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The development of an adaptive environment (framework) to assist the teaching, learning and assessment of geography within the Omani secondary education system
No full textOwing to particular historical reasons, the Sultanate of Oman emerged into the modern world only in 1970 and launched its state education system in 1972. Less than thirty years later, the Sultanate recognized that a major overhaul of state education was needed to face the challenges that globalization posed to its population and to its economy. The policies for the transition to the Basic Education (BE) system stipulated that students should receive training in information technology (IT) and English from Year One. These provisions were implemented from academic year 1998/1999, so that by the commencement of academic year 2010/2011 three cohorts of students had received a full ten years of schooling in IT. This research investigated the effects of integrating IT into the geography curriculum in Cycle Two of the BE system. Despite an extensive and painstaking search, no previous published study was found that dealt with the pedagogic use of IT in the Omani BE system. One study (Osman 2010) surveyed users of the Oman Educational IT Portal, but it was a general attitudinal survey of all users and did not progress beyond use of a questionnaire. Therefore, this study is the first to conduct fieldwork research in Oman to develop indicators to measure Omani students' performance in and reactions to eLearning. The study also includes two dedicated surveys covering Omani students' and teachers' opinions of and attitudes to eLearning. This is therefore the first study of this type that has been conducted in or for Oman. The findings support the importance of integrating eLearning into the curriculum in Oman, to enhance the delivery of a range of curriculum subjects through the pedagogical use of IT. Through a comparison of responses from teachers and students in Oman and two other countries, this study also explores issues emerging from a comparison between cultures (Gulf Arab and Western) in terms of the varying effects that cultural and other factors can exert on teachers' and learners' acceptance of educational technology in different countries. Again, it is a feature of this research that it is the first to conduct such a comparative study on such a scale involving Gulf Arab students and teachers. This study raises issues surrounding the optimization of acceptance include (1) the necessity of increasing the internet speed in Oman; (2) the current inadequacy of e-Iearning resources; (3) the proper management of eLearning integration; (4) the need for enhancement of eLearning training and skills issues for both teachers and learners: (5) the further relationships inherent in the interaction of culture and the acceptance of technology
The effects of training organisation on the physiological, metabolic and molecular responses to a soccer-specified laboratory based training simulation
No full textPlayer's performance in competitive matches is partly determined by the systematic training programmes that they complete. The differences in the organisation of training may result in differences in the physiological stress placed on players. This study aimed to investigate the influence of training organisation on the physiological, metabolic and molecular responses to soccer-specific intermittent exercise in skeletal muscles. In Chapter 3, the physical demands of professional soccer training were examined by quantifying the physiological loads and work-rate profiles of elite players throughout the programmed pre-season and in-season training for a one week period. The physiological loads in pre-season were significantly higher than those in the in-season period (p < 0.05). Similar activity profiles were, however, observed during each training period irrespective of the time of the year. These findings demonstrate that pre- season training was more intensive than in-season training though these differences were not linked to changes in the activity patterns during sessions. Technical/tactical training seems to be an important component in increasing the physiological strain observed in pre-season training. This study also indicates that soccer training seems to elicit different demands to those associated with match-play. In Chapter 4, a laboratory-based soccer-specific training simulation (LSSTS) was devised on a motorized treadmill. Attempts were made to re-create both similar overall exercise intensities and patterns of discrete activity observed in training. The validity of this protocol was evaluated by comparing the physiological responses of professional players with those of healthy subjects who completed the LSSTS. Physiological measurements such as mean HR and % of HRmax associated with the simulation were similar to those obtained in the actual training session. These data suggest that the protocol is suitable in re-creating a soccer-specific training session in the laboratory. This protocol is, therefore, sufficient to use in investigations to study the physiological responses and the molecular adaptations of skeletal muscle to soccer-specific intermittent exercise. In Chapter 5, the effect of a single bout of soccer-specific intermittent exercise on metabolic stress and acute molecular responses associated with mitochondrial biogenesis was investigated in human skeletal muscle. The LSSTS was utilised as the sports-specific exercise protocol. The levels of blood metabolites and muscle glycogen were significantly altered during and after exercise (p < 0.05). Simulated soccer-specific training also acutely activated the expression of PGG-1a mRNA in human skeletal muscle (p < 0.05). There was, however, no significant change in the phosphorylation of AMPK and p38MAPK. This would suggest that