From WIL1 to work ready: Evaluating the student-learning continuum, a qualitative study

This paper presents the preliminary findings of an ongoing qualitative study investigating the experiences of students, practitioners, and educators in the placement of students within professional practice and outlines the subsequent implications for professional education. This includes an evaluation of a pedagogical model for work integrated learning (WIL) within the built environment and design disciplines, and its relationship to the student-learning continuum. This research aims to address a gap in current knowledge, which commonly views a student’s ‘transition into’ university and ‘transition out’ into professional practice as independent, static events. This paper argues that, rather than simply moving ‘into’ university and ‘out’ into professional practice, the student instead experiences a threshold transgression continuum. This is where the student and their learning evolves and transforms through the crossing-over between workplace and academia that occurs several times throughout their study. In attempting to better understand what it is for the student to transgress and transform, the role that WIL plays in the transition of student from learner to professional is questioned. Using an inductive approach based on grounded theory, this paper evaluates data extrapolated from a series of qualitative open-ended participant interviews with students, practitioners and academics and is collated and analysed using thematic analysis

Capillary Electrophoresis Buffer Optimization for Plant Tissue Analysis

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is an analytical chemistry approach that allows for the efficient separation by charge of diverse classes of compounds for analysis, including secondary metabolites. The goal of this work was to optimize a buffer system for plant tissue analysis using micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC), and by doing so to understand the role of buffer components in the performance of this form of capillary electrophoresis. In this experiment we implemented a factorial design to optimize buffer composition for separating plant tissue and secondary metabolites. The results of this experiment will be used to optimize a universal buffer for MEKC analysis that can be used on any variety of plant tissues. To determine the feasibility of this, a diverse set of plant secondary metabolite chemical standards in solution were tested as well as Helianthus annuus tissue to confirm the separation in a real biological sample. The results of this optimization yield insights into the utility of buffer components like electrolyte and pH for MEKC separation

A Literature Review on Red Meat Consumption Contribution as a Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes continues to be a major health concern for public health officials. The incidence of diabetes has grown in the past two decades producing more than 37 million Americans who live with diabetes (about 1 in 10), and approximately 90-95% of Americans have type 2 diabetes 1. It is estimated that in 2030 cases of diabetes will rise to 439 million 2. Risk factors contribute to the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and other health concerns 3. Reducing risk factors like a sedentary lifestyle and a high red meat consumption diet has shown to improve the overall health and reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Some practices to reduce red meat consumption have included taxation of these products, health marketing on products, and implementation of nutrition programs to increase more plant-based diet 4 5. The methodology behind finding this research included doing a comprehensive search through our institutional library database. Specific search words like “meat consumption” and “programs” and a range of publishing dates, in attempts to locate recent and updated findings. Research has shown that higher rates of red meat consumption contributes to a greater chance of diabetes as well as other non-communicable diseases 6. Common preventions have encouraged weight loss, which is obtained through a drastic diet change and continuing with an active lifestyle3. Health behavior is the driving force to encourage people to change, an analysis with the Health Belief Model contributes to a strong understanding as to why people struggle to make these necessary health changes. With more research and more health promotion programs, people can have an avenue to improve their health.https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/gradposters2022_gradschool/1003/thumbnail.jp

Complementarity in romantic relationships: constructs involved in individual and partner change

The purpose of the current research was to investigate complementarily vs. similarity in romantic partners, as well as changes in partners\u27 life skill levels over time. It was predicted that individuals would be more complementary to each other than similar, that they would be more likely to improve their weaknesses if they were high in Type A personality and growth, and if they perceived that their partners wanted them to improve. Surprisingly, none of these hypotheses were supported. However, improvement on life skills was positively correlated with both relationship duration and relationship satisfaction. Implications and future research possibilities are discussed

Designing experiences with wearables: A case study exploring the blurring boundaries of art, design, technology, culture and distance

This paper details a workshop aimed at exploring opportunities for experience design through wearable art and design concepts. Specifically it explores the structure of the workshop with respect to facilitating learning through technology in the development of experiential wearable art and design. A case study titled Cloud Workshop: Wearables and Wellbeing; Enriching connections between citizens in the Asia-Pacific region was initiated through a cooperative partnership between Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Griffith University (GU). Digital technologies facilitated collaboration through an inter-disciplinary, inter-national and inter- cultural approach (Facer & Sandford, 2010) between Australia and Hong Kong. Students cooperated throughout a two-week period to develop innovative wearable concepts blending art, design and technology. An unpacking of the approach, pedagogical underpinning and final outcomes revealed distinct educational benefits as well as certain learning and technological challenges of the program. Qualitative feedback uncovered additional successes with respect to student engagement and enthusiasm, while uncovering shortcomings in the delivery and management of information and difficulties with cultural interactions. Potential future versions of the program aim to take advantage of the positives and overcome the limitations of the current pedagogical approach. It is hoped the case study will become a catalyst for future workshops that blur the boundaries of art, design and technology to uncover further benefits and potentials for new outcomes in experience design

