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Using Numbas As a Revision Tool For Mathematics Students
Get PDFSummary of Teaching Context
For the continuous assessment element of my courses, I use
Moodle quizzes but to help students revise and practise the
mathematical methodologies I have created Numbas quizzes.
Overview of the Strategy
‘Numbas’ is a free to use online assessment system
developed by mathematicians at Newcastle University. In
Moodle the “calculated question” allows you to generate
a bank of questions testing the same methodology by
inserting variables within the question design. This allows
for randomised questions being offered to the students. The
only drawback is that it can only accept a single response for
each question. Numbas allows you to design questions using
variables within the question text but can also allow for several
questions/answers to be posed within the one question. The
answers can be numerical or algebraic. Furthermore, it allows
you to code in the general solution to the problem using
variables which automatically change as the numbers change
with each randomly generated version. This allows students
to compare their worked solution to the “model solution” and
pinpoint where they are going wrong. In this way it becomes a
teaching and learning tool
Geobacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus atrophaeus spores exhibit linear inactivation kinetic performance when treated with an industrial scale vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VH2O2) sterilization process
Get PDFMany medical devices are supplied as sterile for safe patient care
(McEvoy and Rowan 2019). The global sterilization services market is projected to reach USD 5.5 billion by 2026, growing at a
compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0%, primarily driven
by increasing surgical procedures, the prevalence of hospital acquired infections and increased outsourcing of sterilization
services (Anon 2021, McEvoy et al. 2021). A sterilization process
may be defined as a “series of actions or operations needed
to achieve the specified requirements for sterility” (ISO 2018).
Sterility is not an absolute; therefore, it must be predicted and
expressed in terms of the probability of achieving the inactivation of microbial and other infectious agents post-sterilization
treatment (McEvoy and Rowan 2019). Moreover, the underpinning sterility assurance level (SAL) is defined as the ’probability
of a single viable microorganism occurring on an item after sterilization’ (ISO 2018). A sterilization process is validated whereby
a pre-determined SAL is demonstrated through a series of process evaluations (McEvoy and Rowan 2019). In accordance with
ISO14937:2009, microbicidal effectiveness must be established
such that it is plausible to predict the probability of a defined
resistant microorganism surviving exposure to a defined treatment.ye
Big data testing techniques: taxonomy, challenges and future trends
No full textBig Data is reforming many industrial domains by providing decision support through analyzing large data volumes. Big Data testing aims to ensure that Big Data systems run smoothly and error-free while maintaining the performance and quality of data. However, because of the diversity and complexity of data, testing Big Data is challenging. Though numerous research efforts deal with Big Data testing, a comprehensive review to address testing techniques and challenges of Big Data is not available as yet. Therefore, we have systematically reviewed the Big Data testing techniques’ evidence occurring in the period 2010–2021. This paper discusses testing data processing by highlighting the techniques used in every processing phase. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and future directions. Our findings show that diverse functional, non-functional and combined (functional and non-functional) testing techniques have been used to solve specific problems related to Big Data. At the same time, most of the testing challenges have been faced during the MapReduce validation phase. In addition, the combinatorial testing technique is one of the most applied techniques in combination with other techniques (i.e., random testing, mutation testing, input space partitioning and equivalence testing) to find various functional faults through Big Data testing.ye
D5.4. Annual Report on the Implementation of the Open Science Skills Training Workshop Programmes - 1st Report
No full textThe "Workshop on Open Access" and the "Workshop on FAIR Data" were the first online
workshops (pilot workshops) held in the framework of the RUN-EU PLUS Workpackage 5 on 1
and 2 June 2022 (both 13h00 – 17h00 CET) on the topic of Open Science. The events were
hosted by NHL Stenden, the Netherlands, through MS Teams.
180 registrations were recorded for the first afternoon (Open Access). 169 people registered
for the second afternoon (FAIR Data). 90 Certificates of Attendance were issued for the
Workshop on Open Access and 92 Certificates of Attendance for the Workshop on FAIR Data.
In total, 184 people were present during the workshops.
