Physics Examination Research Articles

Ocorrência de malária causada por Plasmodium malariae no Município de Cruzeiro do Sul, Estado do Acre, Brasil

Introduction: Few cases of Plasmodium malariae malaria are reported in Brazil and until now no case has been in Acre, it could be happen because of the inefficiency of diagnostic methods to identify differences between species, especially in P. vivax and P. malariae, since the thick film test used in the diagnosis of this disease, this distinction is extremely difficult. The correct identification of the Plasmodium species is important to use the appropriate treatment. Objectives: 1) To describe the possible occurrence of malaria by P. malariae in the Cruzeiro do Sul City, Acre State, Brazil; 2) To demonstrate the epidemiological and clinical aspects of malaria cases; 3) To describe the blood profile of malaria patients; 4) To describe cases of coinfection between plasmodium and the hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV); 5) To describe the treatment used in malaria. Materials and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study, case-series study type, whose sample was composed by three patients from reporting stations of malaria located in Cruzeiro do Sul, it is a municipality with the highest number of reported cases of malaria in Acre. On the first day of treatment, the patients answered a questionnaire and were physically examined and venous blood samples were collected for hemogram and preparation of thick blood smears. These samples were subjected to NestedPCR reaction (polymerase mediated chain) according to Kimura et al (1997)** for the P. vivax, P. falciparum and P. malariae. Results: It was included 136 patients, whom 52.6% were male, age ranged from 12 to 72 years old (average: 30.2 years), 24.2% (33/136) adolescents. The occupations mentioned by patients were: student, housewife and farmer. Approximately 73% of the patients seeking medical attention until four days from beggining of symptoms, and one patient was asymptomatic. Approximately 95% reported previous exposure to malaria, between one and 40 episodes of that disease. The most common symptoms were headache (90.4%), fever (85.2%), backache (81.5%) and chills (78.5%). On physical examination, the main findings were tachypnea (59.3%), abdominal pain on palpation (50.7%), mucocutaneous pallor (44.9%), tachycardia (40.0%), fever (39.3%) and jaundice (22.1%). The liver was palpable 6.3% (8/128) and spleen in 1.6% (2/128) of cases. In the thick blood smears test detected 78.7% cases of malaria caused by P. vivax, 20.6% by P. falciparum and 0.7% mixed malaria (P. falciparum and P. vivax). Nested-PCR identified the major samples as mixed malaria (P. vivax + P. falciparum) disagreeing of the results of the thick blood test. Hemogram was performed in 133 patients (97.8%), which 10.6% (12/132) had anemia, 31.1% (41/132) leukopenia and 20.5% (27/132) platelet count. A case of co-infection of P. vivax and HBV have shown, and possibly others with HCV, the latter without confirmation by PCR. Of the 106 patients submitted on anti-HBc test, 47.2% (50/106) were reagent ones. The PCR for plasmodium detected one case (0.7%) of malaria by P. malariae, whose result by thick smear test was P. vivax. The patient was a woman, 51 years old, farmer, illiterate, married, sick between five and seven days and reported headache as the first symptom but she did not show any manifestation of severe malaria. In most cases of malaria caused by P. vivax (99.1%)

An analysis of the alignment of the grade 12 physical sciences examination and the core curriculum in South Africa

I report on an analysis of the alignment between the South African Grade 12 Physical Sciences core curriculum content and the exemplar papers of 2008, and the final examination papers of 2008 and 2009. A two-dimensional table was used for both the curriculum and the examination in order to calculate the Porter alignment index, which indicates the degree of match between the two. Alignment indices of 0.8 and 0.6 for Physics and Chemistry, respectively, were computed and remained constant for Physics, but fluctuated initially for Chemistry before levelling off. Using the revised Bloom’s taxonomy, discrepancies were found in terms of cognitive levels as well as content areas in both Physics and Chemistry. The cognitive level Remember is under-represented in the Chemistry and Physics examinations, whereas the cognitive levels Understand and Apply were over-represented in Chemistry. It is argued that the shift to higher cognitive levels is in line with the reported increase in cognitive complexity of the Physical Sciences curriculum. The significance of the study for Physical Science teachers is highlighted, and the potential for further research is also indicated. Keywords: alignment; assessment; Chemistry; cognitive level; curriculum content; Physics; revised Bloom’s taxonomy

