Analysis of student reasoning about Michaelis–Menten enzyme kinetics: mixed conceptions of enzyme inhibition

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 428-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon-Marc G. Rodriguez ◽  
Marcy H. Towns
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Enzyme Kinetics ◽  
Enzyme Inhibition ◽  
Enzyme Inhibitors ◽  
Student Understanding ◽  
Student Reasoning ◽  
Science Practice ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Second Year

Student understanding regarding topics in upper-division courses, such as biochemistry, is not well represented in the literature. Herein we describe a study that investigated students’ reasoning about Michaelis–Menten enzyme kinetics and enzyme inhibition. Our qualitative study involved semistructured interviews with fourteen second-year students enrolled in an introductory biochemistry course. During the interviews students were provided an enzyme kinetics graph, which they were prompted to describe. Students were asked to look for patterns and trends in the data and interpret the graph to draw conclusions regarding the types of enzyme inhibition observed, providing the opportunity for the students to engage in the science practiceanalyzing and interpreting data. Findings indicate students were able to attend to the relevant parameters (VmaxandKm) in the graph and subsequently associate changes inVmaxandKmto different types of enzyme inhibitors. However, students expressed difficulty explaining why a specific type of inhibition caused the observed change in the kinetic parameters and there was confusion regarding the distinction between noncompetitive and uncompetitive inhibition. Based on our results, we suggest instruction on enzyme kinetics should emphasize qualitative descriptions of the particulate-level mechanisms related to competitive and noncompetitive inhibition, with less emphasis on discussions of uncompetitive and mixed inhibition in introductory biochemistry courses.

scholarly journals Research on Students' Understanding of Michaelis-Menten Kinetics and Enzyme Inhibition: Implications for Instruction and Learning

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon-Marc G. Rodriguez ◽  
Marcy H. Towns
Keyword(s):  
Enzyme Kinetics ◽  
Content Knowledge ◽  
Enzyme Inhibition ◽  
Mathematical Reasoning ◽  
Student Reasoning ◽  
Pedagogical Content ◽  
Rate Laws ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Instruction And Learning ◽  
Reaction Schemes

ABSTRACT We report a summary of the results from an education research project that investigated student reasoning related to Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics and enzyme inhibition. We have previously discussed students' mathematical reasoning related to rate laws and reaction order, student conceptions of different types of enzyme inhibition (competitive, noncompetitive, and uncompetitive), and student understanding of representations used to describe enzyme kinetics (Michaelis-Menten graphs, Lineweaver-Burk plots, reaction schemes). In this paper, we bring together the different publications that resulted from this project to emphasize the implications for instruction gleaned from each study and discuss the additional insight provided by synthesizing the results across studies. For this work, the results from this project have been framed according to the refined consensus model of pedagogical content knowledge, a framework from science education that defines the knowledge and skills needed to transform content knowledge into teaching.

scholarly journals ‘You see the empty bed which means it’s either a transplant or a death’: a qualitative study exploring the impact of death in the haemodialysis community

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e046537
Author(s):  
Sheera Sutherland ◽  
Kirsty E Durley ◽  
Kirsty Gillies ◽  
Margaret Glogowska ◽  
Daniel S Lasserson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Clinical Setting ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Central Importance ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Age Range ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Community Patients

ObjectiveTo explore the impact of the death of a patient in the haemodialysis unit on fellow patients.MethodsWe interviewed patients on dialysis in a tertiary dialysis centre using semistructured interviews. We purposively sampled patients who had experienced the death of a fellow patient. After interviews were transcribed, they were thematically analysed by independent members of the research team using inductive analysis. Input from the team during analysis ensured the rigour and quality of the findings.Results10 participants completed the interviews (6 females and 4 males with an age range of 42–88 years). The four core themes that emerged from the interviews included: (1) patients’ relationship to haemodialysis, (2) how patients define the haemodialysis community, (3) patients’ views on death and bereavement and (4) patients’ expectations around death in the dialysis community. Patients noticed avoidance behaviour by staff in relation to discussing death in the unit and would prefer a culture of open acknowledgement.ConclusionStaff acknowledgement of death is of central importance to patients on haemodialysis who feel that the staff are part of their community. This should guide the development of appropriate bereavement support services and a framework that promotes the provision of guidance for staff and patients in this unique clinical setting. However, the authors acknowledge the homogenous sample recruited in a single setting may limit the transferability of the study. Further work is needed to understand diverse patient and nurse experiences and perceptions when sharing the knowledge of a patient’s death and how they react to loss.