RUN-EU PLUS is a strategy integrated into the Regional European Network European University
(RUN-EU) which was established in 2020. This European University aims to develop and
promote progress in the respective regions. Sustainability, inclusion and multiculturalism are
core values. It aims to ensure sustainable economic, social, cultural and environmental
progress by providing students, researchers and academics with green, digital and inclusive
skills
"You can't shoot another bullet until you've reloaded the gun". Perceptions, practices and experiences of deloading in strength and physique sports.
No full textDeloading refers to a purposeful reduction in training demand with the
intention of enhancing preparedness for successive training cycles. Whilst
deloading is a common training practice in strength and physique sports,
little is known about how the necessary reduction in training demand should
be accomplished. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to determine
current deloading practices in competitive strength and physique sports.
Eighteen strength and physique coaches from a range of sports
(weightlifting, powerlifting, and bodybuilding) participated in semi-structured
interviews to discuss their experiences of deloading. The mean duration of
coaching experience at ≥ national standard was 10.9 (SD = 3.9) years.
Qualitative content analysis identified Three categories: definitions, rationale,
and application. Participants conceptualised deloading as a periodic,
intentional cycle of reduced training demand designed to facilitate fatigue
management, improve recovery, and assist in overall training progression and
readiness. There was no single method of deloading; instead, a reduction in
training volume (achieved through a reduction in repetitions per set and
number of sets per training session) and intensity of effort (increased
proximity to failure and/or reduction in relative load) were the most adapted
training variables, along with alterations in exercise selection and
configuration. Deloading was typically prescribed for a duration of 5 to 7
days and programmed every 4 to 6 weeks, although periodicity was highly
variable. Additional findings highlight the underrepresentation of deloading in
the published literature, including a lack of a clear operational definition.ye
Cross-cultural conceptualization of a good end of life with dementia: a qualitative study
Get PDFBackground: Research on the nature of a “good death” has mostly focused on dying with cancer and other life-limiting diseases, but less so on dementia. Conceptualizing common cross-cultural themes regarding a good end of life in
dementia will enable developing international care models.
Methods: We combined published qualitative studies about end of life with dementia, focus group and individual
interviews with the researchers, and video-conferencing and continuous email discussions. The interviews were
audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed thematically, and the researchers developed com mon themes referring to their original studies.
Results: Fourteen qualitative researchers representing 14 cross-cultural studies covering qualitative data of 121 people
with dementia and 292 family caregivers. The researchers and data were from eight countries UK, The Netherlands, Japan,
Portugal, Germany, Canada, Brazil, and Ireland. Three focus groups, fve individual interviews, and video-conferencing were
conducted and feedback on multiple iterations was gained by 190 emails between May 2019 and April 2020 until consensus was achieved. Nine cross-culturally common themes emerged from the discussions and shared interpretation of the
data of persons with dementia and family caregivers. Three represent basic needs: “Pain and Symptoms Controlled,” “Being
Provided Basic Care,” and “A Place like Home.” Other themes were “Having Preferences Met,” “Receiving Respect as a Person,”
“Care for Caregivers,” “Identity Being Preserved,” “Being Connected,” and “Satisfaction with Life and Spiritual Well-being.” “Care
for Caregivers” showed the greatest difference in emphasis across cultures. Good relationships were essential in all themes.
