Coventry University

About: Coventry University is a education organization based out in Coventry, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Context (language use) & Population. The organization has 4964 authors who have published 12700 publications receiving 255898 citations. The organization is also known as: Lanchester Polytechnic & Coventry Polytechnic.

The prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum and C. muris in Mus domesticus, Apodemus sylvaticus and Clethrionomys glareolus in an agricultural system

Abstract: Wild mice and voles were tested for Cryptosporidium during a 2-year survey at an agricultural site in Warwickshire, United Kingdom. C. parvum and C. muris, the two cryptosporidial species known to infect mammals, were detected. Prevalence figures of 22%, 21% and 13% noted for C. parvum for Mus domesticus, Apodemus sylvaticus and Clethrionomys glareolus, respectively, were higher than those recorded for C. muris at 10%, 6% and 2%. C. parvum causes the sometimes severe diarrhoeal disease cryptosporidiosis in many hosts, but the wild rodents were asymptomatic. The discovery of C. muris in A. sylvaticus and C. glareolus confirms a wider distribution in wild rodents than has previously been reported. Rodents may represent a significant reservoir of Cryptosporidium with a high potential for infection of man and livestock due to cohabitation.

Virtual patients in a virtual world: Training paramedic students for practice.

Abstract: Collaborative learning through case-based or problem-based learning (PBL) scenarios is an excellent way for students to acquire knowledge and develop decision-making skills. However, the process is threatened by the movement towards more self-directed learning and the migration of students from campus-based to workplace-based learning. Paper-based PBL cases can only proceed in a single direction which can prevent learners from exploring the impact of their decisions. The PREVIEW project, outlined in this article, trialled a replacement to traditional paper PBL with virtual patients (VPs) delivered through a virtual world platform. The idea was that an immersive 3D environment could provide (a) greater realism (b) active decision-making and (c) a suitable environment for collaboration amongst work-based learners meeting remotely. Five VP scenarios were designed for learners on a Paramedic Foundation Degree within the virtual world second life (SL). A player using the MedBiquitous VP international standard allowed cases to be played both within SL and on the web. Three testing days were run to evaluate the scenarios with paramedic students and tutors. Students unfamiliar with the SL environment worked through five PBL scenarios in small groups, shadowed by 'in-world' facilitators. Feedback indicated that the SL environment engages students effectively in learning, despite some technology barriers. Students believed SL could provide a more authentic learner environment than classroom-based PBL.