Development of a web-based teaching resource for analytical science practitioners

This paper describes the production of multimedia teaching material aimed at working analysts in the water industry who are studying the Open University‟s Foundation Degree in Analytical Sciences. In collaboration with staff at Scottish Water, Edinburgh laboratories, audio and video materials were produced which demonstrate a number of basic laboratory techniques routinely carried out in chemistry and microbiology laboratories. Teaching laboratory techniques (and associated safety procedures) is by its very nature a visual process, and requires the cultivation of a skill base and good practice that can only be gained by repetition. However an initial „show and tell‟ stage is required. This is extended to coverage of aspects of laboratory management, and how analysts work in teams to produce analytical data for the customer

Developing a community-based genetic nomenclature for anole lizards

Background: Comparative studies of amniotes have been hindered by a dearth of reptilian molecular sequences. With the genomic assembly of the green anole, Anolis carolinensis available, non-avian reptilian genes can now be compared to mammalian, avian, and amphibian homologs. Furthermore, with more than 350 extant species in the genus Anolis, anoles are an unparalleled example of tetrapod genetic diversity and divergence. As an important ecological, genetic and now genomic reference, it is imperative to develop a standardized Anolis gene nomenclature alongside associated vocabularies and other useful metrics. Results: Here we report the formation of the Anolis Gene Nomenclature Committee (AGNC) and propose a standardized evolutionary characterization code that will help researchers to define gene orthology and paralogy with tetrapod homologs, provide a system for naming novel genes in Anolis and other reptiles, furnish abbreviations to facilitate comparative studies among the Anolis species and related iguanid squamates, and classify the geographical origins of Anolis subpopulations. Conclusions: This report has been generated in close consultation with members of the Anolis and genomic research communities, and using public database resources including NCBI and Ensembl. Updates will continue to be regularly posted to new research community websites such as lizardbase. We anticipate that this standardized gene nomenclature will facilitate the accessibility of reptilian sequences for comparative studies among tetrapods and will further serve as a template for other communities in their sequencing and annotation initiatives.Organismic and Evolutionary BiologyOther Research Uni

Determining sectoral and regional sensitivity to climate and socio-economic change in Europe using impact response surfaces

Responses to future changes in climatic and socio-economic conditions can be expected to vary between sectors and regions, reflecting differential sensitivity to these highly uncertain factors. A sensitivity analysis was conducted using a suite of impact models (for health, agriculture, biodiversity, land use, floods and forestry) across Europe with respect to changes in key climate and socio-economic variables. Depending on the indicators, aggregated grid or indicative site results are reported for eight rectangular sub-regions that together span Europe from northern Finland to southern Spain and from western Ireland to the Baltic States and eastern Mediterranean, each plotted as scenario-neutral impact response surfaces (IRSs). These depict the modelled behaviour of an impact variable in response to changes in two key explanatory variables. To our knowledge, this is the first time the IRS approach has been applied to changes in socio-economic drivers and over such large regions. The British Isles region showed the smallest sensitivity to both temperature and precipitation, whereas Central Europe showed the strongest responses to temperature and Eastern Europe to precipitation. Across the regions, sensitivity to temperature was lowest for the two indicators of river discharge and highest for Norway spruce productivity. Sensitivity to precipitation was lowest for intensive agricultural land use, maize and potato yields and Scots pine productivity, and highest for Norway spruce productivity. Under future climate projections, North-eastern Europe showed increases in yields of all crops and productivity of all tree species, whereas Central and East Europe showed declines. River discharge indicators and forest productivity (except Holm oak) were projected to decline over southern European regions. Responses were more sensitive to socio-economic than to climate drivers for some impact indicators, as demonstrated for heat-related mortality, coastal flooding and land use

The Australasian Resuscitation In Sepsis Evaluation : fluids or vasopressors in emergency department sepsis (ARISE FLUIDS), a multi-centre observational study describing current practice in Australia and New Zealand

Objectives: To describe haemodynamic resuscitation practices in ED patients with suspected sepsis and hypotension. Methods: This was a prospective, multicentre, observational study conducted in 70 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand between September 2018 and January 2019. Consecutive adults presenting to the ED during a 30-day period at each site, with suspected sepsis and hypotension (systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg) despite at least 1000 mL fluid resuscitation, were eligible. Data included baseline demographics, clinical and laboratory variables and intravenous fluid volume administered, vasopressor administration at baseline and 6- and 24-h post-enrolment, time to antimicrobial administration, intensive care admission, organ support and in-hospital mortality. Results: A total of 4477 patients were screened and 591 were included with a mean (standard deviation) age of 62 (19) years, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score 15.2 (6.6) and a median (interquartile range) systolic blood pressure of 94 mmHg (87–100). Median time to first intravenous antimicrobials was 77 min (42–148). A vasopressor infusion was commenced within 24 h in 177 (30.2%) patients, with noradrenaline the most frequently used (n = 138, 78%). A median of 2000 mL (1500–3000) of intravenous fluids was administered prior to commencing vasopressors. The total volume of fluid administered from pre-enrolment to 24 h was 4200 mL (3000–5661), with a range from 1000 to 12 200 mL. Two hundred and eighteen patients (37.1%) were admitted to an intensive care unit. Overall in-hospital mortality was 6.2% (95% confidence interval 4.4–8.5%). Conclusion: Current resuscitation practice in patients with sepsis and hypotension varies widely and occupies the spectrum between a restricted volume/earlier vasopressor and liberal fluid/later vasopressor strategy

Synthesis of bicyclic tripeptides inspired by the ABC-ring system of vancomycin through ruthenium-based cyclization chemistries

The synthesis of a bicyclic tripeptide that mimics the ABC ring system of vancomycin is described by using a ring closing metathesis (RCM) – peptide coupling – ruthenium-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (RuAAC) strategy

Augmented reality as a learning resource for Indigenous-settler relations -- Teacher Handbook

As part of an Open Educational Resource (OER), this teacher handbook is intended to work hand-in-hand with the student guidebook to help direct discussions and activities. The We are All Related AR Guide was developed to support a team of Indigenous and settler partners in navigating the process of co-creating an augmented reality (AR) digital media project. It is designed for teachers and students working in partnership with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and storytellers. This teacher handbook explains the intent of each part of the student guidebook, suggests discussion points, and highlights activities and items of note

Augmented reality as a learning resource for Indigenous-settler relations -- Student Guidebook

Welcome to the We are All Related AR Guide Open Educational Resource (OER). This OER was developed to help a team of Indigenous and settler partners navigate the process of co-creating an augmented reality (AR) project. It is designed for teachers and students working in partnership with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and storytellers. This document is the Student Guidebook - it accompanies the Teacher Handbook, which is aimed at facilitators and includes summaries of section topics, learning outcomes, discussion questions, and activities. While this curriculum package is designed as a team-based project involving a facilitator, individuals can also work through the materials by using both resources