the global effect of soccer-specific intermittent exercise on aerobic performance may be partly mediated by adaptations associated with mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle. ' In Chapter 6, the effect of prior soccer-specific training on the physiological, metabolic and molecular responses to a subsequent bout of soccer-specific intermittent exercise was evaluated. Two experimental trials (BETWEEN DA Y trial, one bout of soccer-specific intermittent exercise in a day Vs WITHIN DA Y trial, two consecutive bouts of soccer-specific intermittent exercise performed in a day) were completed on two separate occasions. There were significant increases in physiological responses during the second bout of exercise in the WITHIN DAY trial, compared to those obtained in the, BETWEEN DAY trial (p < 0.05). A more pronounced increase in NEFA and glycerol was observed in the WITHIN DAY trial compared with the BETWEEN DAY trial post-exercise following the second bout of exercise (p < 0.05). The expression of PGC-1a mRNA significantly increased following exercise compared to pre- and post-exercise values. There was, however, no difference in phosphorylation of AMPK and p38MAPK and the expression of PGC-1a mRNA between either trial. Based on these findings, it would seem that different approaches to training organisation may be more important for the acute physiotoqlca: responses to soccer-specific intermittent exercise than the molecular changes underpinning chronic adaptations
Exercise-induced cell signalling responses of human skeletal responses of human skeletal muscle: the effects of reduced carbohydrate availability
Get PDFIt is well documented that regular endurance exercise induces skeletal muscle mitochondrial biogenesis. However, the optimal training stimulus and nutritional intervention for which to maximize mitochondrial adaptations to endurance exercise is not well known. Developments in molecular techniques now permit the examination of the cell signalling responses to acute exercise therefore increasing our understanding of how manipulation of the training protocol and nutrient availability may enhance the training stimulus to a given bout of exercise. The primary aim of this thesis is to therefore characterise the skeletal muscle cell signalling responses thought to regulate mitochondrial biogenesis following an acute bout of high-intensity interval exercise and moderate- intensity continuous exercise. A secondary aim is to subsequently examine how manipulation of carbohydrate (CHa) availability may enhance the activation of key regulatory cell signalling pathways. The aim of the first study (Chapter 4) was to develop two exercise protocols of varied activity profile, which induced comparable total oxygen consumption and energy expenditure after being matched for average intensity, duration and distance ran. In a repeated measures and randomised design, eight active males performed an acute bout of high-intensity interval (HIT) running (6 x 3 min at 90 % V02max interspersed with 6 x 3 min at 50 % V02max also performed with a 7-min warm up and cool down at 70 % V02max) and an acute bout of moderate-intensity continuous (CaNT) running (50-m in continuous running at 70 % V02max). As a result of average intensity (70 % V02max) duration (50-min) and distance ran (9843 ± 176) being equal between protocols, total oxygen consumption (HIT; 162 ± 6, CaNT; 166 ± 10 L) and energy expenditure (HIT; 811 ± 30, CaNT; 832 ± 48 kcal) were matched between protocols (P > 0.05). Despite higher ratings of perceived exertion in HIT compared with CaNT (HIT; 14 ± 0.5, caNT; 13 ± 0.4 AU, P 0.05). Data therefore demonstrate comparable cell signalling responses between HIT and CaNT when matched for work done, average intensity, duration and distance ran. Furthermore, this is the first time exercise is shown to up-regulate p53 phosphorylation in human skeletal muscle therefore highlighting an additional pathway by which exercise may regulate mitochondrial biogenesis. Progressing from the role of the exercise stimulus in initiating mitochondrial biogenesis, the aim of the third study (Chapter 6) was to examine the effects of reduced CHO availability on modulating the exercise-induced activation of the cell signalling pathways as characterised in Chapter 5. Although HIT and CaNT protocols resulted in comparable signalling in Chapter 5, we chose HIT as our chosen exercise model given that it is perceived as more enjoyable than CaNT, has application for improving both human health and performance and also because of its relevance as a training modality for elite athletes in team and endurance sports. In a repeated measures and randomised design, muscle biopsies (vastus lateralis) were obtained from eight active males pre-, post and 3 h after performing an acute bout of high-intensity interval running with either high (HIGH) or low CHO availability (LOW). In LOW, subjects performed a bout of glycogen depleting exercise the night before and reported to the laboratory on the subsequent morning in a fasted state as well as restricting CHO before, during and after exercise. Subjects in HIGH CHO loaded for 24 h before reporting to the laboratory to perform HIT with CHO consumed before, during and after exercise. Resting muscle glycogen (HIGH, 467 ± 19; LOW, 103 ± 9 rnmol.kq" dw) and utilisation (HIGH, 142 ± 34; LOW, and 30 ± 12) was greater in HIGH compared with LOW (P < 0.05). Phosphorylation (P-) of ACCSer79 (HIGH, 1.4 ± 0.4; LOW, 2.9 ± 0.9), a marker for AMPK activity, and p53ser15 (HIGH, 0.9 ± 0.4; LOW, 2.6 ± 0.8) was higher in LOW immediately post- and 3 h post-exercise, respectively (P < 0.05). Before and 3 h post-exercise, mRNA content of PDK4, Tfam, COXIVand PGC-1a were greater in LOW compared with HIGH (P < 0.05) whereas CPT1 showed trend towards significance (P = 0.09). However, only PGC-1a expression was increased