3D Group Research Articles

Prospective randomized comparison of three-dimensional (3D) versus conventional laparoscopy in total colectomy for ulcerative colitis.

3D laparoscopy has been proposed with the aim of improving the depth perception and overall operative performance. To aim of this study is to compare 3D laparoscopy with conventional 2D laparoscopy in terms of operative time and visual parameters. This is a prospective, randomized, single-center trial designed to determine 10% reduction in the mean operative time. Ulcerative colitis patients >18 years of age who underwent laparoscopic total abdominal colectomy with end ileostomy between 2015 and 2020 were included. Patients were randomized into 3D and 2D laparoscopy groups. Duration of operation and surgeons' evaluation of the visualization system were the primary outcomes. Fifty-three subjects (26 in 2D, 27 in 3D group) were included in the analysis, with 56% being male. Mean age and body mass index were 40 (16.3) years and 23.5 (4.7) kg/m2 , respectively. Twenty-five subjects underwent single port laparoscopic surgery, of whom 13 were in 3D and 12 in 2D group. Mean operative time was 75.3 (30.8) versus 82.7 (38.6) minutes (P=0.4) for 3D and 2D groups, respectively. Operative times spent for individual steps were comparable. Post-operative minor complications (8 in 3D versus 8 in 2D, P=1) and median number of times for scope maintenance were also similar between the groups. 69% of the visual evaluation survey results favoured 3D over 2D (P=0.014). Three-dimensional laparoscopy for total colectomy in ulcerative colitis patients is safe and feasible option providing better visualization with no difference in operative time.

How does the design of landmarks on a mobile map influence wayfinding experts’ spatial learning during a real-world navigation task?

ABSTRACT Humans increasingly rely on GPS-enabled mobile maps to navigate novel environments. However, this reliance can negatively affect spatial learning, which can be detrimental even for expert navigators such as search and rescue personnel. Landmark visualization has been shown to improve spatial learning in general populations by facilitating object identification between the map and the environment. How landmark visualization supports expert users’ spatial learning during map-assisted navigation is still an open research question. We thus conducted a real-world study with wayfinding experts in an unknown residential neighborhood. We aimed to assess how two different landmark visualization styles (abstract 2D vs. realistic 3D buildings) would affect experts’ spatial learning in a map-assisted navigation task during an emergency scenario. Using a between-subjects design, we asked Swiss military personnel to follow a given route using a mobile map, and to identify five task-relevant landmarks along the route. We recorded experts’ gaze behavior while navigating and examined their spatial learning after the navigation task. We found that experts’ spatial learning improved when they focused their visual attention on the environment, but the direction of attention between the map and the environment was not affected by the landmark visualization style. Further, there was no difference in spatial learning between the 2D and 3D groups. Contrary to previous research with general populations, this study suggests that the landmark visualization style does not enhance expert navigators’ navigation or spatial learning abilities, thus highlighting the need for population-specific mobile map design solutions.

Biplanar versus conventional two-dimensional ultrasound guidance for radial artery catheterisation.

Ultrasound guidance increases first-pass success rates and decreases the number of cannulation attempts and complications during radial artery catheterisation but it is debatable whether short-, long-, or oblique-axis imaging is superior for obtaining access. Three-dimensional (3D) biplanar ultrasound combines both short- and long-axis views with their respective benefits. This study aimed to determine whether biplanar imaging would improve the accuracy of radial artery catheterisation compared with conventional 2D imaging. This before-and-after trial included adult patients who required radial artery catheterisation for elective cardiothoracic surgery. The participating anaesthesiologists were experienced in 2D and biplanar ultrasound-guided vascular access. The primary endpoint was successful catheterisation in one skin break without withdrawals. Secondary endpoints were the numbers of punctures and withdrawals, scanning and procedure times, needle visibility, perceived mental effort of the operator, and posterior wall puncture or other mechanical complications. From November 2021 until April 2022, 158 patients were included and analysed (2D=75, biplanar=83), with two failures to catheterise in each group. First-pass success without needle redirections was 58.7% in the 2D group and 60.2% in the biplanar group (difference=1.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -14.0%-17.1%; P=0.84), and first-pass success within one skin break was 77.3% in the 2D group vs 81.9% in the biplanar group (difference=4.6%; 95% CI, 8.1%-17.3%; P=0.473). None of the secondary endpoints differed significantly. Biplanar ultrasound guidance did not improve success rates nor other performance measures of radial artery catheterisation. The additional visual information acquired with biplanar imaging did not offer any benefit. N9687 (Dutch Trial Register).

Hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage: Which one should we choose between laser navigation and 3D navigation mold?

Hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) is a severe life-threatening disease, and its incidence has gradually increased in recent years. Due to the particularity and diversity of its bleeding sites, the early treatment of hematoma needs to be more meticulous and accurate, and minimally invasive surgery is often one of the measures that are commonly adopted now. The lower hematoma debridement and the navigation template created by 3D printing technology were compared in the external drainage of a hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage. Then the effect and feasibility of the two operations were explicitly evaluated. We performed a retrospective analysis of all eligible patients with HICH who underwent laser-guided hematoma evacuation or hematoma puncture under 3D-navigated molds at the Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University from January 2019 to January 2021. A total of 43 patients were treated. Twenty-three patients were treated with laser navigation-guided hematoma evacuation (group A); 20 patients were treated with 3D navigation minimally invasive surgery (group B). A comparative study was conducted between the two groups to evaluate the preoperative and postoperative conditions. The preoperative preparation time of the laser navigation group was significantly shorter than that of the 3D printing group. The operation time of the 3D printing group was better than that of the laser navigation group (0.73 ± 0.26 h vs. 1.03 ± 0.27 h P = 0.00070). In the improvement in the short-term postoperatively, there was no statistically significant difference between the laser navigation group and the 3D printing group (Median hematoma evacuation rate P = 0.14); And in the three-month follow-up NIHESS score, there was no significant difference between the two (P = 0.82). Laser-guided hematoma removal is more suitable for emergency operations, with real-time navigation and shortened preoperative preparation time; hematoma puncture under a 3D navigation mold is more personalized and shortens the intraoperative time course. There was no significant difference in therapeutic effect between the two groups.

Comparison of the Safety and Efficacy of a 3-Dimensional Heads-up Display vs a Standard Operating Microscope in Retinal Detachment Repair.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and efficiency of the Ngenuity 3-dimensional (3D) heads-up display (HUD) visualization system for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair at a large academic medical center in the United States. Methods: This retrospective review comprised consecutive patients aged 18 years or older who had primary RRD repair (pars plana vitrectomy [PPV] alone or combined PPV and scleral buckle) performed by the same fellowship-trained vitreoretinal surgeon using the 3D visualization system and a traditional standard operating microscope (SOM) at Massachusetts Eye and Ear from June 2017 to December 2021. The minimum follow-up was 90 days. Results: The 3D HUD group comprised 50 eyes of 47 patients and the SOM group, 138 eyes of 136 patients. There were no between-group differences in single surgery anatomic success rates at 3 months (98% HUD vs 99% SOM; P = 1.00) or at the last follow-up (94% HUD vs 98% SOM; P = .40). The rate of postoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy was similar between the 2 groups (3 months: 3% HUD vs 5% SOM, P = .94; last follow-up, 2% HUD vs 3% SOM, P = .93). There was no difference in the mean duration of surgery (57.4 ± 28.9 minutes HUD vs 59.4 ± 29.9 minutes SOM; P = .68). Conclusions: Anatomic and functional outcomes, in addition to surgical efficiency, of noncomplex primary RRD repair with a 3D HUD system were similar to those of surgery performed with an SOM.

A Hybrid Direct Search and Model-Based Derivative-Free Optimization Method with Dynamic Decision Processing and Application in Solid-Tank Design

A derivative-free optimization (DFO) method is an optimization method that does not make use of derivative information in order to find the optimal solution. It is advantageous for solving real-world problems in which the only information available about the objective function is the output for a specific input. In this paper, we develop the framework for a DFO method called the DQL method. It is designed to be a versatile hybrid method capable of performing direct search, quadratic-model search, and line search all in the same method. We develop and test a series of different strategies within this framework. The benchmark results indicate that each of these strategies has distinct advantages and that there is no clear winner in the overall performance among efficiency and robustness. We develop the Smart DQL method by allowing the method to determine the optimal search strategies in various circumstances. The Smart DQL method is applied to a problem of solid-tank design for 3D radiation dosimetry provided by the UBCO (University of British Columbia—Okanagan) 3D Radiation Dosimetry Research Group. Given the limited evaluation budget, the Smart DQL method produces high-quality solutions.

On special singular curve couples of framed curves in 3D Lie groups

In this paper, we introduce Bertrand and Mannheim curves of framed curves, which are a special singular curve in 3D Lie groups. We explain the conditions for framed curves to be Bertrand curves and Mannheim curves in 3D Lie groups. We give relationships between framed curvatures and Lie curvatures of Bertrand and Mannheim curves of framed curves. In addition, we obtain the characterization of Bertrand and Mannheim curves according to the various frames of framed curves in 3D Lie groups.