Conclusions: The common cross-cultural themes comprise a framework underpinned by value placed on person hood and dignity, emphasizing that interdependency through relationships is essential to promote a good end of life
with dementia. These themes and valuing the importance of relationships as central to connecting the themes could
support care planning and further development of a dementia palliative care model.ye
Factors that influence hospital nurses’ escalation of patient care in response to their early warning score: A qualitative evidence synthesis
Get PDFBACKGROUND: The Early Warning Score (EWS) is a validated tool that has improved patient outcomes internationally. This scoring system is used within the hospital setting to identify potentially deteriorating patients, thus expediting referral to appropriate medical personnel. It is increasingly recognised that there are other influencing factors along with EWS, which impact on nurses’ decisions to escalate care. AIM: The aim of this review was to identify and synthesise data from qualitative studies, which examined factors influencing nurses’ escalation of care in response to patients’ EWS. METHODS: The systematic search strategy and eligibility criteria were guided by the SPIDER (Sample Phenomenon of Interest Design Evaluation Type of Research) framework. Eleven databases and five grey literature databases were searched. Titles and abstracts were independently screened in line with pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria using the cloud-based platform, Rayyan. The selected studies underwent quality appraisal using CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme, 2017, https://www.casp-uk.net/casp-toolschecklists) and subsequently synthesised using Thomas and Harden's thematic analysis approach. GRADE–CERQual (Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation–Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) was used to assess confidence in results. The EQUATOR listed guideline ENTREQ (Tong et al., 2012, BMC Medical Research Methodology, 12) was used to synthesise and report findings. RESULTS: Eighteen studies from seven countries including 235 nurses were identified. Following synthesis, four analytical themes were generated with eighteen derived consequent findings. The four themes identified were as follows: 1) Marrying nurses’ clinical judgement with EWS 2) SMART communication 3) EWS Protocol: Blessing and a Curse 5) Hospital Domain. CONCLUSION: Nurses strive to find balance by simultaneously navigating within the boundaries of both the EWS protocol and the hospital domain. They view the EWS as a valid essential component in the system but one that does not give a definitive answer and absolute direction. They value the protocols’ ability to identify deteriorating patients and convey the seriousness of a situation to their multidisciplinary colleagues but also find it somewhat restrictive and frustrating and wish to have credence given to their own intuition and clinical judgement.ye
Hot melt enteric targeted therapeutic delivery platform: enhancing drug solubility through advanced polymer extruded delivery system
Get PDFCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number 1 cause of death
globally. Fenofibrate has been shown an excellent treating effect
on CVDs. However, Fenofibrate is a neutral, lipophilic compound
that is practically insoluble in water, making it challenging to
achieve therapeutic levels consistently. As a result, this project was
using shellac material as the polymeric matrix to enhance the
solubility of Fenofibrate by producing solid dispersion by hot melt extrusio
D7.2.Best Practices Annual Report - 1st Report
Get PDFThis deliverable is the first of a series of three reports. It summarises best practices used by the RUN-EU PLUS project in communication and dissemination activities related to the work package activities and details the measured impacts by the RUN-EU PLUS alliance partners from M1 until M12 of the project development, matching them with target audiences, tools and channels and key performance indicators. It follows the provisions of the D7.1 Communication and Dissemination Strategy.
The results of the communication and dissemination actions conducted by all RUN-EU PLUS alliance partners from M1 until M12 of the project development are encouraging and positive. They reflect the success of the strategy implemented at the beginning of the project, as well as the members’ commitment and engagement
Parasocial Relationships between Influencers and Irish Millennials and their Effect on Purchase Intention
Get PDFThis study explores the hidden techniques and interactions which lead to the development of parasocial relationships among Irish millennials and influencers, and the subsequent effect on purchase intention. Upon review of the literature, the researcher found that there was a gap regarding the development of parasocial relationships with media personas among millennials, and no research was found on this topic within Ireland. Furthermore, in the researcher’s review of the literature, she also failed to find any studies regarding factors that influence purchase intention among the Irish population. Therefore this study aimed to investigate and answer the following research questions: * How have Irish millennials formed parasocial relationships with influencers they follow on social media?; * How does this parasocial relationship influence their purchase intention? This research adopted a mixed methodology approach of using a survey and netnography study. A survey was conducted on 45 Irish millennials and asked questions with regard to their social interactions with their favourite influencer. From the survey, two influencers were selected for a netnography study that took place over a four week period, observing influencers parasocial relationship characteristics in their interactions on Instagram. The results found parasocial relationship characteristics demonstrated in the interactions influencers exhibited on Instagram. It was observed that parasocial relationships develop between Irish millennials and influencers through conceptual closeness and length of exposure, attraction through possessing similar interests and personalities, and through the influencer’s ability to meet the follower’s social needs. The ability to create an illusion of intimacy through talking to the camera, point of view (POV) photography and engaging with followers was also found to develop a parasocial relationship, as well as an influencers use of self-disclosure. This study supports Irish millennials possession of a parasocial relationship with their favourite
influencer, however findings show it is not as strong as their physical real-life interactive friendships. The research findings show that the trust gained through the development of a parasocial relationship between an influencer and a follower has a positive effect on their purchase intention regardless of paid advertisement.n