The South Atlantic in the Fine-Resolution Antarctic Model

The geographical area covered by the Fine-Resolution Antarctic Model (FRAM) includes that part of the South Atlantic south of 24°S. A description of the dynamics and thermodynamics of this region of the model is presented. Both the mean and eddy fields in the model are in good agreement with reality, although the magnitude of the transients is somewhat reduced. The heat flux is northward and in broad agreement with many other estimates. Agulhas eddies are formed by the model and propagate westward into the Atlantic providing a mechanism for fluxing heat from the Indian Ocean. The confluence of the Brazil and Falkland currents produces a strong front and a large amount of mesoscale activity. In the less stratified regions to the south, topographic steering of the Antarctic circumpolar current is important

A Summary of NASA Summer Faculty Fellowship Work in the E.O. Office and in the Educator Resources Center

The Office of Equal Opportunity supports a number of summer programs which are designed to: 1.) Increase the number of elementary and secondary students and teachers who are involved in NASA-related education opportunities; and 2.) Support higher education research capability and opportunities that attract and prepare increasing numbers of students and faculty for NASA-related careers. A part of my work in the E.O. office involved the evaluation of several of the programs in order to determine their level of success and to make recommendations for the improvement of those programs where necessary. As a part of the involvement with one of the programs, the PSTI, I had the great opportunity to interact with the students in a number of their sessions which involved problem-based learning in science, mathematics and technology. A summary of the evaluation of those programs is included in this report. The second part of my work involved assisting the coordinator of the Educator Resource Center at the Space and Rocket Center. I participated in space science workshops for in-service and pre-service teachers. There educational resources were made available to the participants including many hands-on activities that hey could take back to their classes. I participated in the three hour workshops that were offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays of each week, although there were workshops on other days. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I worked in the E.O. office. As a result of my work in the ERC, I developed a Directed Reading PowerPoint Lesson Plan Guide involving remote sensing entitled, Echo the Bat. This was based on a NASA published children's book entitled Echo The Bat, written by Ginger Butcher. I have included a description of the lesson in this report. A summary of the evaluations of several of the summer programs supported by the Equal Opportunity office are included in this report

Virtual patients as a tool for training pre-registration pharmacists and increasing their preparedness to practice: A qualitative study

Virtual patients are an active learning pedagogical tool which simulate clinical scenarios in a three-dimensional environment. Their use in pharmacy education is under-researched in comparison to other healthcare professions. In the United Kingdom, pre-registration training refers to a year of workplace based training which pharmacy graduates must complete prior to professional registration as pharmacists. This study aimed to evaluate pre-registration pharmacists’ perceptions on the integration, usefulness and enjoyment of completing virtual patient simulations or non-interactive case studies as part of their training. Pre-registration trainees completed three virtual patient simulations or three non-interactive case studies on the topics of: emergency hormonal contraception, renal function and childhood illnesses. Telephone interviews were conducted with twenty pre-registration pharmacists, exploring their perspectives on the use of the virtual patient or non-interactive case studies. Data was analysed using the five-stage framework approach. Four main themes emerged from the data: case study design; usefulness of the case studies as a training tool; support in pre-registration training; utility of the learning tools. Trainees also identified technical issues they had experienced while completing the virtual patient simulations, specifically with keyword recognition. Pre-registration trainees who used the virtual patients provided comments relating to the novelty, realism and enjoyment in completing them. Trainees in both groups reported developing knowledge and skills from completing the case studies; those who used the virtual patient commented on the development of communication skills and an increase in confidence for practice and those who used the non-interactive cases focused on knowledge acquisition and numeracy. Participants were enthusiastic about virtual patients as a novel training tool which provided an opportunity for learners to practice realistic scenarios in a safe environment. Virtual patients offer the potential to ‘bridge the gap’ in pharmacist pre-registration sector-related training variation, promote learning through reflection on doing and increase overall preparedness for practice

Actual vs. Perceived Competency Development-How Can Virtual Patients Impact Pharmacist Pre-Registration Training?

Virtual patients are an active learning pedagogical tool that simulate clinical scenarios. There is an established disparity in pre-registration examination pass rates depending on whether individuals complete their training in a community or hospital pharmacy. This study aimed to evaluate virtual patient (VP) and non-interactive (NI) case studies, concerning knowledge, skill and confidence development of pre-registration pharmacist trainees. A quasi-experimental evaluation was conducted. Pre-registration pharmacists completed three VP or NI case studies. Each case study was associated with a pre-and post-knowledge quiz. Pre-registration trainees were invited to complete a questionnaire consisting of Likert ranking statements and open-ended questions on the case study features, usability and individual development. Both learning tools significantly improved trainees' knowledge on the topic areas (except for the NI group in case study 3). Although no significant differences in knowledge improvement were identified between the learning tools, trainees who used the VP reported the development of a wider knowledge base and skill set, an increase in confidence for practice and an opportunity to apply their learning. The sector in which pre-registration pharmacists were completing their training (community or hospital) had a significant impact on knowledge improvement in the three case studies. Future research evaluating VPs with pre-registration and qualified pharmacists should be conducted to explore their benefits and establish their effectiveness as learning tools