Efficacy of three-dimensional models for medical education: A systematic scoping review of randomized clinical trials

ObjectivesTo estimate the efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) models for medical education. Methods: A systematic scoping review was performed containing diverse databases such as SCOPUS, PubMed/MEDLINE, SCIELO, and LILACS. MeSH terms and keywords were stipulated to explore randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in all languages. Solely RCTs that accomplished the eligibility criteria were admitted. Results: Fifteen RCTs including 1659 medical students were chosen. Five RCTs studied heart models, 3 RCTs explored facial, spinal and bone fractures and the rest of the trials investigated eye, arterial, pelvic, hepatic, chest, skull, and cleft lip and palate models. Regarding the efficacy of 3D models, in terms of learning skills and knowledge gained by medical students, most RCTs reported higher scores. Considering the test-taking times, the results were variable. Two RCTs showed less time for the 3D group, another RCT indicated variable results in the response times of the test depending on the anatomical zone evaluated, while another described that the students in the 3D group were slightly quicker to answer all questions when compared with the traditional group, but without statistical significance. The other 11 experiments did not present results about test-taking times. Most students in all RCTs indicated satisfaction, enjoyment, and interest in utilizing the 3D systems, and recognized that their abilities were enhanced. Conclusions: Higher efficacy in terms of learning skills and knowledge gained was observed when the 3D systems were used by medical students. Undergraduates also expressed great satisfaction with the use of these technologies. Regarding the test-taking times, the results favored the 3D group.

Comparative study between patient specific titanium plates versus conventional miniplates for treatment of mandibular fractures: Randomized clinical trial

The aim of the study was to evaluate and assess the clinical stability and efficacy of three-dimensional patient-specific computer-guided titanium plates versus conventional mini plates when used for the treatment of mandibular fractures. Patients with isolated mandibular body fractures were assigned randomly into two equal groups. Group I was treated with patient-specific 3D titanium plates and Group II was treated with conventional mini plates. Outcome measurements included patient satisfaction, pain, occlusion, occlusal bite force and fracture gap distance. All parameters were evaluated at one-week and three-month intervals. The operating time was measured during the surgery. A total of 20 patients were included in the study. Group I (n=10) showed higher values of patient satisfaction and lower pain values than Group II (n=10) at both follow-up intervals. The degree of occlusal derangement showed no statistically significant difference between both groups at one week postoperatively, while both groups showed normal occlusion after 3 months. Occlusal bite forces in Group I were significantly higher than Group II at both follow up intervals. The fracture gap distance was statistically insignificant between both groups at both follow up intervals. The operating time was significantly lower for Group I. Within the limitations of the study, it seems that in the treatment of mandibular body fractures patient-specific plates are preferred over conventional mini plates as they provide more stability, higher biting forces and shorter operating time with highly acceptable outcomes and promising results.

A 3D mixed reality visualization of network topology and activity results in better dyadic cyber team communication and cyber situational awareness.

Cyber defense decision-making during cyber threat situations is based on human-to-human communication aiming to establish a shared cyber situational awareness. Previous studies suggested that communication inefficiencies were among the biggest problems facing security operation center teams. There is a need for tools that allow for more efficient communication of cyber threat information between individuals both in education and during cyber threat situations. In the present study, we compared how the visual representation of network topology and traffic in 3D mixed reality vs. 2D affected team performance in a sample of cyber cadets (N = 22) cooperating in dyads. Performance outcomes included network topology recognition, cyber situational awareness, confidence in judgements, experienced communication demands, observed verbal communication, and forced choice decision-making. The study utilized network data from the NATO CCDCOE 2022 Locked Shields cyber defense exercise. We found that participants using the 3D mixed reality visualization had better cyber situational awareness than participants in the 2D group. The 3D mixed reality group was generally more confident in their judgments except when performing worse than the 2D group on the topology recognition task (which favored the 2D condition). Participants in the 3D mixed reality group experienced less communication demands, and performed more verbal communication aimed at establishing a shared mental model and less communications discussing task resolution. Better communication was associated with better cyber situational awareness. There were no differences in decision-making between the groups. This could be due to cohort effects such as formal training or the modest sample size. This is the first study comparing the effect of 3D mixed reality and 2D visualizations of network topology on dyadic cyber team communication and cyber situational awareness. Using 3D mixed reality visualizations resulted in better cyber situational awareness and team communication. The experiment should be repeated in a larger and more diverse sample to determine its potential effect on decision-making.

