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Like science itself, our understanding of chemical concepts and the way we teach them change over time. This paper explores historical and modern perspectives of the concept of valence in the context of collegiate general chemistry and draws comparisons to responses from generative artificial intelligence (genAI) tools such as ChatGPT. A fundamental concept in chemistry, valence in the early and mid-20th century was primarily defined as the “combining capacity” of atoms. Twenty-first century textbooks do not include this historical definition but rather use valence as an adjective to modify other nouns, e.g., valence electron or valence orbital. To explore these different perspectives in other information sources that could be used by students, we used a systematic series of prompts about valence to analyze the responses from ChatGPT, Bard, Liner, and ChatSonic from September and December 2023. Our findings show the historical definition is very common in responses to prompts which use valence or valency as a noun but less common when prompts include valence as an adjective. Regarding this concept, the state-of-the-art genAI tools are more consistent with textbooks from the 1950s than modern collegiate general chemistry textbooks. These findings present an opportunity for chemistry educators to observe and discuss with students the nature of science and how our understanding of chemistry changes. Including implications for educators, we present an example activity that may be deployed in general chemistry classes.

ABSTRACTThis study presents a field quasi-experiment to examine whether one-to-one coaching can significantly impact an objective outcome: selection success. Furthermore, we examine whether all participants benefit equally from coaching. We examine whether coaching significantly impacts on selection success (i.e., whether candidates were successfully offered a job role) (N = 357) and whether interactions between coaching and generalised self-efficacy exist (n = 152). Participants were second year undergraduate students in an UK university who were applying for a one year work internship. Our analysis indicates that coaching positively impacted on selection success and specifically, individuals lower in generalised self-efficacy benefitted from coaching. We contribute to the literature on coaching by examining the effectiveness of coaching in relation to an objective outcome. We also advance our understanding of the role of individual differences in coaching by testing the interaction effects for a well-recognised individual difference variable: generalised self-efficacy. Finally, we contribute to the literature regarding the design of career development support in terms of how best to support people based on their individual differences.

The synthesis and characterization of both monometallic and bimetallic alkaline–earth metal complexes supported by the phenoxy-imine ligand [2,7-(HC═NDipp)-1,8–O–C10H4where Dipp = 2,6-iPr–C6H3]2–(DippL) have been reported. Though the ligand possesses two [═N,O–] pockets, it is the central [O–,O–] coordination site into which the oxophilic M2+centers preferentially bind. Protonolysis allowed for the isolation of well-defined dimeric bimetallic complexes for magnesium [DippLMg(thf)]2(1) and [HDippLMgCl]2(2); for calcium, strontium, and barium, the analogous thf adducts exist in solution as an equilibrium mixture of the monomeric and dimeric species; DippLM(thf)x⇋ [DippLM(thf)x]2(M = Ca; 3(thf)2/[3(thf)2]2, M = Sr; 4(thf)/[4(thf)]2, and M = Ba; 5(thf)/[5(thf)]2). Addition of crown ether allowed for the trapping of the monometallic heavier alkaline–earth complexes (DippL)Ca(18-c-6) (3(18-c-6)), (DippL)Sr(18-c-6)(thf) (4(18-c-6)(thf)), and (DippL)Ba(18-c-6)(py) (5(18-c-6)(py)). A salt metathesis route to generate complexes was also investigated; facile deprotonation of H2DippL afforded DippLK2(6) but subsequent reaction with alkaline earth halides reliably afforded mixtures consistent with DippLM(thf)xand [HDippLMgI]2.

Purpose:This qualitative study explored the practices of hospital-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) conducting modified barium swallow studies (MBS) for infants at risk for dysphagia. Specifically, this research aimed to determine whether or not SLPs use side-lying position during MBS, to examine possible differences in the use of positioning, and to better understand SLPs' perceptions and experiences in this practice. Using a constructivist view, research questions guiding this inquiry were as follows: What is the current practice of hospital-based pediatric SLPs in regard to the use of side-lying position during infant MBS? What is the experience of the hospital-based SLP in their use of side-lying position during MBS? How do SLPs report perceived barriers or benefits to using side-lying position during MBS?Method:Employing a purposive-convenience sampling technique, data were collected using semistructured interviews of SLPs serving at-risk infants with dysphagia. All participants were practicing in Level-III or -IV neonatal intensive care units. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, loaded into NVivo, and coded using initial and consensus coding. Themes achieved saturation following six interviews.Results:Three themes emerged from the analysis: (a) variations in practice patterns, (b) factors influencing clinical practice, and (c) items that SLPs identified as needs to facilitate change in their clinical practice.Conclusions:Although SLPs acknowledged the importance of MBS replicating an infant's typical feeding, some SLPs who consistently use side-lying position during feeding do not assess feeding in side-lying position during MBS. This inconsistency in practice results from SLPs' perceived barriers, including lack of experience, concern over interdisciplinary conflict, need for MBS protocols, and lack of research on the potential impacts of side-lying positioning on swallowing. Participants reported the need for research to determine whether side-lying position alters, possibly improves, swallow functions and safety (e.g., airway protection) for at-risk infants.