SU‐GG‐E‐02: Radiology Residents Performance on Physics Examinations

Purpose To quantify radiology resident performance on radiological physics examinations, and investigate how this performance varies temporally. Method and Materials We analyzed results of online physics examinations consisting of 120 multiple choice questions covering all of radiological physics. In 2007, results were obtained for 121 residents in the eight week period immediately prior to the written ABR Physics examination. In 2008, results were obtained for 145 residents in the two week period immediately prior to the ABR Physics examination. The scores are presented as the absolute number of correct answers out of the 120 questions, where one of the five options was correct. Results In 2007, the median score increased from 59 when the examinations were taken eight weeks prior to the ABR examination, to 81 when taken less than two weeks prior to the ABR examination. The 15th/85th percentile values showed similar increases from 41/69 at “eight weeks” to 67/94 at less than “two weeks”. In 2008, the median score for all residents was 81. Corresponding scores for selected percentiles were 58 (10th percentile), 74 (30th percentile), 88 (70th percentile) and 96 (90th percentile). Conclusion Radiology resident scores on Physics Examinations increase dramatically (i.e., > 50%) over a two month period immediately prior the ABR Physics examination. The median score on a Physics Examination for residents taking the ABR examination is about 65%. Historical data suggest that the bottom 15% of Radiology Residents fail their written ABR Physics examination, implying a score greater than 55% to pass.

Influence Of Creativity Teaching Strategy On Students’ Performance And Motivation In The Topic “Energy” In Secondary School Physics In Nakuru District, Kenya

Physics education in Kenyan secondary schools has been re-emphasized due to the realization of the role it can play in the industrial and technological development of the country. Currently, few candidates take Physics examination at Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E) level, partly due to low motivation and persistent poor performance associated with it. At the same time research conducted in Kenyan secondary schools indicates low levels of creativity, motivation and poor performance in science subjects leading to many stakeholders questioning the preparedness of the K.C.S.E graduates’ to meet challenges in their scientific world, and also the Education System’s ability to meet its initial objectives of training man power required for the country to be industrialized by the year 2010. The purpose of this study was to develop a creativity teaching module for the topic “Energy” and find its influence on both learner motivation and scientific creative skills of sensitivity and planning among form three secondary schools physics students in Nakuru District. Solomon three – quasi experimental group design was used to obtain a sample through random assignment. Control group (C1) and theexperimental group (E) sat for a pre-test, but the second control group (C2) did not. After a three weeks treatment on groups E and C2, all the groups then sat for a post-test. Data collected from the tests were analyzed using the t-test (at 5% significance level) and ANOVA, while chi square test was used to analyze the data from the P-SAQ questionnaires. Results obtained showed that Creativity Teaching Strategy influenced learners’ motivation and creative skills of planning and sensitivity significantly. The results would be useful to curriculum planners, educational officers and physics teachers. Key words: creativity teaching strategy, students’ performance, moti

Effects of the problem solving strategies instruction on the students’ physics problem solving performances and strategy usage

The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of problem solving strategies instruction on the students’ physics problem solving performance and strategy use. In this research, semi-experimental research design with a pretest-posttest control group was used. The data of this research were collected by a “Written Physics Examination” and the use of “Physics Problem Solving Strategies Scale”. At the end of the research, it was determined that the problem solving strategies instruction had positive effects on the physics problem solving performance and strategy use, and suggestions related to the results were put forward.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Multidirectional Glenohumeral Instability in Young Overhead Athletes

Purpose:This prospective case series evaluates the outcome, and the return to sports of young overhead athletes with a persistent, symptomatic multidirectional instability (MDI) with hyperlaxity type Gerber B5 treated with an arthroscopic anteroposteroinferior capsular plication and rotator interval closure.Methods:9 young overhead athletes (10 shoulders) with the rare diagnosis of MDI (Gerber B5) and an indication for operative treatment, after a failed physiotherapy program were physically examined 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively by a physical examination, and got a final phone interview after median 39 months.Results:At the final follow-up all patients were satisfied; Rowe Score showed 7 “excellent” and “good” results; Constant Score was “excellent” and “good” in 6, and “fair” in 1 patient. 7/9 returned to their previous sports, 3/9 at a reduced level.Conclusion:Symptomatic MDI requires an individual indication for surgical treatment after a primary conservative treatment. The described arthroscopic technique stabilizes glenohumeral joint. A return to overhead sports is possible but often at a reduced level; returning to high-performance sports cannot be recommended because of the high risk of reinstability.