A role for laparoscopy in the age of robotics: a retrospective cohort study of perioperative outcomes between 2D laparoscopic radical prostatectomy vs 3DHD laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Our study compares perioperative outcomes between two-dimensional (2D) laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and the 4th generation three-dimensional/high definition (3DHD) LRP. Retrospectively acquired data from patients that underwent 2D LRP (n = 75) and 3DHD LRP (n = 75) from March 2013 to October 2015 were evaluated. Procedures were performed by a single surgeon. The extra-peritoneal approach with 5 trocars was utilized. Perioperative outcomes, potency, and continence were compared between groups. Patient characteristics were similar between the two groups in terms of age (p = 0.44), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (p = 0.34), and Gleason scores (p = 0.14). Body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in the 3DHD group (p = 0.0036). Postoperatively, no significant differences were observed in Hgb loss (p = 0.50), positive surgical margins (p = 1.00), and post-op Gleason scores (p = 0.30). Significant differences were observed for length of hospital stay (p < 0.001) and Jackson-Pratt (JP) drainage (p < 0.001). Regarding potency, 73.7% and 51.6% of the patients in the 3DHD and 2D groups regained potency at 6months, respectively (p = 0.0025). Almost 43% of the patients in the 3DHD group regained continence at 1month while for the 2D groups it was only 17.3% (p = 0.0008). 3DHD and 2D LRP have resulted in good outcomes in the perioperative periods. Our results show decreased JP drainage, shorter length of hospital stay, earlier return of urinary control, and earlier return of sexual function in the 3DHD LRP group. In lower volume centers where robotics equipment is not feasible due to economic barriers 3DHD can be safely performed as a minimally invasive alternative.

The Relationship Between the Type of Dimensions (3D, 2D) and Mental Interaction (High, Low) in the Augmented Reality Environment and its Effects on Learning

The research aims to reveal the relationship between the type of dimensions (3D, 2D) and the type of mental interaction (high and low) and its impact on students’ knowledge of the types of wireless networks and their components in the course “Wireless Communications and Mobile Security” based on their satisfaction with this learning, and their academic achievement. The research sample is 144 students in the second year, fourth level of the cybersecurity diploma, and they were divided into four experimental groups. The first experimental group studies with books augmented with three-dimensional models with high mental interaction, and the second experimental group studies with books augmented with three-dimensional models with low mental interaction. The third experimental group is taught with books augmented with two-dimensional models with high mental interaction, and finally, the fourth experimental group is taught with virtual books with two-dimensional models with low mental interaction. The research results that there is an interaction between the type of dimensions in augmented reality books and the mental interaction (high, low) in identifying the types of wireless networks and their components, where the high mental interaction groups excelled, regardless of the type of dimensions (3D, 2D) in the achievement test, and there was clear satisfaction for the students of the groups that study with 3D models compared to the 2D groups.

Comparison of radiological and clinical outcomes of 3D-printed artificial vertebral body with Titanium mesh cage in single-level anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion: A meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis aimed to determine whether 3D-printed artificial vertebral body have superior clinical and radiographic outcome than Titanium Mesh Cage(TMC) in single-level anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) databases was conducted to find randomized control trials (RCTs) or cohort studies that compared 3D-printed artificial vertebral body with conventional Titanium Mesh Cage (TMC) in single-level anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (SL-ACCF). Operation time; intraoperative blood loss; subsidence of vertebral body; preoperative, and final follow-up C2-C7 Cobb angle, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, and Visual Analog Scale(VAS) scores were collected from eligible studies for meta-analysis. We included 6 cohort studies with 341 patients. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the 3D group has a shorter operation time than the traditional TMC group(p = 0.04) and the TMC group had more severe subsidence(≥3 mm) of vertebral body than the 3D group(p < 0.0001). And the cervical C2-C7 Cobb angle in the 3D group was larger than that in the TMC group at the final follow-up. This meta-analysis demonstrates that 3D-printed artificial vertebral body is superior to traditional TMC in reducing the operation time and maintaining the postoperative vertebral height and restoring sagittal balance to the cervical spine in single-level anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion.

Electronic and optical properties of Janus-like hexagonal monolayer materials of group IV-VI

We report $ab\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}initio$ calculations of the electronic and optical response properties of Janus-like hexagonal monolayers materials of group IV-VI. By combining phonons spectra calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, we verify that some two-dimensional (2D) group IV-VI hexagonal materials are dynamically unstable. Our results of electronic band structure based on both density functional theory (DFT) with Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof hybrid functional (HSE) and ${\mathrm{G}}_{0}{\mathrm{W}}_{0}$ formalisms indicate that the dynamically stable materials exhibit indirect band gaps. The calculations clearly reveal that the hexagonal crystal structure of the group IV-VI monolayers plays a crucial role not only in determining the width of the band gap but also on the electron-hole screening effect, and consequently the strength of the exciton binding energy. Despite their strong binding, exciton binding energies in these nanomaterials are found to be in agreement with a 2D Mott-Wannier model. We also show that most of the stable 2D materials exhibit strong optical absorbance in the visible range, being promising materials for ultra-thin-film photovoltaic applications. Thus, our systematic analysis on electronic and optical properties of hexagonal monolayer materials of group IV-VI will complement forthcoming experimental measurements and can pave the way for technological applications of those materials.

