LinkWiper – A System For Data Quality in Linked Open Data

Linked Open Data (LOD) provides access to large amounts of data on Web. These data sets range from high quality curated data sets to low quality sets. LOD sources often need strategies to clean up data and provide methodology for quality assessment in linked data. They allow interlinking and integrating any kind of data on the web. Links between various data sources enable software applications to operate over the aggregated data space as if it is a unique local database. However, such links may be broken, leading to data quality problems. In this thesis we present LinkWiper, an automated system for cleaning data in LOD. While this thesis focuses on problems related to dereferenced links, LinkWiper can be used to tackle any other data quality problem such as duplication and consistency. The proposed system includes two major phases. The first phase uses information retrieval-like search techniques to recommend sets of alternative links. The second phase adopts crowdsourcing mechanisms to involve workers (or users) in improving the quality of the LOD sources. We provide an implementation of LinkWiper over DBPedia, a community effort to extract structured information from Wikipedia and make this information using LOD principles. We also conduct extensive experiments to illustrate the efficiency and high precision of the proposed approach.Master of ScienceComputer and Information Science, College of Engineering and Computer ScienceUniversity of Michigan-Dearbornhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/136065/1/LinkWiper – A System For Data Quality in Linked Open Data.pdfDescription of LinkWiper – A System For Data Quality in Linked Open Data.pdf : Master of Science Thesi

Aggregation of IgG mAb Biotherapeutics: Sources, Methods of Characterization, and Biological Implications

One of the predominant concerns with protein therapeutics is their tendency to aggregate at various stages of protein production, purification, filling, transportation, and administration. This occurrence has biological significance; while there is no definite, general cause and effect relationship for all protein drugs, many studies suggest that protein aggregates in certain biotherapeutics can decrease efficacy or cause untoward immune responses in human patients. Current research suggests that certain types of protein aggregates may be more immunogenic than others. In this Ph.D. thesis research work, three different IgG monoclonal antibodies (2 IgG1 mAbs, one in solution and one in lyophilized form and one IgG2 mAb in solution) were stressed by a variety of different conditions and the resulting aggregates and particles were characterized using a broad array of methods. Some of the characteristics examined included aggregate/ particle size, count, and morphology, as well as the covalent cross-linking and structural integrity of the protein within the aggregates. In all cases, accelerated stability studies, similar to those performed in the biopharmaceutical industry, were utilized to generate aggregates. In the first study, an IgG1 mAb in solution was subjected to freeze-thaw, shaking, stirring, and heat stress in the presence and absence of NaCl. Depending on the solution and stress conditions, very different types of aggregates and particles formed. In the second study, an IgG1 mAb in lyophilized form was shaken to mimic worst-case shipping condition, which led to extensive cake breakage and upon reconstitution, displayed increased turbidity and subvisible particles compared to the unstressed sample. This study highlights potential stability concerns regarding lyophilized protein undergoing various shipping processes. In the third study, the impact of protein particle size on inducing an early and late phase immune response in an in-vitro assay using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was investigated. Stir-induced IgG2 mAb aggregates were size-enriched using fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) and tested for their ability to induce PBMC cytokine responses, at two phases of the immune response. The size-enriched particles were simultaneously characterized to determine traits, other than size, that may be responsible for the in-vitro assay responses. Amorphous subvisible particles 5-10 μm in size, containing protein with partially altered secondary structure and elevated surface hydrophobicity (compared to controls), and containing elemental fluorine, displayed relatively elevated cytokine release profiles compared to other size ranges. Studies carried out as part of this Ph.D. thesis highlight the importance of 1) comprehensively characterizing protein aggregates and particles to better understand their formation, 2) the need for closer evaluation of the effects of shaking stress on lyophilized protein formulations during shipping, and 3) studying the potential biological implications of a subset of protein particles in an in vitro system, along with developing a better understanding these aggregate's physicochemical properties, should provide improved insights into why some protein aggregates elicit higher immune responses than others in vivo

Genetic control of cell fate specification in Caenorhabditis elegans germline.

The precise regulation of germ cell fates (sperm or oocyte) lies at the heart of reproduction and fertility. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodites produce a discrete number of sperm during larval development and then switch to produce oocyte during adulthood. A number of positive (e.g., fbf genes) and negative (e.g., gld-3) regulators are important for this switch. Here, we found that aberrant activation of MPK-1 (an ERK homolog) by removal of both fbf-1 and lip-1 partially inhibits sperm-oocyte switch, resulting in Mog (masculinization of germline) sterility. The fbf-1 gene encodes a conserved PUF (Pumilio and FBF) RNA-binding protein and the lip-1 gene encodes an MPK-1/ERK phosphatase. Notably, inhibition of MPK-1/ERK signaling by either genetic mutation or chemical inhibition reprograms the germ cell fate and thus helps in regaining the fertility. We also found that fbf-1; lip-1 Mog sterility was enhanced by the depletion of G2/M cell cycle regulators, including CYB-3/Cyclin B, CDK-1/CDK1, and CDC-25.1/CDC25. Markedly, cdc-25.1 mRNA is a direct target of FBF-1. These results suggest that FBF-1 and LIP-1 may promote sperm-oocyte switch by activating MPK-1/ERK signaling and G2/M cell cycle progression.M.S