Vestibular findings in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome

ObjectiveTo identify and describe vestibular abnormalities in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi- Harada syndrome (VKH). Materials and methodProspective, cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive study. Patients with VKH referred by an ophthalmological centre were interrogated and physically examined in search of signs of vestibular abnormalities, and if positive, they underwent videonystagmography, computerized dynamic posturography, tonal audiometry, and tympanometry. ResultsOut of 21 patients with VKH, only 10 were included in the study due to presenting data of vestibular abnormalities (10/10 with vestibular symptoms and 9/10 with abnormalities in the physical examination). The mean age was 37.8 years. The videonystagmography was mainly abnormal in ocular saccades test (10/10). The posturography showed a higher alteration of the visual (4/10) and vestibular (4/10) afferents. A diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo was mostly concluded (6/10). None presented abnormalities of the middle ear nor data of central pathology, 6/10 presented abnormalities in tonal audiometry. ConclusionsPeripheral vestibular disorder is often present in the population with VKH.

Understanding physics in relation to working memory

The aim of physics education is to generate understanding of physics and there is considerable anecdotal evidence that passing examinations in physics is not the same as understanding the subject. This paper describes how the areas of difficulties in understanding of physics were determined for pupils in Taiwan aged 13–15. Test material which placed little load on working memory was then developed for several of these areas and the pupil performance was related to measured working memory capacity. Those with higher working memory capacities were found consistently to understand the ideas of physics better. The implications are discussed.

Características citológicas del lavado bronqueoalveolar y respuesta inmune humoral frente a Aspergillus fumigatus en caballos Chilotes con obstrucción recurrente de las vías aéreas

SUMMARY In this study, the presence and characteristics of the recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), in Chilote horses were investigated. The Chilote horse is a breed of small and very rustic horses, descendent from the horses that were brought by the spaniards during the colony and remained isolated in the Chiloe island, south of Chile, for a long time. Twenty two animals, all from the same farm and living under similar conditions, were physically examined. In all cases broncheoalveolar lavage (BALF) was performed and the recovered resident cells from the respiratory tract were studied in smears stained with May Grewald – Giemsa; the level of antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus was determined by ELISA. The results indicate that out of the total population of animals under investigation, 13 showed clinical signs compatible with RAO and 9 were normal. In all cases, the animals that were considered RAO positive showed a higher percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in the BALF: furthermore, a clear positive correlation between the relative amount of neutrophilic cells present in the airways and the severity of the signs observed during the physical examination exists. All of the animals, healthy and RAO positive horses, showed high titres of antibodies against A. fumigatus, a well known allergen, commonly distributed in the region and present in the hay/straw. Our results show that Chilote horses, even though they are a rustic bread, are very susceptible to become RAO positive with similar characteristics to those described in other breeds, moreover, all animals were sensitized to A. fumigatus antigens showing the immunogenicity and the important distribution of this fungal allergen.

Long-Term Follow-up of Tibial Shaft Fractures Treated With Intramedullary Nailing

We conducted a study to evaluate the long-term functional outcomes of patients with an isolated tibial shaft fracture treated with locked intramedullary nailing. Prospective cohort and retrospective clinical and radiographic assessment. A level 1 trauma and tertiary referral center. We identified 250 eligible patients with isolated tibia fractures from the Center's prospectively enrolled orthopaedic trauma database between 1987 and 1992. A total of 56 patients agreed to participate. We had a median follow-up of 14 years, with a range from 12 to 17 years. All enrolled patients were initially acutely treated with locked intramedullary nailing of their tibia. All enrolled patients were evaluated with the SF-36 and Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment functional questionnaires and an injury-specific questionnaire focusing on knee pain and symptoms of venous insufficiency. A subgroup of patients were evaluated radiographically and by physical examination. The mean normalized SF-36 scores (physical composite score-PCS 48.9, mental composite score-MCS 51.8) and the mean normalized Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment scores (50.7) (bothersome index, functional index) were not statistically different (P > 0.05) from reference population norms. Of the questionnaire group (n = 56), only 15 (26.7%) denied knee pain with any activity whereas 41 patients (73.2%) had at least moderate knee pain. With respect to swelling, 19 (33.9%) reported asymmetrical swelling affecting the injured limb. However, of the 33 physically examined patients, only 6 (18.2%) had objective evidence of venous stasis. Knee range of motion was equivalent to the unaffected side in all but two patients (93.9%) whereas 14 (42.4%) had a restricted range of motion of the ankle. Nine patients (27.3%) had persistent quadriceps atrophy, and the same rate was observed for calf atrophy. Twenty-five patients (75.8%) had no tenderness to anterior knee palpation. Of the 31 radiographically examined patients, 11 patients (35.4%) showed evidence of arthritis despite the absence of radiographic malalignment. Five patients (16.1%) had at least mild osteoarthritis of at least one knee compartment, 5 (16.1%) had at least mild osteoarthritis of the tibio-talar joint, and 1 (3.2%) had osteoarthritis of both, despite the absence of malunion. Self-reported knee pain was not correlated with the presence of a tibial nail or radiographic nail prominence. Similarly, knee tenderness on examination was not correlated with these factors. At a median 14 years after tibial nailing of isolated tibial fractures, patients' function is comparable to population norms, but objective and subjective evaluation shows persistent sequelae which are not insignificant. This study is the first to describe the long-term functional outcomes after tibial shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing nails. It may allow surgeons to better inform patients on the expected long-term function after intramedullary nailing of a tibia fracture. It may also prove useful when comparing intramedullary nailing nailing to other treatment techniques.