scholarly journals Young adults’ perceptions of living with atopic dermatitis in relation to the concept of self-management: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e044777
Author(s):  
Susanne Lundin ◽  
Marina Jonsson ◽  
Carl-Fredrik Wahlgren ◽  
Emma Johansson ◽  
Anna Bergstrom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Self Management ◽  
School Age ◽  
Perceived Availability ◽  
Semistructured Interviews

ObjectivesLearning to take control of one’s health is an important part of the transition from adolescence to adulthood. This study aimed to explore young adults’ perceptions of living with atopic dermatitis (AD) in relation to the concept of self-management.DesignA qualitative study with an inductive approach was performed through semistructured interviews (n=15). The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed with systematic text condensation.ParticipantsYoung adults (mean age 23,4 years) with persistent AD in a longitudinal population-based birth cohort. To capture experience of living with persistent AD (preschool/school-age onset) of different severity (mild to severe/very severe), a purposive selection was performed. In total, 15 young adults were included. Persistent AD (preschool/school-age onset) was defined as dry skin in combination with itchy rash of typical localisation in the 12 months preceding the 16-year and the 24-year follow-ups. Severity was self-assessed using the Patient Oriented Eczema Measure.ResultsDespite having experience of AD since childhood, the respondents expressed uncertainty about treatment and how it affected their bodies. Their uncertainties and feelings affected how they used topical corticosteroids. The respondents emphasised that they perceived availability of healthcare and knowledge about treatment of AD among healthcare providers to be limited. The participants did not state any experiences of support to self-management from healthcare, which affect young adults’ possibilities to take full control of their AD care.ConclusionsYoung adults with preschool/school-age onset of AD are unsure how to treat and manage the disease. One explanation may be insufficient transition process.

scholarly journals Long COVID and the role of physical activity: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e047632
Author(s):  
Helen Humphreys ◽  
Laura Kilby ◽  
Nik Kudiersky ◽  
Robert Copeland
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Insight Into

ObjectivesTo explore the lived experience of long COVID with particular focus on the role of physical activity.DesignQualitative study using semistructured interviews.Participants18 people living with long COVID (9 men, 9 women; aged between 18–74 years; 10 white British, 3 white Other, 3 Asian, 1 black, 1 mixed ethnicity) recruited via a UK-based research interest database for people with long COVID.SettingTelephone interviews with 17 participants living in the UK and 1 participant living in the USA.ResultsFour themes were generated. Theme 1 describes how participants struggled with drastically reduced physical function, compounded by the cognitive and psychological effects of long COVID. Theme 2 highlights challenges associated with finding and interpreting advice about physical activity that was appropriately tailored. Theme 3 describes individual approaches to managing symptoms including fatigue and ‘brain fog’ while trying to resume and maintain activities of daily living and other forms of exercise. Theme 4 illustrates the battle with self-concept to accept reduced function (even temporarily) and the fear of permanent reduction in physical and cognitive ability.ConclusionsThis study provides insight into the challenges of managing physical activity alongside the extended symptoms associated with long COVID. Findings highlight the need for greater clarity and tailoring of physical activity-related advice for people with long COVID and improved support to resume activities important to individual well-being.

Student understanding of phase shifts, frequency and Bode plots

2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pieter Coppens ◽  
Johan Van den Bossche ◽  
Mieke De Cock
Keyword(s):  
Phase Shift ◽  
Time Domain ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Phase Shifts ◽  
Student Understanding ◽  
Bode Plots ◽  
Second Year ◽  
The Time Domain

In a series of interviews with second year electronics engineering students, several of them showed problems with signal properties. In a questionnaire administered to over 150 students in Belgium, these problems were further explored to verify how widespread they are. The questions asked about different aspects of signals. Students showed that they understand the concept of a phase shift, although they have problems with the direction. However, they generally have no idea what a signal with two frequencies looks like in the time domain. Bode plots also proved to be a problem for students, who are not able to construct one from a set of (dummy) measurements. Most of these issues persist after lab instruction.