by exercise (P < 0.05) where 3-fold increases occurred independent of CHO availability. Data demonstrate that low CHO availability enhances p53 phosphorylation in a manner that may be related to upstream signalling through AMPK. Given the emergence of p53 as a potential molecular regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, such nutritional modulation of contraction-induced p53 activation may have implications for both athletic and clinical populations. In summary, the work undertaken from the studies in this thesis provides novel information in relation to the regulation of exercise-induced cell signalling responses associated with mitochondrial biogenesis. Specifically, this is first report to examine cell-signalling responses to running exercise where comparable signalling between HIT and CaNT was observed when protocols are matched for average intensity and duration. Furthermore, these data provide the first report of an exercise-induced increase in p53 phosphorylation in which data demonstrate low CHO availability augments the exercise-induced increase in p53 signalling which may be related to upstream signalling through AMPK. Further studies would now benefit from addressing the nuclear and mitochondrial abundance of p53 in response to an acute exercise challenge as well as comprehensively examining how training status, exercise intensity and CHO availability affects p53 regulation and downstream target genes
Visual Function of English Premier League Soccer Players
Get PDFPurpose: Examine visual function of soccer players of different skill level and playing position.
Methods: Elite players from an English Premier League soccer club (n=49) and intermediate players (n=31) completed an assessment on a Nike SPARQ Sensory Station of: static and dynamic visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, accommodative-vergence facility, target capture and perception span.
Results: There was no difference between elite and intermediate players for all measures. However, competitive soccer players (elite, intermediate) did exhibit better performance in acuity-based measures of visual function and accommodative-vergence compared to a population of healthy non-athletic adults (n=230). With regards to player position, defensive players showed quicker accommodative-vergence facility compared to offensive players.
Conclusion: Visual function of competitive soccer players is superior to non-athletic adults, but does not differentiate the elite and intermediate player. However, defensive players do exhibit faster accommodative-vergence than offensive players. We suspect that this particular visual function is advantageous for defenders given the greater demand to continually shift gaze between players located at near and far locations
Oysters and APEL - Destined to be a delicacy? Evaluative Study of APEL Policy in Practice 2013
No full textThe paper uses social policy theory (SPT) in the context of a UK university (UKU) and RLtd to explore the nature of the APEL relationship. Surveys sent to students and other stakeholders along with the literary evidence provide data for this study. The paper argues that through the enactment and analysis of APEL, traditional approaches are highlighted, which show that APEL can lead to “taken for granted practices” in HE, and become embodied as urban myth, and that many aspects of APEL don’t appear changed over time; However the paper also argues that the enactment of APEL policy in different contexts can extend the concept, engagement and understanding of the benefits, illuminating successful outcomes between the different parties involved, and gaining increased credibility for HE collaborative partnerships in the current environment in which Higher Education Institution’s (HEI’s) are now situated
Appropriate Assessment Strategy for Student Nurses: Practice and Theory?
No full textThe study examines student nurse attainment of pass grades at both theoretical and practical level. The rationale for the importance of this research is that it would provide an insight into whether the levels of assessment in the first year are appropriate. This research may also demonstrate whether students are more likely to pass practical assessments assessed by mentors in practice or theoretical assessments marked by academic staff in universities. It is pertinent to re-examine the curriculum and type of assessments that pre-registration student nurses undertake, in light of the recent drive for adding in care and compassion into the nursing curriculum following the Mid-Staffordshire enquiry and the subsequent Frances report. There is evidence which has demonstrated that mentors out in practice rarely fail students in their practical assessments
The Red MSX Source Survey: The Massive Young Stellar Population of Our Galaxy
No full textWe present the Red MSX Source survey, the largest statistically selected catalog of young massive protostars and H II regions to date. We outline the construction of the catalog using mid- and near-infrared color selection. We also discuss the detailed follow up work at other wavelengths, including higher spatial resolution data in the infrared. We show that within the adopted selection bounds we are more than 90% complete for the massive protostellar population, with a positional accuracy of the exciting source of better than 2 arcsec. We briefly summarize some of the results that can be obtained from studying the properties of the objects in the catalog as a whole; we find evidence that the most massive stars form: (1) preferentially nearer the Galactic center than the anti-center; (2) in the most heavily reddened environments, suggestive of high accretion rates; and (3) from the most massive cloud cores
Cross-Sectional Survey on the Dengue Knowledge, Attitudes and Preventive Practices Among Students and Staff of a Public University in Malaysia.