Physics instruction in secondary schools: An investigation of teachers’ beliefs towards physics laboratory and ICT

This paper reports on the examination of physics teachers’ beliefs and perceptions of laboratory and ICT supported physics instruction. The findings indicate that the teachers in the sample were generally positive about the affordances offered by the physics lab and ICT in physics instruction. However, school culture context, mainly the need to cover the physics content in the mandated curriculum and to prepare the students for their examinations, constitutes a critical factor shaping teachers’ views about physics education in secondary schools. There are three discrete groups of physics teachers identified, which exhibited a rather consistent approach across the research items: (a) a group of traditional teachers, whose beliefs are dominated by rigorous presentation of the physics content while they are unwilling to incorporate laboratory and ICT‐based activities in their classroom practice; (b) a second one consisted of non‐traditional teachers, who are positive about the adoption of laboratory and ICT‐based subject instruction; and (c) a third group of undecided teachers who combine elements of both belief structures and vacillate between traditional and non traditional approaches. Moreover, the multivariate analysis indicates that personal factors (for example teaching experience, age, teacher training and ICT competence) are strongly associated with teachers’ beliefs and perceptions. The paper ends with some implications for the effective preparation and continuous support of physics teachers.

Blood, semen, and an innocent man

In August, 2007, a 30-year-old doctoral student, from Nigeria but living in London, noticed bright red blood in his ejaculate. The problem persisted for 2 months, so he went to see his general practitioner. There was no history of injury to the genitals or the prostate; the patient had used barrier contraception with his current and previous two girlfriends. The patient was not physically examined, but was advised to attend a walk-in genitourinary clinic. When he did so, 3 days later, his blood pressure was 244/170 mm Hg. He was given 5 mg amlodipine, and sent to hospital. There, repeated measurements, with a manual sphygmomanometer, gave a blood pressure of around 239/141 mm Hg, in both arms. The patient’s blood pressure had last been measured 10 years before, when he had been told it was “a little high”. He had never taken antihypertensive drugs. He had been feeling entirely well, although, on close questioning, he described having had a nosebleed and headache 2 months before noticing the blood in his ejaculate. He had no other relevant medical history, and was a lifelong non-smoker. Inspection showed no signs of Cushing’s syndrome, acromegaly, or systemic sclerosis. Physical examination, including neurological, genital, and rectal examination, showed nothing abnormal— notably, radiofemoral delay and renal bruits were absent, and the patient scored 10/10 on the abbreviated mental test score. Dipstick testing of urine showed much protein, but not blood. Urine microscopy showed no casts. Blood tests showed nothing abnormal: notably, concentrations of calcium, creatinine, C-reactive protein, autoantibodies, and prostate-specifi c antigen were normal. Serological and immunological testing showed no evidence of HIV or tuberculosis, respectively. Microscopy and culture of urethral swabs showed no evidence of syphilis, chlamydia, or gonorrhoea. An electrocardiogram showed severe leftventricular hypertrophy; radiography of the chest showed no evidence of aortic coarctation. Fundoscopy showed bilateral papilloedema, but no haemorrhages. Ultrasonography showed kidneys of normal size, without cysts. CT of the abdomen showed nothing abnormal— and specifi cally, no adrenal masses. The patient’s blood pressure was lowered gradually, over several days, with amlodipine, ramipril, and intravenous glyceryl trinitrate; meanwhile, we took three 24-h urine collections: after the collections were done, we started treatment with atenolol, having stopped the glyceryl trinitrate. Urinary concentrations of catecholamines were normal, confi rming that the patient did not have a phaeochromocytoma. Retinal photography showed resolution of the papilloedema, but many cotton-wool spots and nerve-fi bre-layer (“fl ame”) haemorrhages (fi gure)—consistent with grade 3 hypertensive retinopathy. The plasma renin:aldosterone ratio is awaited. The diagnosis is essential hypertension or hyperaldosteronism. The patient was discharged 10 days after admission. When last seen by us, in late November, 2007, his blood pressure was around 150/96 mm Hg; he continued to feel well, and had no blood in his semen. Haematospermia is most commonly caused by infection or injury—including iatrogenic injury from taking biopsy samples of the prostate. Other causes include stones, cysts, vascular abnormalities—and severe hypertension, which causes an estimated 5% of cases. Malignant hypertension is defi ned as blood pressure over 180/100 mm Hg, with papilloedema or retinal haemorrhage. Although malignant hypertension can occur in essential hypertension, causes of secondary hypertension should always be sought. Apart from haemato spermia, our patient was asymptomatic—as are around 10% of people with malignant hypertension. Nonetheless, leftventricular hypertrophy, proteinuria, and retinopathy indicated pronounced end-organ damage, consistent with severe, longstanding hypertension.