Niche adaptation in Campylobacter jejuni and Helicobacter pylori

Campylobacter jejuni and Helicobacter pylori represent two major human pathogens. C. jejuni related gastroenteritis (campylobacteriosis) is considered the leading cause of human bacterial gastroenteritis cases worldwide and H. pylori infection although asymptomatic in the majority of cases can increase the risk of developing peptic ulcers and gastric adenocarcinoma. This thesis investigates different populations within these two bacteria and how they vary phenotypically and genomically from each other and how this may relate to niche adaptation ability. In C. jejuni, research was focussed on strains belonging to the 403 Clonal-Complex (MLST). The 403CC represents a lineage that seemingly demonstrates a near inability to colonise poultry hosts which is atypical, given poultry are a major zoonotic reservoir for C. jejuni carriage. Phenotypic testing found no significant differences between 403CC isolates and chicken isolates, except that during initial growth at 42oC (6-9 h) chicken isolates grew statistically significantly faster. Genome analysis showed a 403CC lineage specific genome content particularly a restriction-modification system (Hha1m) has been described in previous research and this association still holds true. In H. pylori the aim was to characterise the phenotypic and genomic properties of antrum/corpus paired strains isolated from the respective regions of patient’s stomachs. No statistically significant differences were observed in phenotypic ability between antrum and corpus strains across a range of assays or genomically. The transcriptional effect of sub-MIC concentrations of menadione on H. pylori 322A was demonstrated by whole RNA-Sequencing. Menadione generates superoxides by redox cycling thus replicating niche oxidative stress in the gastric niche. Treatment with menadione compared to untreated samples caused 1312 significantly differentially expressed genes. 89 metabolic pathways, particularly epithelial cell signalling in H. pylori infection were affected. Major genes cagA, vacA, ureA/B/I luxS, and ruvC were all downregulated. Niches play an important role in both C. jejuni and H. pylori in the wider context of the organisms as human pathogens. The research presented compares niche adaptation within these organisms and demonstrates for the first time the effect of menadione on the whole H. pylori transcriptome

Ascending Higher: The Story of Aviation at Western

Western Michigan University College of Aviation celebrates 75 years of aviation education. From modest beginnings in 1939, our curriculum has expanded to offer degrees in aviation flight science, aviation management and operations, and aviation maintenance technology. We currently have a fleet of advanced training aircraft, modern facilities in Battle Creek and more than 740 undergraduate students in the program. With this book, we take a look back. We celebrate the visionaries of the past who helped us realize our current successes. We commemorate the events and advancements in our storied aviation program. And we look to the bright future that lies before us.https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/books/1778/thumbnail.jp

Sex differences in sepsis hospitalisations and outcomes in older women and men: A prospective cohort study

Purpose: To examine the association of sex with hospitalisation due to sepsis and related outcomes. Methods: Prospective cohort study of 264,678 adults, average age 62.7 years at recruitment (2006–2009) in Australia. Participants were followed for sepsis hospitalisation identified using the International Classification of Diseases coding. Outcomes included sex differences in the risk of an incident sepsis hospitalisation, mortality, length of ICU and hospital stay and readmissions during the following year. Results: Over 2,070,343 years of follow-up there were 12,912 sepsis hospitalisations, 59.6% in men. Age-standardised risk of hospitalisation was higher in men versus women (10.37 vs 6.77 per 1,000 person years; age-adjusted HR 1.58; 95% CI 1.53–1.59) and did not attenuate after adjusting for sociodemographics, health behaviours and co-morbidities. Relative risks were similar for sepsis-related ICU admissions (adjusted HR 1.72; 95% CI 1.57–1.88). Death at one year was more common in men than women (39.3% vs 33.7% p<0.001). After adjusting for age, men had a longer hospital (12.0 vs 11.2 days; p<0.001) and ICU (6.5 vs 5.8 days; p<0.001) stays and were more likely to be readmitted to hospital for sepsis (22.3 vs 19.4%; p<0.001) or any reason (73.0% vs 70.7%; p<0.001) at one year. Conclusion: In older adults, compared to women, men are at an increased risk of sepsis hospitalisation, sepsis-related ICU admission, death and readmission to hospital within one year after a sepsis hospitalisation. Understanding these sex differences and their mechanisms may offer opportunities for better prevention and management and improved patient outcomes

Study of the Distribution and Frequency of Industrial Arts Courses Taken by the Industrial Arts Graduates at Langston University, 1939-1954

