Courseware in academic library user education: A literature review from the GAELS Joint Electronic Library Project

The use of courseware for information skills teaching in academic libraries has been growing for a number of years. In order to create effective courseware packages to support joint electronic library activity at Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities, the GAELS project conducted a literature review of the subject. This review discovered a range of factors common to successful library courseware implementations, such as the need for practitioners to feel a sense of ownership of the medium, a need for courseware customization to local information environments, and an emphasis on training packages for large bodies of undergraduates. However, we also noted underdeveloped aspects worthy of further attention, such as treatment of pedagogic issues in library computer‐aided learning (CAL) implementations and use of hypertextual learning materials for more advanced information skills training. We describe how these findings shaped the packages produced by the project and suggest ways forward for similar types of implementation

Three-dimensional and Two-dimensional Modelling of Springback in the Single-pass Conventional Metal Spinning of Cones

Parts for industrial and domestic use have been formed by means of the metal spinning process as far back as the ancient Egyptians. Research into the field was initially concentrated on experimental and theoretical studies. The development of numerical methods alongside the increasing capabilities of modern computing brought about numerical investigations into the process. This thesis presents a three-dimensional numerical model developed using the finite element method. In addition, a formability parameter is proposed and a formability surface linking the round off radius, rotational speed and half cone angle of the mandrel is presented. This thesis also presents the first numerical parametric study into springback using a three-dimensional finite element model

The Scottish Higher Education Digital Library (SHEDL): Successes, Challenges, and the Future

Scottish academic and research libraries have a strong history of creating successful frameworks for the practical development of shared services, particularly in the area of content purchasing and national licensing of subscription content. This has been and continues to be a major achievement in terms of maximising access to resources through collaborative action and part of the broader Scottish Confederation of University and Research Libraries (SCURL) efforts to collaborate towards the creation of cooperative library infrastructure in Scotland. The Scottish Higher Education Digital Library (SHEDL) was established by SCURL in 2009. This chapter examines SHEDL as it is in 2017 and reflects on the evolution of the work involved noting significant successes as well as current challenges

Evaluating the clinical management of severely malnourished children- a study of two rural district hospitals

Background. Severe malnutrition is an important cause of preventable mortality in most South African hospitals. Work recently done in two rural Eastern Cape hospitals supports the literature which shows that many deaths occur as a result of outdated clinical practices and that improving these practices reduces case fatality rates. Rapid assessment of clinical management in paediatric wards is necessary to highlight areas for improvement.Objective. To assess the management of severely malnourished children in two rural district hospitals and to recommend improvements for their care.Methods. Based on draft World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for inpatient care of children with severe malnutrition, data collection instruments were developed in conjunction with the district nutrition team to assess the quality of care given to malnourished children in two Mount Frere hospitals, Eastern Cape. Data were collected through retrospective review of case records, with detailed studies of selected cases, structured observations of the paediatric wards, and interviews with ward sisters and doctors.Results. The combined case fatality rate for severe malnutrition was 32%. Inadequate feeding, poor management of rehydration and infection, lack of resources, and a lack of  knowledge and motivation among staff were identified as areas that need attention.Conclusion. The clinical management of severely malnourished children can be rapidly assessed to highlight areas for improvement. Involving staff in the assessment process has led to their active involvement in improving the management of malnourished children in their hospitals

KLB dysregulation mediates disrupted muscle development in intrauterine growth restriction

ABSTRACT: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in humans and domestic animals. Developmental adaptations of skeletal muscle in IUGR lead to increased risk of premature muscle loss and metabolic disease in later life. Here, we identified β‐Klotho (KLB), a fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) co‐receptor, as a novel regulator of muscle development in IUGR. Using the pig as a naturally‐occurring disease model, we performed transcriptome‐wide profiling of fetal muscle (day 90 of pregnancy) from IUGR and normal‐weight (NW) littermates. We found that, alongside large‐scale transcriptional changes comprising multiple developmental, tissue injury and metabolic gene pathways, KLB was increased in IUGR muscle. Moreover, FGF21 concentrations were increased in plasma in IUGR fetuses. Using cultures of fetal muscle progenitor cells (MPCs), we showed reduced myogenic capacity of IUGR compared to NW muscle in vitro, as evidenced by differences in fusion indices and myogenic transcript levels, as well as mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity. Moreover, transfection of MPCs with KLB small interfering RNA promoted myogenesis and mTOR activation, whereas treatment with FGF21 had opposite and dose‐dependent effects in porcine and also in human fetal MPCs. In conclusion, our results identify KLB as a novel and potentially critical mediator of impaired muscle development in IUGR, through conserved mechanisms in pigs and humans. Our data shed new light onto the pathogenesis of IUGR, a significant cause of lifelong ill‐health in humans and animals. KEY POINTS: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with large‐scale transcriptional changes in developmental, tissue injury and metabolic gene pathways in fetal skeletal muscle. Levels of the fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) co‐receptor, β‐Klotho (KLB) are increased in IUGR fetal muscle, and FGF21 concentrations are increased in IUGR fetal plasma. KLB mediates a reduction in muscle development through inhibition of mechanistic target of rapamycin signalling. These effects of KLB on muscle cells are conserved in pig and human, suggesting a vital role of this protein in the regulation of muscle development and function in mammals