Arthritis and arthralgia three years after Sindbis virus infection: Clinical follow-up of a cohort of 49 patients

Sindbis virus (SINV) emerges as large human outbreaks in northern Europe every 7 years. Similar to many other alphaviruses, SINV is a mosquito-borne causative agent of a rash-arthritis. Previous reports suggest that in many alphavirus infections joint symptoms might persist for years. A prospective cohort of 49 patients was physically examined 3 y after verified acute SINV infection to reveal persistent joint symptoms. We carefully searched for a temporal association between the infection and current symptoms, and took into account other medical conditions. Sera were collected and analysed with enzyme immunoassays. Arthritis (swelling and tenderness on physical examination) was diagnosed in 4.1% (2/49) of the patients. Tenderness on palpation or in movement of a joint was found in 14.3% of the patients in the rheumatological examination, and an additional 10.2% complained of persisting arthralgia at the interview. Thus, 24.5% of the patients had joint manifestations attributable to the infection 3 y earlier. A positive IgM antibody response persisted in 3/49 of the patients; both patients with arthritis were in this group. As one-quarter of the patients were symptomatic 3 y after infection, it seems that persistent symptoms of SINV infection have considerable public health implications in areas with high seroprevalence.

The ABR written and oral examinations in medical physics as currently conducted are sufficiently comprehensive and demanding to ensure that successful candidates have adequate knowledge and experience to practice in the designated specialty field

The ABR written and oral examinations in medical physics as currently conducted are sufficiently comprehensive and demanding to ensure that successful candidates have adequate knowledge and experience to practice in the designated specialty field

Biological Hazards in Tannery Workers

A total of 431 workers from 14 leather factories located in the Tuzla Organized Industry Region, Istanbul were involved in the study. Subjects were interviewed and examined individually with regard to asthma symptoms. Physical examinations were undertaken and respiratory function measured by spirometer. Moreover, the atmosphere of the working areas in the factories was assessed microbiologically. The fungal genera most often detected were Penicillium spp., followed by Aspergillus spp., Alternaria spp., Scopulariopsis spp., and Cladosporium spp. multiplying at differing rates. The number of those physically examined with indications of peripheral respiratory obstruction was 176 (40.8%) while those with suspected asthma following questioning was 153 (35.5%). The obstruction demonstrated by the use of respiratory function tests was associated with the mold isolated from the environment and was included in the logistic model that was developed as a risk factor for increasing obstruction. Workers employed in tanneries encounter many health problems. These may be reduced by: improving the factory environment, environmental control of allergens, elimination of allergen reservoirs, control of humidity and reducing exposure to excessive heat or cold. In addition there should be air filtration and vacuum cleaning to control dust mites and control of other workplace risks not necessarily associated with tanning. Importantly, workers should have medical examinations before employment and periodic examinations during training and employment to reduce the risk of occupational diseases to a minimum.