Exploring novice Indian school counsellors’ experiences collaborating with teachers and administrators

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Aashna Sadana ◽  
Aneesh Kumar
Keyword(s):  
School Climate ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Indian School ◽  
School Counsellors ◽  
Improved Outcomes ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Collaboration Strategies

Abstract Previous studies have shown that collaboration between school counsellors and other stakeholders such as teachers and administrators leads to improved outcomes for students and a better school climate. The current qualitative study explored the experiences and perceptions of novice school counsellors in India regarding collaboration with teachers and administrators. The sample included 11 novice school counsellors working in five different cities who were recruited using purposive sampling. The thematic analysis of the data collected via semistructured interviews revealed six main themes: ‘Counsellors’ perceptions about collaboration’, ‘Collaboration with teachers’, ‘Collaboration with administrators’, ‘Challenges faced during collaboration’, ‘Strategies helpful in collaboration’ and ‘Impact of training’. Implications discussed include the need for school counsellors to advocate for their role, the need for training programs to prepare stakeholders for collaboration, and the need for policies to integrate the role of a school counsellor into schools.

scholarly journals Children of Romanian Migrants between “Here” and “There”: Stories of Home Attachment

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roxana Bratu
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Home Country ◽  
Subjective Assessment ◽  
Family Migration ◽  
Immigrant Status ◽  
1.5 Generation ◽  
East Region ◽  
The Family ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Multiple References

Abstract By analysing interviews from a larger qualitative study conducted in a Romanian village (Vulturu, Vrancea County) from the South-East region of the country, this paper explores the ways Romanian migrants’ children who were born in the country of origin but migrated to Italy or the so-called 1.5 Generation (Rumbaut 2002; 2012) talk about their ties with the home country. In other words, is Romania presented as more - or something else - than the original homeland? The study analyses the concept of home attachment in terms of transnationalism understood as affective ties (Huynh and Yiu 2012; Paraschivescu 2011). Based on evidence from interview data a typology of attachment to the home country is outlined and further discussed. The results point to the conclusion that the issue of attachment to the home country is discursively constructed by respondents both explicitly and implicitly by multiple references to the family migration project and their immigrant status at destination. Moreover, I argue that the different types of attachment identified in the interviewees’ discourses are mediated by the subjective assessment of the integration experience into the host country.

Trust, risk and transaction intention in consumer-to-consumer e-marketplaces

2019 ◽  
Vol 119 (2) ◽  
pp. 331-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kangning Wei ◽  
Yuzhu Li ◽  
Yong Zha ◽  
Jing Ma
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Trust Building ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Transactions ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare the relative impacts of trust and risk on individual’s transaction intention in consumer-to-consumer (C2C) e-marketplaces from both the buyers’ and the sellers’ perspectives. Design/methodology/approach Two surveys were used to collect data regarding buyers’ and sellers’ perceptions and transaction intentions at a typical C2C e-marketplace. Partial least squares was used to analyze the data. A complementary qualitative study was conducted to triangulate the results from the quantitative study. Findings Institution-based trust (IBT) exerts a stronger influence on transaction intentions for buyers than for sellers. Sellers perceive a stronger impact of trust in intermediary (TII) than buyers on transaction intentions. The impacts of perceived risk in transactions are not different between buyers and sellers. Furthermore, IBT mediates the impacts of TII and perceived risk on transaction intentions for buyers. Research limitations/implications The results indicate that the impacts of trust and risk on transaction intention in e-marketplaces do differ between buyers and sellers. This suggests a need to further investigate the buyer–seller difference in online transactions. Practical implications Intermediaries need to focus on different types of trust-building mechanisms when attracting buyers and sellers to make transactions in the e-marketplace. Originality/value C2C e-marketplaces cannot survive without participation from both buyers and sellers. Most prior research is conducted from the buyers’ perspective. This research sets a starting point for future research to further explore the differences between buyers’ and sellers’ behavior in C2C e-commerce environments.

Refining Sexual Assault Treatment: Recovered Survivors and Expert Therapists Concur on Effective Therapy Components

2021 ◽  
pp. 107780122110373
Author(s):  
Moor Avigail ◽  
Otmazgin Michal ◽  
Tsiddon Hagar ◽  
Avivit Mahazri
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Treatment Process ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Key Recovery ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Processing Treatment ◽  
Trauma Processing ◽  
Level Of Agreement

The goal of the present study was to refine sexual assault therapy through the examination of the level of agreement between survivor and therapist assessments of key recovery-promoting therapeutic interventions. This is the first study to explore the level of agreement between those who partake in the treatment process from either position. Semistructured interviews were conducted in this qualitative study with 10 survivors and 10 experienced therapists. The results document considerable concurrence between them regarding relational and trauma processing treatment components alike. Together, these reports outline key effective interventions, both common and specific in nature, concomitantly supported by both groups.

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