Evaluation of an Innovative Student-Led Work Disability Prevention Program

A university-based, role-emerging fieldwork placement for occupational therapy students has been developed to provide work disability prevention services for university managers and workers. Over five years, 24 students have provided holistic interventions across 18 departments. The purpose of this project was to formally evaluate the perceptions of the program and the impact of services on managers and workers and to examine the experience of participating students. A utilization-focused evaluation approach was used as the guiding framework for this project. Methods included a retrospective review of reports and educational materials, a manager and worker survey, and a review of results from an existing student survey. The retrospective review of reports and educational materials demonstrated that students utilized a comprehensive and holistic lens that considered the interaction between the person, environment, and occupation. Workers and managers reported they were satisfied and found that services were beneficial. The majority reported changing their work setup or work habits after receiving student services to prevent workplace disability. Students reported overwhelmingly positive responses about the placement, with 96% (n=23) of students agreeing that they had an excellent experience and 100% (n=24) of students agreeing they were able to use their acquired knowledge. This paper describes the formal evaluation process and the outcomes of the project. Findings support the benefits of a partnership with human resources and occupational therapy in developing a role-emerging placement that benefits students, workers, and the organization and promotes the value of occupational therapy in workplace disability prevention and health promotion

EXPLORING THE EFFECTS OF GUT-DERIVED MICROBIAL METABOLITES ON EXPRESSION OF SPI-1 GENES AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM

ABSTRACT Exploring the Effects of Gut-derived Microbial Metabolites on Expression of SPI-1 Genes and Antimicrobial Resistance in Salmonella typhimurium. (May 2014) Rebekah Elizabeth Davis Department of Biology Texas A&M University Research Advisor: Dr. Robert C. Alaniz Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology Texas A&M College of Medicine The commensal bacteria that naturally inhabit the human gut are known to be beneficial to the host in a variety of ways, including producing compounds, such as indole and tryptamine, that reduce the invasion and colonization capability of enteric pathogens, such as Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Here we explore the effects of other tryptophan metabolites on the expression of genes that S. typhimurium uses for invasion into host cells: the Salmonella Pathogenicity Island-1 (SPI-1) genes. We also test whether smaller dosages of one tryptophan metabolite, indole, confers antimicrobial resistance to S. typhimurium (thereby benefiting the pathogen rather than the host), through upregulation of the SPI-2 genes and subsequent outer membrane modification.

Nutrition Education in Vermont Public Schools

Introduction. Despite positive changes, childhood obesity and food insecurity remain prevalent across the country. Vermont is not immune to these issues. We set out to: research the level of nutrition education Vermont elementary schools provide their students, understand teacher perceptions of these programs, and recommend ways to fill identified gaps. Methods. Our study is a cross-sectional survey of Vermont educators around nutrition education. The survey consisted of 17 questions, used LimeSurvey, and included demographic and nutrition education questions. The survey was distributed statewide through newsletters and list-servers. Results. 64 responses met inclusion criteria. Vermont elementary school (K-6) teachers report a mean satisfaction score of 2.51 out of 5.0 for their schools\u27 current nutrition education programs. School nurses reported a score of 2.5 out of 5.0. Highest satisfaction scores included school administrators and health and wellness coordinators (3.3 out of 5.0). When comparing teachers to non-classroom educators (administrators and nutrition educators) data showed a significant difference between high satisfaction (3-5) and low satisfaction (1-2); (Fischer p = 0.009). Overall, Vermont elementary school teachers report a high level of knowledge about nutrition, (4.1/5.0), but a lower level of understanding in their students (2.5/5.0). Conclusions. Given teacher perceptions regarding current school nutrition education programs, development and implementation of a state-wide nutrition education curriculum with dedicated teaching time may be warranted. Programs recommended by the CDC include Eat Well & Get Moving and Planet Health, designed by the Harvard School of Public Health. These could be adapted as a framework for Vermont.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1244/thumbnail.jp

Developing a caseload classification tool for community nursing

Acuity and dependency in the community nursing caseload in combination with safe staffing levels are a national issue of concern. Current evidence suggests that there are no clear approaches to determining staff capacity and skill mix in these community settings. As community nursing caseloads are large with differing complexities, there is a need to allocate community nursing with the best skill mix to achieve the best patient outcomes. A city-wide service improvement initiative developed a tool to classify and categorise patient demand and this was linked to an electronic patient record system. The aim was to formulate an effective management response to different levels of acuity and dependency within community nursing teams and a consensus approach was used to allow the definition of complexity for twelve packages of care. The tool was piloted by a group of community nurses to assess the validity as a method to achieve a caseload classification. Seventy nurses were trained and applied the tool to 3000 patient referrals. Based on this, standards of care were agreed including expectations of assessment, intervention, visit length and frequency. Community nursing caseloads can now be organised according to acuity and complexity of patient need, which determines allocation of staff and skill mix

Elucidating cannabinoids’ effects on Ewing’s sarcoma tumor vasculature

To elucidate the mechanism by which AJA affects Ewing’s Sarcoma cellular pathways, we conducted an angiogenic array to observe AJA’s effects on fifty-five different angiogenic proteins. The angiogenic array showed potential upregulation of TIMP-1, an angiogenic inhibitor, but similar results have yet to be replicated in subsequent ELISA’s. Solid tumors commonly have high vascular densities and increased interstitial fluid pressures (IFP), which reduce the efficacy of treatments by inhibiting the absorption of therapeutic drugs. To determine the effects of AJA and CBD on IFP, and thus on vasculature in vivo, we measured IFP levels in mouse xenograft ES tumors. AJA and CBD both produced significant decreases in IFP within thirty minutes of injection, affirming their potential as legitimate cancer treatments