Factors that influence student pursuit of science careers; the role of gender, ethnicity, family and friends

This study adds to a body of research reporting on pupils’ choices and outcomes in relation to science. The article reports on 536 Scottish pupils’ perceptions regarding reported intention to choose careers in science, with further analysis in terms of family, friends, gender and ethnicity. The pupils, aged 14-15, from 5 schools in one Scottish education authority, thought that science is important and scientific careers are good. Pupils had evenly balanced views and attitudes towards science, but just over one third (38.7%) of all respondents indicated that they were considering a career in science. The major factor influencing pupils’ career choices in Scotland seemed to be their perception of whether their parents want them to pursue a career in science

Criterion, construct and predictive validity of computerised respiratory sounds in COPD

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The usefulness of a science degree : the "lost voices" of science trained professionals

This paper reports a study of science graduates who are employed in positions outside their discipline specialisation. The research was designed to uncover the reasons for them choosing to study science at university, the competencies they utilise in their work and their lives, and how these relate to their undergraduate education in science. The study is seen as important in that already about one-half of science graduates are in such positions and it is argued that there is a need in scientific and technologically based societies to have a greater representation of such people in decision-making positions in government and industry. The directions for the science degree that can be drawn from the data gathered are congruent with those arising from other relevant studies. That is, attention should be paid to widely used skills, such as communication and problem-solving, and to developing an understanding of science within its social and ethical context. An argument is mounted for considering the way the science degree is presented to potential students and to the general public

Peer Support

Chapter Summary: This chapter is intended for those serving on MISSION-VET teams as Peer Support Specialists (PSS). It explains the unique role of the position. Following an overview of their role within the MISSIONVET treatment program, the chapter explains how the PSS works with the MISSION-VET Case Manager. It also highlights how the PSS serves as a role model and as a source of encouragement and support to Veterans receiving MISSION-VET services. Case examples are included to illustrate how PSSs facilitate discussions on topics of particular concern to Veterans receiving treatment services and how the PSS continues to meet with Veterans regularly once they have transitioned to the community. It also includes special considerations that are unique to the role of the PSS

As possibilidades dialógicas do fórum de discussão no ambiente virtual de aprendizagem

O presente estudo pretende mostrar que o fórum de discussão on-line, uma interface assíncrona, utilizado em ambientes virtuais de aprendizagem, tem dinamizado processos de ensino, aprendizagem e avaliação. Considera-se que este recurso potencializa a dialógica, a interação e a interatividade, devido a sua polifonia e plasticidade, rompendo com o modelo fechado de emissão-recepção e voltando-se para as possibilidades da aprendizagem colaborativa. A partir da pesquisa qualitativa de cunho sócio-histórico, desenvolvida durante o mestrado em educação, constatou-se que as dinâmicas dialógicas do fórum trazem novas possibilidades interativas, propicia os processos de construção do conhecimento e de avaliação sob a perspectiva dialógica e colaborativa, desde que as posturas docentes e discentes estejam em consonância com estes propósitos, além de despertar nos estudantes o interesse pela leitura e pela pesquisa, aumentando a qualidade da produção escrita. Efetivamente o fórum aproxima as distâncias, promove a socialização e (re)significa o conteúdo na educação on-line

Educação permanente em saúde como instrumento da qualidade assistencial / Permanent health education as an instrument for assistance quality

Neste trabalho é apresentada a necessidade de promoção da educação permanente aos profissionais de enfermagem nas rotinas dos serviços de saúde em uma ESF (Estratégia Saúde da Família), visto que há uma dinamicidade de mudanças mundiais de paradigmas políticos e pedagógicos, que atingem o trabalho, os trabalhadores, suas competências e a educação profissional. Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar como a Educação permanente em saúde pode contribuir para a qualidade do cuidado na ESF, e utilizou como metodologia uma revisão bibliográfica integrativa. Diante disso, viu-se que a educação permanente exige o compromisso dos profissionais em enfermagem e a responsabilidade em suas múltiplas instâncias no sentido de reduzir as lacunas da formação profissionalizante, e propõe uma transformação do indivíduo, uma interação sujeito-mundo, propiciando ao profissional em saúde um pensar futuro mais crítico, com domínio intelectual, físico e moral. A enfermagem não deve ser vista e entendida como uma profissão restrita a consolar e socorrer vítimas e ainda, que a educação permanente possibilita que o trabalhador seja participante dos processos de mudança, através do método ensino aprendizagem participante.

