Uses of peer assessment in database teaching and learning

This discussion paper introduces three very different methods and contexts for the use of peer assessment in introductory database classes, each of which is supported by different learning software tools. In the first case study, at Glasgow Caledonian University, Contributing Student Pedagogy is used, where students contribute to the learning of others through the collaborative creation of a bank of self-assessment questions. This is supported by the Peerwise software tool. Secondly, at the University of Strathclyde, students undertake formative assessment of others in providing feedback on an initial element of a larger coursework assessment. A number of virtual learning environments (VLEs) are capable of supporting this method through customisable discussion fora. Finally, at the Abertay University, peer and self assessment are used in a group project to adjust the group grade for individual students. This is effected through the use of the WebPA software tool

A disciplinary commons for database teaching

This paper discusses the experience of taking part in a disciplinary commons devoted to the teaching of database systems. It will discuss the structure of a disciplinary commons and our experience of the database version

Latent regulatory potential of human-specific repetitive elements

At least half of the human genome is derived from repetitive elements, which are often lineage specific and silenced by a variety of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Using a transchromosomic mouse strain that transmits an almost complete single copy of human chromosome 21 via the female germline, we show that a heterologous regulatory environment can transcriptionally activate transposon-derived human regulatory regions. In the mouse nucleus, hundreds of locations on human chromosome 21 newly associate with activating histone modifications in both somatic and germline tissues, and influence the gene expression of nearby transcripts. These regions are enriched with primate and human lineage-specific transposable elements, and their activation corresponds to changes in DNA methylation at CpG dinucleotides. This study reveals the latent regulatory potential of the repetitive human genome and illustrates the species specificity of mechanisms that control it

Assessment of the EU Member States' rules on health data in the light of GDPR

In the context of the Single Framework Contract Chafea/2018/Health/03 between the EUHealthSupport Consortium and the Consumers, Health and Food Executive Agency (Chafea), a study was conducted with the objective to examine and present the EU Member States’ rules governing the processing of health data in light of the GDPR, with the objective of highlighting possible differences and identifying elements that might affect the cross-border exchange of health data in the EU, and examining the potential for EU level action to support health data use and re-use. We distinguish between using health data for primary purposes (for treatment of the patient) and secondary purposes (for research, registries and management of the healthcare system). The study provides an evidence-based comparison of the state of play regarding health data governance within the EU. This will help to assess in what areas EU intervention might be needed and if so, through which types of measures, be it measures such as a Code of Conduct for data processing in the health area, which could be supported by an EU level implementing act or more direct legislative action, taking into account the particularities of the health systems in the Member States. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, consisting of the following elements: - Literature review to provide an overview of best practices, bottlenecks, policy options and possible solutions already identified in the literature. - Mapping legal and technical aspects of health data usage at national level to provide an overview of the differences among countries in legislation, regulation and governance models regarding processing health data. - In-depth case studies of national governance models for health data sharing. - Workshops held with MoH representatives, experts, stakeholder representatives and experts from national data protection offices. - Stakeholder Survey to cross validate and supplement the topics addressed and identified in the Member State legal and technical aspects mapping. The results of this study allow for a detailed assessment of possible elements at Member States/EU level that might affect the movement of health data across borders. It also identifies practices that could facilitate this exchange of data, as well as possible policy options for strategies in this area. Finally, we explored possibilities for sustainable governance structures for health data collection, processing and transfer, as well as measures empowering citizens to have more control of their own health data and to ensure portability and interoperability of these data

Prevention and management of osteoporotic fractures by non-physician health professionals: a systematic literature review to inform EULAR points to consider

Objective To perform a systematic literature review (SLR) about the effect of non-pharmacological interventions delivered by non-physician health professionals to prevent and manage osteoporotic fractures. Methods Eight clinical questions based on two criteria guided the SLR: (1) adults >= 50 years at high risk of osteoporotic fracture and (2) interventions delivered by non-physician health professionals to prevent and manage osteoporotic fractures. Interventions focused on diagnostic procedures to identify risk of falling, therapeutic approaches and implementation strategies. Outcomes included fractures, falls, risk of falling and change in bone mineral density. Systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials were preferentially selected. Data were synthesised using a qualitative descriptive approach. Results Of 15 917 records, 43 articles were included. Studies were clinically and methodologically diverse. We identified sufficient evidence that structured exercise, incorporating progressive resistance training delivered to people who had undergone hip fracture surgery, and multicomponent exercise, delivered to people at risk of primary fracture, reduced risk of falling. The effectiveness of multidisciplinary fracture liaison services in reducing refracture rate was confirmed. There was insufficient evidence found to support the effectiveness of nutrients and falls prevention programmes in this patient population. Conclusion Despite study heterogeneity, our SLR showed beneficial effects of some interventions delivered by non-physician health professionals and the positive impact of multidisciplinary team working and patient educational approaches to prevent and manage osteoporotic fractures. These results informed a EULAR taskforce that developed points to consider for non-physician health professionals to prevent and manage osteoporotic fractures.This study was funded by the EULAR. Grant reference HPR 032.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

SHARE roadmap 1:Towards a debate

10 pagesInternational audienceWe present the ‘HealthGrid' initiative and review work carried out in various European projects. Since the European Commission's Information Society Technologies programme funded the first grid-based health and medical projects, the HealthGrid movement has flourished in Europe. Many projects have now been completed and ‘Healthgrid' consulted a number of experts to compile and publish a ‘White Paper' which establishes the foundations, potential scope and prospects of an approach to health informatics based on a grid infrastructure. The White Paper demonstrates the ways in which the healthgrid approach supports many modern trends in medicine and healthcare, such as evidence-based practice, integration across levels, from molecules and cells, through tissues and organs to the whole person and community, and the promise of individualized health care. A second generation of projects have now been funded, and the EC has commissioned a study to define a research roadmap for a ‘healthgrid for Europe', seen as the preferred infrastructure for medical and health care projects in the European Research Area