Background/Objectives: Timely assessment and treatment of patients with neovascular AMD (nAMD) are crucial to preservation of vision. Loss to follow up (LTFU) in these patients is a problem but this has not been systematically investigated. Subjects/Methods: A retrospective review of electronic medical records of patients with nAMD first treated with anti-VEGF therapy from 1st Jan 2014 to 31st Dec 2018, was conducted in January 2021. Any patient not seen for more than 12 months was classed as no longer attending. Results: Of the 1328 patients who attended between 2014 and 2018, 348 had failed to attend and were eligible for inclusion in this study. Reasons noted for discontinuation of care: discharged by clinician (33.3%), died (20.7%), moved to another unit outside of area (17.5%), stopped attending due to ill-health (13.5%), discharged due to failure to attend (5.6%) and patient choice to no longer attend (4.6%). There were 16 (4.6%) who did not receive any further appointments despite clinician request for follow-up. After 5 years, 50.5% of patients were no longer attending for treatment. Age was a factor in failure to attend, with 7 out of 12 patients aged >100 years no longer being followed up, compared to 1 out of 11 of 50–59 year-olds. Conclusions: When analysing visual outcomes in an AMD service it is important to characterise the patients who are lost to follow up. The outcomes for this group may be avoidably poor and understanding the factors influencing LTFU rate is crucial to addressing shortcomings in a hospital AMD service.

Lower limb muscle dysfunction is a key driver for impaired physical capacity and frailty status, both characteristics of sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is the key pathway between frailty and disability. Identifying biological markers for early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention may be key to early intervention and prevention of disability particularly mobility issues. To identify biological markers associated with lower limb muscle (dys)function in adults with sarcopenia, a systematic literature search was conducted in AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases from inception to 17 November 2021. Title, abstract, and full‐text screening, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment were performed by two reviewers independently and verified by a third reviewer. Depending on available data, associations are reported as either Pearson's correlations, regression R2or partial R2, Pvalue, and sample size (n). Twenty eligible studies including 3306 participants were included (females: 79%, males: 15%, unreported: 6%; mean age ranged from 53 to 92 years) with 36% in a distinct sarcopenic subgroup (females: 73%, males: 19%, unreported: 8%; mean age range 55–92 years). A total of 119 biomarkers were reported, categorized into: genetic and microRNAs (n= 64), oxidative stress (n= 10), energy metabolism (n= 18), inflammation (n= 7), enzyme (n= 4), hormone (n= 7), bone (n= 3), vitamin (n= 2), and cytokine (n= 4) markers) and seven lower limb muscle measures predominately focused on strength. Seven studies reported associations between lower limb muscle measures including (e.g. power, force, and torque) and biomarkers. In individuals with sarcopenia, muscle strength was positively associated with free testosterone (r= 0.40, P= 0.01; n= 46). In analysis with combined sarcopenic and non‐sarcopenic individuals, muscle strength was positively associated with combined genetic and methylation score (partial R2= 0.122, P= 0.03; n= 48) and negatively associated with sarcopenia‐driven methylation score (partial R2= 0.401, P< 0.01; n= 48). Biomarkers related to genetics (R2= 0.001–0.014, partial R2= 0.013–0.122, P> 0.05; n= 48), oxidative stress (r= 0.061, P> 0.05; n≥ 77), hormone (r= 0.01, ρ = 0.052 p> 0.05, n≥ 46) and combined protein, oxidative stress, muscle performance, and hormones (R2= 22.0, P> 0.05; n≥ 82) did not report significant associations with lower limb muscle strength. Several biomarkers demonstrated associations with lower limb muscle dysfunction. The current literature remains difficult to draw clear conclusions on the relationship between biomarkers and lower limb muscle dysfunction in adults with sarcopenia. Heterogeneity of biomarkers and lower limb muscle function precluded direct comparison. Use of international classification of sarcopenia and a set of core standardized outcome measures should be adopted to aid future investigation and recommendations to be made.