Human Bocavirus in Febrile Children, the Netherlands

Human Bocavirus in Febrile Children, the Netherlands

Abdominal tenderness in ascites patients indicates spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Background Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), which has been reported to be present in 10–30% of patients with cirrhotic ascites, may easily be overlooked. An important aim of our study was to determine whether there are any clinical signs which, in clinical practice, may predict or exclude SBP. Methods We studied 133 patients with cirrhotic ascites from medical units at nine Swedish university hospitals where there had been at least one diagnostic ascites tap with analysis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the ascites fluid. The patients had initially been questioned about background factors and physically examined according to a standardized case record form. Samples of blood, urine, and ascites were then drawn for analysis according to a structured schedule. Results SBP could be excluded in 80% of all the cases and was confirmed in 8% of the 133 patients in the final analysis. Abdominal pain and abdominal tenderness were more common in patients with SBP ( p < 0.01), but no other physical sign or laboratory test could separate SBP cases from the others. Conclusions SBP was present in about one-tenth of the hospitalized patients with cirrhotic ascites in this cohort. Performing repeated physical examinations and paying particular attention to abdominal tenderness may be the best way to become aware of the possible development of this complication.

Physical health of psychiatric patients admitted to a low secure challenging behaviour unit

Aims: To determine the prevalence of physical illness in patients admitted to a challenging behaviour unit and to assess whether they were physically examined and investigated.Method: Retrospective case note analysis of patients admitted to the challenging behaviour unit during the period of July 1997 to July 2003.Results: All patients were suffering from serious and enduring mental illness and challenged the ordinary mental health services by behaviour such as assault, fire setting, aggression, self harm, multiple substance misuse and non-compliance at least for six months.On admission 76% of patients had examination of the cardiovascular, respiratory and gastro intestinal system and 69% of the central nervous system. During the hospital stay, all the patients had cardio vascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal system examination and 83% had central nervous system examination. All patients had base line investigations including full blood count, ESR, liver function test, urea and electrolytes, random glucose, thyroid function test and follow up investigations.51(73%) patients were found to be suffering from some physical illness during their hospital stay. The physical illness spanned all the systems. There were newly detected cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, hypertension, seizure disorder, male urinary tract infection, severe incontinence and haematological problems.Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of physical health problems among patients admitted to a challenging behaviour unit. Some problems were associated with the mental illness, some as a complication of the mental health problem and others secondary to psychotropic medication. This study highlights the importance of a proper medical history, physical examination, base line investigations and regular monitoring of the physical health of mentally ill patients.

Handwashing practice and the use of personal protective equipment among medical students after the SARS epidemic in Hong Kong

BackgroundHand hygiene is an important element of infection control. We conducted 2 surveys on hand hygiene practices and use of personal protective equipment among medical students during and after the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) to study its impact on their personal hygiene practice when they contacted patients.MethodsTwo cross-sectional surveys were conducted among medical students in their clinical training years (years 3-5) in a teaching hospital (at which the first and major SARS outbreak occurred) in March 2003 and August 2004, respectively.ResultsPrior to the recognition of the SARS outbreak in March 2003, 35.2% of the students washed their hands before and 72.5% after they physically examined patients in the wards. None of the students wore masks during history taking and physical examination. In the 2004 survey, the corresponding proportions were 60.3% and 100%, respectively, and 86.1% and 93.8% of students wore masks during history taking and physical examination, respectively. Attitudes to handwashing and perception of infection risk were not significantly associated with handwashing practice, whereas peer behavior might be a significant influencing factor.ConclusionA significant improvement in compliance with hand hygiene practice was found after the SARS outbreak.

Alternative Physics Examination Questions: Identification and Explanation of Different Discriminating Powers

The issue of unfairness arises in high-stakes public examinations when students choose questions from alternatives that are offered and marks on the alternatives turn out to be discrepant. This paper addresses and defines unfairness and discrepancy in the context of alternative questions in Physics Tertiary Entrance Examinations (TEE) in Western Australia. As well, I present an analysis of question characteristics that explain observed marks-differences. The characteristics mainly relate to the construction of the text of questions, the detail on diagrams, and requirements for calculation. The list of characteristics could inform the setting of compulsory as well as alternative examination questions. The paper includes a brief exploration of results by gender on the alternative Physics TEE questions.