No full textBehavioural impact programmes are especially effective for dengue control and prevention. Universities are key settings for health promotion, so understanding factors that influence the practice of dengue prevention within a university community becomes important. This study aimed to examine the factors affecting dengue knowledge, attitude and preventive practices amongst students and staff of a public university. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of 372 students and staff of the NDUM were recruited by stratified sampling method. Data were collected via self-administered pre-tested structured questionnaires covering socio-demography and dengue KAP. Data were analysed descriptively. For bivariate analysis, Chi square test was applied. To explore the factors independently associated with the practice of dengue prevention, a logistic regression model was introduced. Overall, the participants had moderate dengue-related knowledge, good attitudes and good preventive practices. The majority had misconceptions about mosquito biting habits (83.8 %), seasonality of dengue epidemics (73.2 %), and mosquito breeding sites (70.3 %). Staff were more likely to have good dengue-related knowledge (p < 0.001) and attitudes (p = 0.008) than students. There was statistically significant positive association between the level of dengue knowledge and monthly average household income (p = 0.008), age (p < 0.001) and education (p < 0.001). Having good attitudes towards dengue was associated with being a non-Malay (p = 0.034), having higher monthly average household income (p = 0.047) and tertiary education (p < 0.001). In regression analysis, only dengue knowledge and dengue attitudes were significantly and positively associated with practice of dengue prevention. Dengue preventive strategies amongst university students and staff should focus on maintaining good dengue-related preventive practices. Educational campaigns should mainly target students, young staff members, and those with lower level of education and income
The pH Dependent Interaction between Nicotine and Simulated Pulmonary Surfactant Monolayers with Associated Molecular Modelling
Get PDFPulmonary surfactant is an endogenous material that lines and stabilises the alveolar air-liquid interface. Respiratory mechanics can be compromised by exposure to environmental toxins such as cigarette vapour, which contains nicotine. This study aims to determine the influence of nicotine on the activity of simulated lung surfactant at pH 7 and pH 9. In all cases, the addition of nicotine to the test zone caused deviation in surfactant film performance. Importantly, the maximum surface pressure was reduced for each system. Computational modelling was applied to assess key interactions between each species, with the Gaussian 09 software platform used to calculate electrostatic potential surfaces. Modelling data confirmed either nicotine penetration into the two-dimensional structure or interfacial / electrostatic interactions across the underside. The results obtained from this study suggest that nicotine can impair the ability of pulmonary surfactant to reduce the surface tension term, which can increase the work of breathing. When extrapolated to gross lung function alveolar collapse and respiratory disease (e.g. chronic airway obstruction) may result. The delivery of nicotine to the (deep) lung can cause a deterioration in lung function and lead to reduced quality of life
Energy Intake and Expenditure of Professional Soccer Players of the English Premier League: Evidence of Carbohydrate Periodization.
No full textIn an attempt to better identify and inform the energy requirements of elite soccer players, we quantified the energy expenditure (EE) of players from the English Premier League (n=6) via the doubly labeled water method (DLW) over a 7-day in-season period. Energy intake (EI) was also assessed using food diaries, supported by the remote food photographic method and 24 h recalls. The 7-day period consisted of 5 training days (TD) and 2 match days (MD). Although mean daily EI (3186 ± 367 kcals) was not different from (P>0.05) daily EE (3566 ± 585 kcals), EI was greater (P<0.05) on MD (3789 ± 532 kcal; 61.1 ± 11.4 kcal.kg(-1) LBM) compared with TD (2956 ± 374 kcal; 45.2 ± 9.3 kcal.kg(-1) LBM, respectively). Differences in EI were reflective of greater (P<0.05) daily CHO intake on MD (6.4 ± 2.2 g.kg(-1)) compared with TD (4.2 ± 1.4 g.kg(-1)). Exogenous CHO intake was also different (P<0.01) during training sessions (3.1 ± 4.4 g.h(-1)) versus matches (32.3 ± 21.9 g.h(-1)). In contrast, daily protein (205 ± 30 g.kg(-1), P=0.29) and fat intake (101 ± 20 g.kg(-1), P=0.16) did not display any evidence of daily periodization. Although players readily achieve current guidelines for daily protein and fat intake, data suggest that CHO intake on the day prior to and in recovery from match play was not in accordance with guidelines to promote muscle glycogen storage
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