Purpose: Educational policy instruments such as apprenticeship levy and forthcoming lifetime skills guarantee are creating unprecedented opportunities for rapid growth in a range of work-based learning (WBL) programmes, requiring increasingly complex levels of collaboration between providers and employers. Apprenticeships require providers to assume responsibility in ensuring apprentices’ work-based managers and mentors (WBMMs) are equipped to provide effective support to individuals as they learn ‘on the job’. After six years of higher education institution (HEI) apprenticeship curriculum delivery, there is opportunity to examine existing WBMM practice to inform the design, content and delivery of a shared knowledge base via a practical interactive toolkit. By developing clearer understanding of WBMMs’ experiences, expectations and challenges, the study aims to reduce potential gaps in knowledge and skills and encourage more effective collaboration between employers and providers to better support apprentices as they progress through WBL programmes. Design/methodology/approach: This paper discusses evolution of higher level and degree apprenticeships, explores guidance for WBMMs and investigates the influence of expectations and motivations of WBMMS. Theoretical and conceptual foundations relating to WBL programme delivery and WBMM role are analysed and discussed. Qualitative data drawn from semi-structured surveys are analysed thematically to investigate common patterns, clarify understanding and identify development areas to inform future university provider and employer practice. Findings: The findings suggest a number of themes to improve apprentice management; further clarity of WBMMs role, greater involvement of WBMM’s for negotiated learning, unplanned experiences do add value and scope for richer mentoring dialogues. WBL value for WBMMs is broader than expected, incorporating apprentice performance and output improvements, and solving complex problems. Research limitations/implications: The research is drawn from an established university with five years of experience. However, the context in which programmes are delivered significantly varies according to providers and employers. This means factors other than those highlighted in this paper may continue to emerge as the research in this field develops. Practical implications: The practical implications from findings can be used to cultivate stronger collaboration, providing a foundation of knowledge intended to provoke further dialogue regarding content for an interactive toolkit. The findings signal the need for further resources, a review of the restrictions associated with levy funding for co-creation of a more effective national apprenticeship framework. Originality/value: This paper builds on a limited body of research examining employers’ perspectives of apprenticeship management. Degree apprenticeships have attracted limited scholarly attention over six years since their inception (Bowman, 2022) resulting in a significant paucity of research that focuses upon employer role. This study addresses this void by exploring WBMMs experiences, requirements and expectations, revealing new insights for providers of WBL, employers and individuals employed as WBMMs.

Objectives: Skeletal muscle dysfunction is the primary cause of functional limitations in osteoarthritis, associated biomarkers have the potential as targets for early disease identification, diagnosis, and prevention of osteoarthritis disability. This review aimed to identify associations between biomarkers and lower limb skeletal muscle function in individuals with osteoarthritis. Methods: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science databases from inception to 8thAugust 2023. Two independent reviewers performed the title, abstract, full-text screening, data extraction and methodological quality assessment. A meta-analysis was undertaken based on the available data. Results: Twenty-four studies with 4101 participants with osteoarthritis were included (females: 78%; age range; 49 to 71 years). One study reported muscle-specific biomarkers (n= 3), whilst six studies reported osteoarthritis-specific markers (n= 5). Overall, 93 biomarkers were reported, predominately characterised as inflammatory (n= 35), metabolic (n= 15), and hormones (n= 10). Muscle strength and vitamin D reported a significant association (Hedge’s g: 0.58 (Standard Error (SE): 0.27; P= 0.03), k= 3 studies). Walking speed and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein reported no significant associations (Hedge’s g: -0.02 (SE: 0.05; P= 0.73), k= 3 studies). Conclusion: Associations between biomarkers and lower limb skeletal muscle function in individuals with osteoarthritis was limited, the few studies exploring lower limb muscle measures were mainly secondary outcomes. Furthermore, biomarkers were largely related to overall health, with a lack of muscle specific biomarkers. As such, the mechanistic pathways through which these associations occur are less evident, and difficult to draw clear conclusions on these relationships. Trial registration: Registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022359405).

Uncertainty in patients' COVID-19 status contributes to treatment delays, nosocomial transmission, and operational pressures in hospitals. However, the typical turnaround time for laboratory PCR remains 12–24 h and lateral flow devices (LFDs) have limited sensitivity. Previously, we have shown that artificial intelligence-driven triage (CURIAL-1.0) can provide rapid COVID-19 screening using clinical data routinely available within 1 h of arrival to hospital. Here, we aimed to improve the time from arrival to the emergency department to the availability of a result, do external and prospective validation, and deploy a novel laboratory-free screening tool in a UK emergency department.

Firefighters may experience high environmental temperatures or carry out intensive physical tasks, or both, which leads to increased core body temperature and risk of fatalities. Hence there is a need to remotely and non-invasively monitor core body temperature.