Sex-specific prenatal stress effects on the rat reproductive axis and adrenal gland

Social stress during pregnancy has profound effects on offspring physiology. This study examined whether an ethologically relevant social stress during late pregnancy in rats alters the reproductive axis and adrenal gland structure in post-pubertal male and female offspring. Prenatally stressed (PNS) pregnant rats (n=9) were exposed to an unfamiliar lactating rat for 10 min/day from day 16 to 20 of pregnancy inclusive, whereas control pregnant rats (n=9) remained in their home cages. Gonads, adrenal glands and blood samples were obtained from one female and one male from each litter at 11 to 12-weeks of age. Anogenital distance was measured. There was no treatment effect on body, adrenal or gonad weight at 11–12 weeks. PNS did not affect the number of primordial, secondary or tertiary ovarian follicles, numbers of corpora lutea or ovarian FSH receptor expression. There was an indication that PNS females had more primary follicles and greater ovarian aromatase expression compared with control females (both P=0.09). PNS males had longer anogenital distances (0.01±0.0 cm/g vs 0.008±0.00 cm/g; P=0.007) and higher plasma FSH concentrations (0.05 ng/mL vs 0.006 ng/mL; s.e.d.=0.023; P=0.043) compared with control males. There were no treatment effects on the number of Sertoli cells or seminiferous tubules, seminiferous tubule area, plasma testosterone concentration or testis expression of aromatase, FSH receptor or androgen receptor. PNS did not affect adrenal size. These data suggest that the developing male reproductive axis is more sensitive to maternal stress and that PNS may enhance aspects of male reproductive development

Developing the content of two behavioural interventions : using theory-based interventions to promote GP management of upper respiratory tract infection without prescribing antibiotics #1

Background: Evidence shows that antibiotics have limited effectiveness in the management of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) yet GPs continue to prescribe antibiotics. Implementation research does not currently provide a strong evidence base to guide the choice of interventions to promote the uptake of such evidence-based practice by health professionals. While systematic reviews demonstrate that interventions to change clinical practice can be effective, heterogeneity between studies hinders generalisation to routine practice. Psychological models of behaviour change that have been used successfully to predict variation in behaviour in the general population can also predict the clinical behaviour of healthcare professionals. The purpose of this study was to design two theoretically-based interventions to promote the management of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) without prescribing antibiotics. Method: Interventions were developed using a systematic, empirically informed approach in which we: selected theoretical frameworks; identified modifiable behavioural antecedents that predicted GPs intended and actual management of URTI; mapped these target antecedents on to evidence-based behaviour change techniques; and operationalised intervention components in a format suitable for delivery by postal questionnaire. Results: We identified two psychological constructs that predicted GP management of URTI: "Self-efficacy," representing belief in one's capabilities, and "Anticipated consequences," representing beliefs about the consequences of one's actions. Behavioural techniques known to be effective in changing these beliefs were used in the design of two paper-based, interactive interventions. Intervention 1 targeted self-efficacy and required GPs to consider progressively more difficult situations in a "graded task" and to develop an "action plan" of what to do when next presented with one of these situations. Intervention 2 targeted anticipated consequences and required GPs to respond to a "persuasive communication" containing a series of pictures representing the consequences of managing URTI with and without antibiotics. Conclusion: It is feasible to systematically develop theoretically-based interventions to change professional practice. Two interventions were designed that differentially target generalisable constructs predictive of GP management of URTI. Our detailed and scientific rationale for the choice and design of our interventions will provide a basis for understanding any effects identified in their evaluation. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00376142This study is funded by the European Commission Research Directorate as part of a multi-partner program: Research Based Education and Quality Improvement (ReBEQI): A Framework and tools to develop effective quality improvement programs in European healthcare. (Proposal No: QLRT-2001-00657)