Causes of variation in BCG vaccine efficacy: examining evidence from the BCG REVAC cluster randomized trial to explore the masking and the blocking hypotheses.

BCG protection varies and in some places (nearest the equator) is low or absent. Understanding this variation can inform the efforts to develop new vaccines against tuberculosis. Two main hypotheses are used to explain this variation: under masking, new vaccines are unlikely to increase protection; under blocking new vaccines have a greater potential to be effective when BCG is not. We conducted a cluster randomized trial to explored the masking and blocking hypotheses by studying BCG vaccine efficacy of neonatal vaccination and when administered for the first or a second (revaccination) time at school age in two sites (Manaus close and Salvador further south from the equator). Seven hundred and sixty three state schools were matched on socio economic characteristics of the neighborhood and 239,934 children were randomized to vaccine (BCG vaccination at school age) or control group. Protection by first BCG vaccination at school age was high in Salvador (34%, 95% CI 7-53%, p=0.017) but low in Manaus (8%, 95% CI t0 39-40%, p=0.686). For revaccination at school age, protection was modest in Salvador (19%, 95% CI 3-33%, p=0.022) and absent in Manaus (1%, 95% CI to 27-23%, p=0.932). Vaccine efficacy for neonatal vaccination was similar in Salvador (40%, 95% CI 22-54%, p<0.001) and Manaus (36%, 95% CI 11-53%, p=0.008). Variation in BCG efficacy was marked when vaccine was given at school age but absent at birth, which points towards blocking as the dominant mechanism. New tuberculosis vaccines that overcome or by pass this blocking effect could confer protection in situations where BCG is not protective

Common mental disorders associated with tuberculosis: a matched case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the availability of treatment and a vaccine, tuberculosis continues to be a public health problem worldwide. Mental disorders might contribute to the burden of the disease. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between common mental disorders and tuberculosis. METHODS: A matched case-control study was conducted. The study population included symptomatic respiratory patients who attended three referral hospitals and six community clinics in the city of Salvador, Brazil. A doctor's diagnosis defined potential cases and controls. Cases were newly diagnosed tuberculosis cases, and controls were symptomatic respiratory patients for whom tuberculosis was excluded as a diagnosis by the attending physician. Cases and controls were ascertained in the same clinic. Data collection occurred between August 2008 and April 2010. The study instruments included a structured interview, a self-reporting questionnaire for the identification of common mental disorders, and a questionnaire for alcoholism. An univariate analysis included descriptive procedures (with chi-square statistics), and a multivariate analysis used conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean age of the cases was 38 years, and 61% of the cases were males. After adjusting for potential confounders, the odds of tuberculosis were significantly higher in patients diagnosed with a common mental disorder (OR: 1.34; 95% CI 1.05-1.70). CONCLUSION: There appears to be a positive and independent association between common mental disorders and tuberculosis; further epidemiological studies are required to increase our understanding of the possible biological and social mechanisms responsible for this association. Independent of the direction of the association, this finding has implications for the provision of care for mental disorders and for tuberculosis

SLc7a8 is a key amino acids supplier for the metabolic programs that sustain homeostasis and activation of type 2 innate lymphoid cells

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) are innate counterparts of T helper 2 (Th2) cells that maintain tissue homeostasis and respond to injuries through rapid interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13 secretion. ILC2s depend on availability of arginine and branched-chain amino acids for sustaining cellular fitness, proliferation, and cytokine secretion in both steady state and upon activation. However, the contribution of amino acid transporters to ILC2 functions is not known. Here, we found that ILC2s selectively expres