A brief survey of the beginnings of the industrial arts program at the Colored Agricultural and Normal University is presented in the second chapter of this study. This survey covers quite a span of history. The developments of that period provides a foundation for the industrial arts program of 1927-1954. The third chapter considers the present program in Industrial arts and the directors of the division for this period. Chapter IV depicts by its tables the courses taken by the graduates and the frequency of the courses taken. The summary tables of Chapter Vindicate the distribution of the courses taken by the graduates. Mechanical Drawing, Bench Work and Productive Basis show the highest frequency of the required courses. Of the elective courses , Tailoring, Automobile Mechanics and Shoe Repair are the most popular. Generalization of the required courses is not possible as the need is reflected by surveys made by the department directors . In the instance of elective courses it is felt that t he graduate elected those courses which would prove most significant financially during his post-college life.Industrial Arts Educatio

Designing Interactive Clinical Avatars for Pre-Registration Pharmacist Training (Preprint)

Background: Virtual patients are interactive computer-based simulations which are being increasingly used in modern healthcare education. They have been identified as tools that can provide experiential learning and assessment in a standardised and safe environment. However, the study of high fidelity virtual patients, such as interactive clinical avatars, within pharmacy is limited. Objectives: The aim of this paper is to describe the design and review of three interactive clinical avatar (ICA) simulations as part of pharmacist pre-registration training. Methods: A multistep design approach was taken to create three interactive clinical avatar simulations on the topics of: (1) emergency hormonal contraception (EHC), (2) calculation of renal function and (3) childhood illnesses. All case studies were reviewed by registered pharmacists to establish content and face validity. The EHC case study and data collection questionnaire were also reviewed by a purposive sample of pre-registration trainees and newly-qualified pharmacists. The questionnaire utilised Likert ranking statements and open-ended questions to obtain users’ feedback on the design, usability and usefulness of the ICAs as learning tools. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were undertaken on the data. Results: Ten pre-registration trainees and newly-qualified pharmacists reviewed the EHC ICA and data collection questionnaire. The data collection questionnaire was associated with a high Cronbach’s α score (0.95) demonstrating good reliability. All three ICA simulations were reported as usable and appropriately designed for pre-registration training. Users perceived they were developing skills and knowledge from the simulations. The high-fidelity nature of the avatars and the relevance of the simulations to real-life practice were reported as aspects that encouraged the application of theory to practice. Improvements were suggested to ensure the simulations were more user-friendly. Conclusions: The design and creation of the three interactive clinical avatar simulations was successful. The multistep review process ensured validity and reliability of the simulations and data collection questionnaire. The in-depth explanation of the design process and the provision of a questionnaire may help widen the usage and evaluation of ICAs, or other simulation tools, in pharmacy education. The ICAs were reported as novel learning tools which promoted experiential learning and allowed users to feel like they were engaging in real-life scenarios, thus developing transferable knowledge and skills. This may be potentially beneficial for many healthcare training courses as a way to provide standardised experiences which promote active learning and reflection

Interactive Clinical Avatar Use in Pharmacist Preregistration Training: Design and Review (Preprint)

Background: Virtual patients are interactive computer-based simulations that are being increasingly used in modern health care education. They have been identified as tools that can provide experiential learning and assessment in a standardized and safe environment. However, the study of high-fidelity virtual patients such as interactive clinical avatars within pharmacy is limited. Objective: The aim of this paper is to describe the design and review of three interactive clinical avatar simulations as part of pharmacist preregistration training. Methods: A multistep design approach was taken to create interactive clinical avatar simulations on the topics of emergency hormonal contraception (EHC), calculation of renal function, and childhood illnesses. All case studies were reviewed by registered pharmacists to establish content and face validity. The EHC case study and data collection questionnaire were also reviewed by a purposive sample of preregistration trainees and newly qualified pharmacists. The questionnaire used Likert ranking statements and open-ended questions to obtain users’ feedback on the design, usability, and usefulness of the interactive clinical avatars as learning tools. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were undertaken on the data. Results: Ten preregistration trainees and newly qualified pharmacists reviewed the EHC interactive clinical avatars and data collection questionnaire. The data collection questionnaire was associated with a Cronbach alpha=.95, demonstrating good reliability. All three interactive clinical avatar simulations were reported as usable and appropriately designed for preregistration training. Users perceived they were developing skills and knowledge from the simulations. The high-fidelity nature of the avatars and relevance of the simulations to real-life practice were reported as aspects that encouraged the application of theory to practice. Improvements were suggested to ensure the simulations were more user-friendly. Conclusions: The design and creation of the interactive clinical avatar simulations was successful. The multistep review process ensured validity and reliability of the simulations and data collection questionnaire. The in-depth explanation of the design process and provision of a questionnaire may help widen the use and evaluation of interactive clinical avatars or other simulation tools in pharmacy education. The interactive clinical avatars were reported as novel learning tools that promoted experiential learning and allowed users to feel like they were engaging in real-life scenarios, thus developing transferable knowledge and skills. This may be potentially beneficial for many health care training courses as a way to provide standardized experiences promoting active learning and reflection