Internationalisation of curriculum at home: Imperatives, opportunities and challenges for allied health education

Preparation of globally competent health graduates who have a good understanding of local and international healthcare is an important goal for allied health education. Internationalisation of curriculum and Internationalisation at home strategies are needed to prepare students to work in culturally diverse contexts. A critical review of issues, challenges and future needs in internationalisation of allied health curricula is the focus of this paper. Current approaches to internationalisation from a range of disciplines are considered and their applicability to allied health courses is discussed. Important challenges for progress on internationalisation goals and integration of internationalisation experiences into allied health curricula are identified. Suggestions for progressing internationalisation of allied health curricula through formal and informal curriculum are presented. Future research needs that are key to progressing internationalisation goals in allied health education are considered. Important questions that will prompt academic, clinical educators and students to consider how well internationalisation goals are being addressed in allied health education are also raised

Accreditation requirements in allied health education: Strengths, weaknesses and missed opportunities

This paper reviews the accreditation requirements for six Allied Health (AH) degree programs in Australia to understand the range of accreditation requirements and approaches, with a particular focus on requirements around clinical education in AH education. Strengths of current approaches and further requirements are identified. Of particular interest are those areas where accreditation could better support educational goals and processes, including the preparation of work ready graduates and the encouragement of the use of currently underutilized opportunities for preparing the AH workforce for future healthcare needs. The findings suggest that the accreditation criteria perform well for the development of students’ conceptual and procedural knowledge. However, there are several opportunities for improvement where accreditation could better support preparation of graduates to meet current and future needs of healthcare. These opportunities include increased emphasis on biopsychosocial perspectives of health as healthcare models shift from hospital to community-based settings, increased emphasis on development of interprofessional skills, encouragement of diverse supervision models, explicitness about intentions and interpretations of accreditation requirements, and increased employer representation on accreditation panels. Constraints on universities’ uses of new educational approaches imposed by or arising from non-explicit accreditation requirements are outlined. Arising from this analysis, a summary of considerations for AH accreditation bodies is provided

Nano Particle Reinforced Lead Free Sn–3.0ag–0.5cu Solder Paste For Reflow Soldering Process

At present, researchers begin to reinforce nanoparticles into Pb free solders to develop high efficiency nanocomposite solders. The effects on nanoparticle reinforcement into SAC 305 after reflow to enhance the solder joint quality are focus of this research. Consequently, this investigation developed into parametric case studies on different type of ceramic nanoparticles (i.e., multielement oxide: Fe2NiO4, ITO; single element oxide: NiO, Fe2O3) and carbon-nanostructure (CN) particles (i.e., Diamond) as a manipulated variable (i.e., parameters) which are used to mechanically reinforce into SAC 305 solder alloys, respectively. The effects of these parameters on melting behavior, microstructures analysis (i.e., IMC thickness, nanoparticles motion during reflow), spreading rate, wetting angle and solder hardness after reflow have been analyzed. The correlations between the reinforced nanoparticles with the respective factors have been studied. From this research, it was identified that CN (i.e., Diamond) reinforced solder paste showed unique differences in the behavior and reached highest hardness with very little amount (i.e., 0.5wt.%) of reinforcement among the type of nanoparticles tested. As a result, diamond nanoparticles were used to extend the parametric studies with the mechanical tests (i.e., shear test and pull test). The effects of both shear and pull strengths towards different amount of diamond nanoparticles (0.01wt.%, 0.05wt.% and 0.1wt.%) with respective reflow profile were studied. The addition of 0.01wt.% diamond nanoparticles in SAC 305 solder enhanced the PCBA shear and pull force by 7.4 % and 26.4 %, respectively. Hence, the current study generates a new expectation on CN based nanoparticles to be reinforced in Pb free solder alloys to enhance package quality. The CN based nanoparticles required in little amount to homogeneously mixed in SAC 305 solder alloys and contribute improvement in solder joint quality. Moreover, it indirectly reduced the production cost and allocates valuable directions for the engineers and researchers in upcoming microelectronics industry

Capacity building for clinical supervision in allied health in Vietnam

Since Vietnam's first speech therapists (ST) graduated in September 2012 they have been involved in a capacity building program to become skilled clinical supervisors (CS) by (1) acting as co-supervisors of current ST students with visiting Australian supervisors and receiving on-the-job role mentoring from them; (2) participating in a Supervisor Development Program (SDP). The SDP consisted of six 3 hour sessions covering planning for placements, teaching and feedback techniques, peer learning, reflection, evaluation of placement outcomes, development of self-as-clinical supervisor. Translation of program notes and in-class interpreting between English and Vietnamese was provided by experienced translators/interpreters. The program was highly interactive and the presenters role-modelled techniques throughout. With the participants' Informed Consent, their reactions to the content and techniques, and suggestions for modification were digitally recorded during the sessions, and in dedicated focus group times. Transcripts were analysed to identify participants' perceptions of content and techniques that are and are not culturally and pedagogically appropriate for teaching allied health students in Vietnam. Their suggestions for modification of the program will be incorporated in a revised program and delivered with their involvement for future allied health graduates. Lessons from this two-stage approach to supervisor development are applicable to the Australian context

