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

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

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