Modeling uptake kinetics of cadmium by field-grown lettuce.

Cadmium uptake by field grown Romaine lettuce treated with P-fertilizers of different Cd levels was investigated over an entire growing season. Results indicated that the rate of Cd uptake at a given time of the season can be satisfactorily described by the Michaelis-Menten kinetics, that is, plant uptake increases as the Cd concentration in soil solution increases, and it gradually approaches a saturation level. However, the rate constant of the Michaelis-Menten kinetics changes over the growing season.

Evaluation of the use of a skills acquisition manual within the common foundation programme for pre-registration nursing.

A skills acquisition manual had been developed for use in the common foundation programme. This article describes an evaluative study of the use of this manual by two cohorts within the pre-registration programme. Information was gained by analysis of the skills acquisition manual and interviewing a sample of participants from both the student cohorts, clinical staff and lecturers involved with the programme.

Assessment of practice in pre-registration nurse education and the development of a skills acquisition manual.

It has been suggested that Project 2000 training has not taken account of the need to assess the development of specific nursing skills. This could result in nurses who may be in a vulnerable position upon qualification regarding the expectations of their skills performance. A new initiative has been developed at the University of Luton, which enables specific skills to be assessed for pre-registration students during the Common Foundation Programme.