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Selected AbstractsLiving with uncertainty: concept advancementJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 6 2007Janice Penrod Abstract Aim., This paper reports a study to demonstrate how the scientific understanding of the concept of uncertainty was advanced through a phenomenological study of living with uncertainty. Background., Techniques for concept analysis have evolved to subsume strategies for advancing a concept towards greater clarity and utility for research and practice. Recently, it has been argued that a clear delineation of techniques for concept analysis as separate and distinct from techniques of concept advancement is warranted. This article applies such delineated processes to demonstrate the advancement of the concept of uncertainty. Method., Concept analysis was used to establish an integrated understanding of the state of the science. Gaps in understanding were carefully analysed, resulting in the research question guiding the next phase of concept advancement: what is the nature of the lived experience of uncertainty? A phenomenological investigation of the experience of uncertainty among family caregivers was conducted. Then, using methods of template comparison, the conceptual attributes identified through the phenomenological study were compared and contrasted with the theoretical definition derived through concept analysis. Finally, a new conceptual definition of higher order abstraction, with greater pragmatic utility, was derived. Findings., Uncertainty is rooted in the individual's perception of outcomes or meaning of a situation. Such perceptions challenge one's sense of confidence and/or control to yield varied types and modes of uncertainty. Uncertainty is present oriented. Both cognitive and precognitive ways of knowing are influential in ascribing meaning, anticipating outcomes and adapting strategies. Conclusions., One's sense of confidence and sense of control are primary essences that determine the nature of the experience of uncertainty. The experience of living with uncertainty is dynamic, with fluctuations in the types and modes of uncertainty in response to precognitive and cognitive ways of knowing. Probabilistic paradigms preclude existential and situational modes of uncertainty for which probabilities cannot be appreciated. [source] Qualitative analysis of future flood risk in the Taihu Basin, ChinaJOURNAL OF FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2009G.L. Harvey Abstract This paper presents the results of a qualitative analysis of future flood risk in the Taihu Basin, China, performed using an adaptation of the UK Foresight Future Flooding approach. Drivers of increased flood risk were identified and ranked according to their importance in contributing to future flooding by experts and stakeholders working within an inclusive, participatory framework. Management responses to increasing flood risk were also identified and assessed in terms, first, of their potential to reduce flood risks and, second, their sustainability. This analysis provides the foundation for quantitative flood risk modelling to be performed in the next phase of the project. It has also added value to flood risk management in the Taihu Basin by bringing stakeholders together to develop a shared understanding of the flooding system and the relative importance of multiple flood risk drivers and responses. Together, the qualitative and quantitative analyses will provide a comprehensive vision of possible future flood risk to inform policy development and decision making. [source] Kernel texture differences among US soft wheat cultivars,,JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 11 2005Dr Craig F Morris Abstract Kernel texture is a key factor in the quality and utilization of soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L), yet the variation in kernel texture among US soft wheat cultivars is largely unknown. This study evaluated the following hypothesis: soft wheat cultivars differ in kernel texture due to minor genetic factor(s). Once identified, selected contrasting cultivars could serve as candidates for crop improvement and future genetic studies. To test the hypothesis, kernel texture (SKCS, Single Kernel Characterization System), NIR (near-infrared reflectance) and Quadrumat break flour yield were evaluated for 30 cultivars drawn from the four major US soft wheat regions and sub-classes (eastern and western soft white winter, soft red winter and Club). Cultivars were grown in replicated trials over 6 site-years in Washington state. The results clearly indicated that relatively large, consistent genetic differences in kernel texture exist among US soft wheat cultivars. SKCS and NIR were fairly well correlated (r = 0.85) and tended to rank cultivars in the same order. However, individual cultivars deviated from this linear relationship and occasionally rankings changed substantially. Trends were observed among the geographical regions and sub-classes, eg the first 13 hardest-ranked positions (SKCS) were held by western cultivars (13 of the 16 total western cultivars). Quadrumat break flour yield provided an independent assessment of kernel texture and was not correlated with SKCS or NIR hardness. Four distinct cultivar groupings were made based on analysis of variance and two-dimensional graphical assessment. Each group represented contrasting levels of kernel texture (SKCS or NIR) and break flour yield. Identification of the specific underlying gene(s) conferring kernel texture variation among US soft wheats awaits the next phase of research. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Becoming a new doctor: a learning or survival exercise?MEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 7 2007Jeremy Brown Objective, This study set out to establish why some new doctors view their training as a valuable period in their professional development, whereas others see it as a year to be endured and survived. Methods, This multi-method case study focused on the interaction of key participants within 1 deanery, sampling the 237 pre-registration house officers (PRHOs) and 166 educational supervisors populating the associated 12 National Health Service trusts at the time (2001). The design of the case study was predicated on gathering the views of both teachers and learners in a way that allowed each stage of the data collection process to inform and influence the next phase. Results, Lack of formal guidance and support were common characteristics associated with the first few days in post. The first day in post as a doctor is, for most, an experience that is hard to prepare for, even after a useful induction period. Those PRHOs who felt they were not guided or advised on how to undertake their new professional responsibilities tended to feel undervalued and under-recognised as individuals. Conclusions, Without the support of senior colleagues who can help the new doctor reflect on quite difficult and uncertain situations, new doctors will almost certainly perceive the first year of the new Foundation Programme as a survival exercise. If new doctors are working in an environment where their learning is properly facilitated, they are more likely to recognise their progress in their professional development and be more proactive in addressing concerns about professional expectations. [source] Protein crystallization for genomics: towards high-throughput optimization techniquesACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D, Issue 6-2 2002Naomi E. Chayen Protein crystallization has gained a new strategic and commercial relevance in the next phase of the genome projects, in which X-ray crystallography will play a major role. Considerable advances have been made in the automation of protein preparation and also in the X-ray analysis and bioinformatics stages once diffraction-quality crystals are available. These advances have not yet been matched by equally good methods for the crystallization process itself. In the area of crystallization, the main effort and resources are currently being invested into the automation of screening procedures to identify potential crystallization conditions. However, in spite of the ability to generate numerous trials, so far only a small percentage of the proteins produced have led to structure determinations. This is because screening in itself is not usually enough; it has to be complemented by an equally important procedure in crystal production, namely crystal optimization. In the rush towards structural genomics, optimization techniques have been somewhat neglected, mainly because it was hoped that large-scale screening alone would produce the desired results. In addition, optimization has relied on particular individual methods that are often difficult to automate and to adapt to high throughput. This article addresses a major gap in the field of structural genomics by describing practical ways of automating individual optimization methods in order to adapt them to high-throughput techniques. [source] 2261: Development and evaluation of PLGA nanoparticles with cyclosporine and the inclusion of HP,CD for ocular useACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010K HERMANS Ocular delivery of peptides requires new concepts in order to optimize the bioavailability and its therapeutic effect. The first peptide selected in present research project is Cyclosporine A (CyA) used in the treatment of the dry eye syndrome and against corneal graft rejection. The aim of the project is the development of nanoparticles with physicochemical properties for a suitable and prolonged release of CyA, using a factorial design. These drug delivery systems will be produced employing PLGA using the emulsification solvent evaporation method. Positively charged polymers as chitosan or Eudragit® will be incorporated to obtain nanoparticles with a positive particle charge. Electrostatic interactions with the negatively charged mucins lead to a prolonged residence time at the precorneal area. Nanoparticles will be evaluated on zeta potential, particle size and their in vitro drug release properties. CyA and CyA complexed with HP,CD will be compared. The most suitable preparations will be selected in a next phase of the project for an in vivo study using an animal model. [source] | |||||||||||||