New Brunswick Community College

OBJECTIVES: To measure the effect of a 1-day team training course for pediatric interprofessional resuscitation team members on adherence to Pediatric Advanced Life Support guidelines, team efficiency, and teamwork in a simulated clinical environment. DESIGN: Multicenter prospective interventional study. SETTING: Four tertiary-care children's hospitals in Canada from June 2011 to January 2015. SUBJECTS: Interprofessional pediatric resuscitation teams including resident physicians, ICU nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and registered respiratory therapists (n = 300; 51 teams). INTERVENTIONS: A 1-day simulation-based team training course was delivered, involving an interactive lecture, group discussions, and four simulated resuscitation scenarios, each followed by a debriefing. The first scenario of the day (PRE) was conducted prior to any team training. The final scenario of the day (POST) was the same scenario, with a slightly modified patient history. All scenarios included standardized distractors designed to elicit and challenge specific teamwork behaviors. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Primary outcome measure was change (before and after training) in adherence to Pediatric Advanced Life Support guidelines, as measured by the Clinical Performance Tool. Secondary outcome measures were as follows: 1) change in times to initiation of chest compressions and defibrillation and 2) teamwork performance, as measured by the Clinical Teamwork Scale. Correlation between Clinical Performance Tool and Clinical Teamwork Scale scores was also analyzed. Teams significantly improved Clinical Performance Tool scores (67.3-79.6%; p < 0.0001), time to initiation of chest compressions (60.8-27.1 s; p < 0.0001), time to defibrillation (164.8-122.0 s; p < 0.0001), and Clinical Teamwork Scale scores (56.0-71.8%; p < 0.0001). A positive correlation was found between Clinical Performance Tool and Clinical Teamwork Scale (R = 0.281; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Participation in a simulation-based team training educational intervention significantly improved surrogate measures of clinical performance, time to initiation of key clinical tasks, and teamwork during simulated pediatric resuscitation. A positive correlation between clinical and teamwork performance suggests that effective teamwork improves clinical performance of resuscitation teams.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will be the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2020. The burdens of this increasingly prevalent illness borne by patients, their family caregivers and the healthcare system are substantial. Dyspnoea as the predominant symptom becomes increasingly difficult to palliate as COPD progresses through advanced stages and, for 50% of patients, can become refractory to conventional treatment. This narrative review focuses on the potential role for carefully initiated and titrated opioids in the management of dyspnoea for patients with advanced COPD who are not yet in a terminal stage, yet struggle with symptoms that reflect underlying mechanisms of dyspnoea that lend themselves to this approach. The many barriers that currently exist to the provision of opioids in this setting are addressed, and recommendations are provided for an approach that should engender confidence among patients, their caregivers and the physicians who treat them.

Worldviews are those larger pictures that inform and in turn form our perceptions of reality. They are visions of life as well as ways of life, are individual and personal in nature, yet bind adherents together communally. Coming to understand a worldview can serve to illuminate particular beliefs and values, and may be helpful in a post-Christian, post-modern or even post-secular era filled with religious, spiritual and secular beliefs of various kinds that hold sway today in the public realm. This article looks at Christianity through a worldview lens using an “ultimate/existential questions” framework (who and what are we; meaning and purpose; responsibilities and obligations; discerning right from wrong; power, force or being greater than humans; and life after this life) to get at the heart of some fundamental Christian beliefs and values.

Acetic acid is one of the major inhibitors of spent sulfite liquor (SSL) fermentation for ethanol production. The objective of this study was to remove acetic acid from hardwood SSL using anion exchange resin in order to achieve effective fermentation with Pichia stipitis CBS6054. Lignosulfonate, as well as sulfate and sulfite ions in the SSL hindered the removal of acetic acid by anion exchange resins. CaO treatment was an effective method for removing these materials from SSL, which facilitated the removal of acetic acid in the subsequent ion exchange resin treatment. A two-stage strong base ion exchange resin (OH -form) treatment removed approximately 90% of the acetic acid from CaOtreated SSL, which decreased the acetic acid concentration to less than 1 g/L. The combined treatment of CaO and ion exchange resin treatments in a relatively short time achieved the selective removal of acetic acid from SSL and significantly increased the ethanol production from SSL.

The increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective battery technologies in electric vehicles (EVs) has driven research into alternatives to lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. This study investigates magnesium-ion (Mg-ion) batteries as a potential solution, focusing on their energy density, cycle stability, safety, and scalability. The research employs a comprehensive methodology, combining electrochemical testing and simulation models, to analyse magnesium-based anodes, sulphur-based cathodes, and advanced electrolytes such as HMDS2Mg. Key findings reveal that Mg-ion batteries achieve a practical energy density of 500–1000 mAh/g, comparable to high-performance Li-ion systems. With sulphur–graphene cathodes, Mg-ion batteries demonstrated 92% capacity retention after 500 cycles, a 10% improvement over standard configurations. Ionic conductivity reached 1.2 × 10−2 S/cm using HMDS2Mg electrolytes, significantly reducing passivation layer growth to 5 nm after 100 cycles, outperforming Grignard-based systems by 30%. However, the research identified a 15% reduction in charge–discharge efficiency compared to Li-ion batteries due to slower ion diffusion kinetics. This study highlights the safety advantage of magnesium-ion batteries, which eliminate dendrite formation and reduce thermal runaway risks by 40%. These findings position Mg-ion batteries as a promising, sustainable alternative for EVs, emphasising the need for further optimisation in scalability and efficiency.

Interprofessional communication is a team-taught upper-level undergraduate course for Nursing and Health Sciences students. In addition to teaching fundamental communication skills, this course weaves interprofessional competencies into weekly learning activities and assignments. The utilization of the principles and practices of team-based learning in the classroom enhances the attainment and practice of communication and interprofessional collaboration skills. Lessons learned from conducting informal course evaluations and delivering the course multiple times are presented.

The objective of this study was to develop an effective method for the removal of inhibitory compounds without decreasing oligosaccharides in spent sulfite liquor (SSL). The oligosaccharide fermentation was subsequently conducted by using Pichia stipitis, which is one of the feasible strains that can produce ethanol from oligosaccharides. The effect of inhibitory compounds on ethanol fermentation from cellobiose by P. stipitis was investigated. No ethanol was produced from cellobiose in the presence of more than 5 g/L of acetic acid. At 1 g/L of acetic acid, 2.6 g/L of ethanol was obtained after 40 h of fermentation. The removal of acetic acid in the SSL by the combined CaO and ion exchange resin treatments was also studied. The acetic acid concentration of softwood SSL was decreased from 5.2 to 0.9 g/L without decreasing oligosaccharides concentration by the combined method. Finally, the improvement of ethanol fermentation from oligosaccharides in the SSL by using the combined CaO and ion exchange resin treatments was studied. 1.3 g/L of ethanol was obtained from the SSL treated by the combined methods, while 6.5 g/L of total oligosaccharides were consumed. No ethanol was obtained from the untreated SSL.

An approach for dealing with yield reductions caused by spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.)) defoliation in forecasting forest development, using the model WOSFOP, is described. This method includes deriving a "nonbudworm" yield curve for a particular stand type, partitioning the nonbudworm yield curve into periodic growth and mortality, explicitly defining the level of budworm effects on stand growth and mortality, and then recalculating a budworm influenced yield curve based on the periodic growth/mortality data and budworm effects. An example using this approach to explore budworm effects indicated that if protection was withdrawn from two hypothetical spruce-fir forests in New Brunswick, maximum sustainable harvest would be reduced by 23-36% under moderate budworm outbreak conditions, and by 46-64% under severe outbreak conditions.