Overview of P-glycoprotein inhibitors: a rational outlook

Glicoproteína-p (P-gp), uma glicoproteína de transmembrana permeável, é um membro da superfamília (ABC) de cassete de gene de ligação de ATP que funciona especificamente como um carreador mediado pelo transportador de efluxo ativo primário. É amplamente distribuído por todo o corpo e apresenta uma gama diversificada de substratos. Diversos agentes terapêuticos vitais são substratos para P-gp e sua biodisponibilidade é reduzida ou a resistência é induzida devido ao efluxo de proteínas. Portanto, os inibidores da P-gp foram explorados para a superação da resistência a múltiplas drogas e problemas de biodisponibilidade deficiente dos substratos terapêuticos da P-gp. A sensibilidade das moléculas da droga à P-gp e vice-versa, pode ser estabelecida por vários modelos experimentais in silico, in vitro e in vivo. Desde a descoberta da P-gp, diversas pesquisas identificaram várias estruturas químicas como inibidores da P-gp. O objetivo deste presente estudo foi o de enfatizar a descoberta e desenvolvimento de inibidores mais novos, inertes, atóxicos e mais eficazes, visando especificamente os da P-gp, como aqueles entre os extratos vegetais, excipientes e formulações farmacêuticas, e outras moléculas racionais de droga. As aplicações do conhecimento de biologia celular e molecular, bancos de dados estruturais in silico, estudos de modelagem molecular e análises da relação quantitativa estrutura-atividade (QSAR) no desenvolvimento de novos inibidores racionais da P-gp também foram mencionados.P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a transmembrane permeability glycoprotein, is a member of ATP binding cassette (ABC) super family that functions specifically as a carrier mediated primary active efflux transporter. It is widely distributed throughout the body and has a diverse range of substrates. Several vital therapeutic agents are substrates to P-gp and their bioavailability is lowered or a resistance is induced because of the protein efflux. Hence P-gp inhibitors were explored for overcoming multidrug resistance and poor bioavailability problems of the therapeutic P-gp substrates. The sensitivity of drug moieties to P-gp and vice versa can be established by various experimental models in silico, in vitro and in vivo. Ever since the discovery of P-gp, the research plethora identified several chemical structures as P-gp inhibitors. The aim of this review was to emphasize on the discovery and development of newer, inert, non-toxic, and more efficient, specifically targeting P-gp inhibitors, like those among the natural herb extracts, pharmaceutical excipients and formulations, and other rational drug moieties. The applications of cellular and molecular biology knowledge, in silico designed structural databases, molecular modeling studies and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analyses in the development of novel rational P-gp inhibitors have also been mentioned

Informal Learning Opportunities Matter: The Interprofessional Learning Experiences of Undergraduate Speech Pathology Students

Despite increasing recognition of the importance of interprofessional learning (IPL) for interprofessional practice, it is unclear how and where speech pathology students are developing their interprofessional competencies within the university curriculum. This study aimed to clarify how interprofessional competencies develop in students by using a qualitative approach to explore speech pathology students’ perceptions of their university interprofessional learning experiences. Nine individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Two major themes emerged: (i) occurrence of informal interprofessional learning (including informal IPL opportunities/context and its contribution to interprofessional learning experiences), and (ii) factors influencing interprofessional learning (role of placement, clinical educators and student’s motivation to engage in IPL activities). Participants reported valuing their interprofessional learning experiences, which were mainly informal interactions with professionals that occurred during clinical placements. The findings suggest that informal interprofessional learning experiences are a valuable source of interprofessional learning which can assist students to develop competencies for interprofessional practice. Recommendations for universities to more effectively support students’ interprofessional learning are provided

A Pilot Investigation of Occupational Therapy Students’ Perceptions of Their Impact on Services to Older Adults

Practice education is an integral component of occupational therapy curricula to ensure graduates are competent in delivering effective and efficient services to their clients. This study aimed to understand occupational therapy students’ perceptions of the impact of student-delivered services for clients aged over 65 years. A case study design directed at in-depth exploration of undergraduate occupational therapy student experiences of working with older adults was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight final-year students at an Australian university during 2015. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The key finding was that students generally believed they contributed positively to aspects of client-services during placements. Students reported on the development of competence during placement and the positive impact they had on services for older adults. The study highlighted the unique intergenerational relationship students had with older adults during their therapeutic encounters. However, very few participants recognised the importance and complexity of providing holistic services to older adults. Conclusion: There is potential to improve services for older adults by offering a greater number of placement opportunities involving students in direct client services. If occupational therapy students are better prepared, supported, and informed of the complexities associated with working with older adults, direct client-services rendered by students could potentially be enhanced. This will require ongoing collaboration between occupational therapy workforce, placement sites, and universities to align occupational therapy curricula with healthcare needs