify the impacts of NOx on UTLS ozone over time scales of hours and over distance scales appropriate to air traffic corridors and aircraft flight paths. An important feature of our study has been to provide a marked contrast to the coarse spatial resolution of the global model studies typically employed to assess the impacts of aviation NOx on UTLS ozone. Real operational aviation routing data are used to quantify the NOx impacts on ozone at 235 locations on 21 flight paths. The NOx impact on ozone in the intercontinental air traffic corridors is strongest in the great circle routes from North America and Europe into Asia and weakest in the trans-polar routes. The NOx impacts identified with the CTM/box model combination are significantly smaller compared with those identified in the current global models typically used to assess aviation NOx impacts. Further research is required to confirm our assessment of those flight paths that appear to show greatest NOx – O3 impacts and those the least and extend our analyses into the tropics and southern hemisphere

Flipping the thinking on equality, diversity, and inclusion. why EDI is essential for the development and progression of the chemical sciences: A case study approach

All learners have a contribution to make to the development of the Chemical Sciences, be that in novel ways to teach, and their perspectives and contexts, but also in research, both in chemical education and the wider Chemical Sciences. Through four case studies, this paper explores interactions with diverse groups and how this has altered perspectives on both teaching and research. The case studies include work with visually impaired adults, a project bringing together First Peoples in Australia with academics to explore old ways (traditional science) and new ways (modern approaches), primary (elementary) school perspectives on teaching science, and a project in South Africa to connect university and township communities. Not only do these case studies demonstrate the immense value these diverse groups bring to our understanding about how to learn, but they also bring new perspectives on how to view and solve chemical problems