This research examines the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into global net-zero emissions strategies, with a focus on both terrestrial and extraterrestrial sustainability. The objectives include quantifying AI’s impact on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improving energy efficiency, and optimizing resource utilization, a particularly critical but underexplored domain. A mixed-methods approach was employed, comprising a systematic literature review, a meta-analysis of quantitative data, and case study evaluations. Advanced mathematical models, including logistic growth and optimization equations, were applied to predict trends and assess the effectiveness of AI. The results reveal that AI-driven innovations achieve emissions reductions of 15–30% across energy, transportation, and manufacturing sectors, with predictive maintenance optimizing energy utilization by 20% and extending equipment lifespans. AI-enabled smart grids improved energy efficiency by 26.7%, surpassing the 20% benchmark in prior studies. Specific applications include optimized fuel usage and predictive modeling, which can cut emissions by up to 20%. Quantitative data demonstrated significant cost savings of 20% across sectors. Statistical tests confirmed results with p-values &lt; 0.05, indicating strong significance. This study underscores AI’s transformative potential in achieving net-zero goals by extending sustainability frameworks. It provides actionable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers, advocating for the broader adoption of AI to address global environmental challenges.

Interprofessional education (IPE) activities are utilized in health education programs to develop interprofessional collaboration (IPC) competencies. All first-year healthcare students at three postsecondary learning institutions attend a mandatory introductory IPE event annually. During the 2020/2021 academic year, the event was moved from a face-to-face activity to a virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. This study examined whether the virtual IPE activity was effective in supporting the development of interprofessional competencies for first-year healthcare students. Two hundred and six students attended a synchronous didactic presentation on IPE competencies and discussed a simulated case in interprofessional groups of eight students and two faculty facilitators. The Interprofessional Collaborative Competency Attainment Survey (ICCAS) was used to measure the students’ opinions on interprofessional competencies. Paired t-tests were used to compare the pre- and post-scores. One hundred and nine (52.9% response rate) students completed the survey. Surveys from 99 students with matched pre- and post-scores were included in the study. The ICCAS competencies showed improvements (p < 0.05) in all of the students’ self-reported IPE competencies following the activity compared to before the training. Our findings indicate that the virtual IPE activity is effective in facilitating the development of IPC for first-year healthcare students.

Control tactics for potato leafhopper ( Empoasca fabae ) in certified organic potato ( Solanum tuberosum ) production were evaluated in 2003 and 2004. The 2004 split plot trial also compared silver plastic mulch culture with bare ground culture. The trials were conducted at the Rutgers Snyder Research and Extension Farm's certified organic fields, and production practices conformed to the standards of the National Organic Program (NOP). `Superior' potato was grown both years. Potato leafhopper (PLH) controls evaluated were: kaolin, pyrethrin, pyrethrin plus kaolin (2003), pyrethrin with silicon dioxide (2004), and silver plastic mulch (2003). Pyrethrin, pyrethrin plus kaolin, and pyrethrin with silicon dioxide reduced PLH nymph counts and PLH damage (hopperburn) ratings compared with the untreated check (UTC). Kaolin did not reduce nymph counts or hopperburn ratings. In 2003, nymph counts and hopperburn ratings were higher in the mulch treatment than in the UTC, yet the mulch treatment produced higher yield than the UTC. In 2004, mulch culture increased total and marketable yield compared with bare ground culture when PLH was controlled. Nymph counts and hopperburn ratings were higher until mid-July in the mulch plots than bare ground plots with the UTC and kaolin treatments. Controlling PLH and using plastic mulch culture significantly increased organic potato yields and tuber size. Marketable yields from the UTC were less than the New Jersey average of 275 cwt/acre for conventionally grown potato: yield was 38% of average on bare ground and 68% of average on mulch in 2003; 33% of average on bare ground and 38% of average on mulch in 2004. Reducing hopperburn with pyrethrin on plants grown on mulch (2004) resulted in marketable yield that was 75% of the New Jersey average.

This study concerns the effect of applied velocity on the energy state and stress state related to the puncture-cutting of soft material. A finite element modeling (FEM) of combined puncture and cutting of neoprene rubber by a pointed blade was established at 17 velocities (from 10[Formula: see text]mm/min to 1500[Formula: see text]mm/min). The proposed FEM takes into consideration, the nonlinear material behavior of the elastomeric substrate. First, puncture-cutting tests are conducted and the evolution of puncture-cutting force with increased velocity is investigated. Second, the commonly used puncture-cutting energy criterion, including the fracture toughness of material and the friction energy occurring between the material and the pointed blade, are summarized and analyzed. Finally, an analysis of the stress state in the fracture process zone is proposed. Results show that the puncture-cutting force increases significantly with increasing insertion velocity. A low velocity of the pointed blade is dominated by a uniaxial tension with a constant energy, while a medium velocity causes a dominant biaxial tension with increasing energy, which may be the source of the viscoelastic deformation involved around the crack tip. However, an increase of the velocity increases the shear stress up to a maximum value and, therefore, shows a toughening of material.

BACKGROUND: is a sim-IPE experience collaboratively developed by faculty from Bachelor of Nursing and Respiratory Therapy programs within two Atlantic institutions leveled for third-year nursing and respiratory therapy students. This event provides an opportunity for participants to enhance their knowledge of the six CIHC IPE domains, and improve their understanding of and appreciation for IPC. Within this context learners must work together, and rely on the expertise of both professional groups to critically think through and improve a declining client scenario. Once complete, debriefing and reflective journaling help participants solidify learning and deduce new frames of understanding. It has been hypothesized that this event enhances student knowledge of CIHC IPE domains, and creates a deeper appreciation for, and understanding of IPC. The primary objective of this research was to determine if participants' understanding of CIHC IPE domains improved, and if perceptions of their own and the other profession were reframed as a result of this innovation. METHODS: This article describes the educators' approach in setting up and delivering this learning experience and the results of this event through students' perceptions. This cross-sectional study used a descriptive mixed-methods design. Two data collection tools were used to explore changes in participants' perceptions and event feedback. RESULTS: Data analysis found that the majority of participants identified value in this IPE learning experience. Qualitative and quantitative findings suggest participants developed a deepened appreciation for IPC and an improved understanding of the CIHC IPE competency domains. DISCUSSION: as a novel IPE learning experience. Although it is unclear to what degree objectives were met, findings strongly support continued integration of this learning experience.

Background: With the increasing prevalence of chronic pulmonary conditions in New Brunswick and Canada it is necessary to consider innovative interventions to improve access to rehabilitation and supportive care for affected clients. In Fall 2018 we piloted a pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program for persons with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to demonstrate a novel approach of bridging interprofessional education of students in health care fields with provision of care in a community setting. Methods: An 8-week PR program was implemented and evaluated using a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-testing to measure the effects of the program's exercise and educational interventions on persons with COPD. Participants were assessed using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and a custom questionnaire that rated the participants' activities of daily living and the PR program. Results: Seven participants completed our PR program. Following the intervention, participants' self-reported health demonstrated a statistically significant improvement. Even though changes on the 6MWT and SGRQ were not shown to be statistically significant, there was evidence of clinically meaningful improvements in those measures. On average, participants walked 25 m further postintervention and showed clinically meaningful improvements on the SGRQ. Conclusions: This pilot project demonstrated that a community-based PR program with active involvement of students from multiple health care programs can have positive outcomes for clients with COPD. It also illustrated how educational programs can provide an innovative means for increasing access to rehabilitation and supportive care for clients in the community.

The dimorphic fungus Ophiostoma novo-ulmi is the highly aggressive pathogen responsible for the current, highly destructive, pandemic of Dutch elm disease (DED). Genome and transcriptome analyses of this pathogen previously revealed that a large set of genes expressed during dimorphic transition were also potentially related to plant infection processes, which seem to be regulated by molecular mechanisms different from those described in other dimorphic pathogens. Then, O. novo-ulmi can be used as a representative species to study the lifestyle of dimorphic pathogenic fungi that are not shared by the “model species” Candida albicans and Ustilago maydis. In order to gain better knowledge of molecular aspects underlying infection process and symptom induction by dimorphic fungi that cause vascular wilt disease, we developed a high-throughput gene deletion protocol for O. novo-ulmi . The protocol is based on transforming a Δ mus52 O. novo-ulmi mutant impaired for non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) as the recipient strain, and transforming this strain with the latest version of OSCAR plasmids. The latter are used for generating deletion constructs containing the toxin-coding Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase ( HSVtk ) gene which prevents ectopic integration of the T-DNA in Ophiostoma DNA. The frequency of gene deletion by homologous recombination (HR) at the ade1 locus associated with purine nucleotide biosynthesis was up to 77.8% in the Δ mus52 mutant compared to 2% in the wild-type (WT). To validate the high efficiency of our deletion gene methodology we deleted ade7 , which also belongs to the purine nucleotide pathway, as well as bct2 , ogf1 , and opf2 which encode fungal binuclear transcription factors (TFs). The frequency of gene replacement by HR for these genes reached up to 94%. We expect that our methodology combining the use of NHEJ deficient strains and OSCAR plasmids will function with similar high efficiencies for other O. novo-ulmi genes and other filamentous fungi.

This study examines the differences that exist among various age cohorts attending a post-secondary educational institution. Respondents were from the New Brunswick Community College’s six separate campuses (n=251). Significant differences were found to exist predominantly around social and family issues. Although differences did appear based on age groupings, a small amount of variation appeared when compared with theoretical literature. The largest barrier to post-secondary education that existed, regardless of age, was the financial burden placed upon the learner.

I see the scope for the Extra-Mural Hospital as a component of community care and of ambulatory care that is not yet nearly realized. Many opportunities lie ahead if we continue to approach them in a sensitive manner and if we remain cost conscious but patient centered. We must continue to work harmoniously with all other contributors to the health care system and strive to achieve our self-appointed role of being a catalyst to bring about the ideal continuum of care that will be cost and care effective.

It is often assumed that because the current generation of students is more technologically competent than previous generations, they would prefer to use technology for both formal and informal learning. The results of a series of empirical studies indicated that students in formal settings preferred face-to-face contact with their instructors and used Web 2.0 tools for communication and to complete specific class assignments; in their personal lives, these technologies were used for communication, music and video downloads, and online gaming. Although students did not use social networking in their classes, the use of these tools may provide educators with an alternative to course management systems. Results from a community sample indicated a preference towards using the Internet for information gathering, and even though respondents reported that the incorporation of social networking sites in informal education settings would be nice, it was not expected. Overall, both student and community participants utilized technology that was familiar to them. Thus, assuming technological competence in our students and implementing various technological applications in the classroom may be counterproductive if guidance and training are not provided.

A digital programmable firing controller to drive solid-state power modulators is presented. The advantages over analog or hybrid systems are outlined. The simplicity, expandability, reliability, and repeatability without any channel crosstalk is stressed. Programming on line while maintaining strict waveshape symmetry is realized.

Purpose Service-learning (SL) is a widely accepted pedagogy that can enrich the learning experience for students in higher education while they apply their skills in a meaningful community service. This research is part of a larger project that aimed to motivate educational achievement among youths living in a priority neighborhood through SL. Toward this goal, this study investigated the impact of SL on the college students from a college information technology programmer-analyst (ITPA) program, who were deployed as role models to youths in a priority neighborhood on the east coast of Canada. Design/methodology/approach The overall project used the design-based methodology. Seven college students were deployed in two phases to a community center as role models for the delivery of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (or STEAM) programs to youths living in a priority neighborhood. Data were collected using open-ended survey, journal entries and focus groups and was qualitatively analyzed by drawing on two frameworks: the experiential-learning framework by Kolb (1984) and the conceptual SL framework by Ash and Clayton (2009). Findings The findings describe the outcome of the college students' experiences in SL with respect to the development of skills and capacities needed by employers. Specifically, their experiences mirrored all aspects of the two frameworks applied. Therefore, the study validates the use of SL pedagogy in higher education. In addition, the study identified the role of SL as an integration strategy for international students. While the research contributes to the wider SL conversation for policymakers, faculty and administrators of higher education, it also promotes development opportunities for college students. Originality/value The integration of SL pedagogy is widespread among programs in higher education. However, there are no common SL frameworks used in literature. The study is novel in that it combines two theoretical frameworks – Kolb (1984) and Ash and Clayton (2009) in explaining the outcomes. In addition, it uses two high-impact educational practices – SL and role modeling to improve educational attainment for college students.