Does 3D laparoscopic video technology affect long-term survival in right hemicolectomy for cancer compared to standard 2D? A propensity score study.

There are few studies focused on the short-term results of laparoscopic right hemicolectomy performed with 2D (two-dimension) or 3D (three-dimension) video technology and none on the oncologic effects. The aim of the study was to assess the long-term results of laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (LRH) with intracorporeal anastomosis using 3D or 2D video in patients with right colon cancer with at least three years of oncologic follow-up. Data from patients undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (LRH) with intracorporeal anastomosis for cancer in an 11-year period (June 2008-June 2019) and ≥ 3years of follow-up were prospectively collected. Surgical procedures were performed by two expert laparoscopic surgeons. 111 patients were included in the study: 56 (50.5%) in the 3D group and 55 (49.5%) in the 2D group. Tumor stage and number of lymph nodes harvested were similar. Overall and disease-free survival were not different in the two groups. Local recurrence occurred in none of the patients, and distant metachronous metastases were similar in the two groups. A propensity score weighting approach was used to account for potential confounding related to patients' nonrandom allocation to the 2 groups. The effects of the intervention on postoperative outcomes were assessed with a weighted regression approach. Laparoscopic 3D technology allows similar oncological results as 2D vision in LRH with intracorporeal anastomosis. Larger prospective randomized studies might confirm these results in the long-term follow-up.

Photocatalysis screening for group III-V vdW heterostructures constructed by MX (M = Ga, In and X = P, As) monolayers.

To harvest solar energy for water splitting and produce pollution-free hydrogen and oxygen, high-performance photocatalysts are essential. Here, by combining different two-dimensional (2D) group III-V MX (M = Ga, In and X = P, As) monolayers, we designed 144 van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures to identify efficient photoelectrochemical materials. Using first-principles calculations, we investigated the stabilities, electronic properties, and optical properties of these heterostructures. After a careful screening process, we elected GaP/InP in a BB-II stacking configuration as the most promising candidate. This specific GaP/InP configuration has a type-II band alignment with a gap value of 1.83 eV. The conduction band minimum (CBM) is located at -4.276 eV, and the valence band maximum (VBM) is located at -6.217 eV, fully satisfying the requirements of the catalytic reaction under pH = 0. Additionally, light absorption has been improved through the construction of the vdW heterostructure. These results could help in understanding the properties of the III-V heterostructures and guide the experimental synthesis of these materials for photocatalysis applications.

Evaluation of Two-Dimensional (2D) versus Three-Dimensional (3D) Video Tutorials in Cataract Surgery for New Trainees.

Purpose Microscopic ophthalmic surgery requires an understanding of three-dimensional (3D) spaces within the eye. Recently, there has been an increase in 3D video training tools in health care. Studies have evaluated the efficacy of 3D tutorials in general surgery, but little has been published within ophthalmology. We present a randomized study evaluating differences in surgically naïve trainees after watching either a 2D or 3D phacoemulsification tutorial. Design This was a double-blind, randomized study. A group of third and fourth year medical students at our institution were randomized with stratified randomization based on prior surgical courses to control for differences in baseline surgical skill. The two study arms were watching 2D or 3D instructional videos on phacoemulsification (Richard Mackool). Methods Participants received a preliminary survey and participated in an hour-long microscopic surgery session. During the session, participants performed tasks evaluating baseline microscopic spatial awareness and surgical skill. The students were then instructed to watch either a 2D or 3D video on phacoemulsification based on their randomized study arm. During the postintervention session, participants performed the biplanar incision and capsulorhexis steps of cataract surgery discussed in the video on model eyes. Students were evaluated on speed and overall capsulorhexis quality. Results Thirty-one students qualified for the study and completed the microscopic surgery session. Students in both groups had similar baseline speed and quality of preintervention microscopic tasks ( p > 0.05 for all tasks). Postintervention, students randomized to the 3D video performed significantly faster than the 2D group for biplanar incision (11.1 ± 5.5 s vs. 20.7 ± 10.5 s, p = 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences found between the groups in capsulorhexis timing ( p = 0.12) or quality score ( p = 0.60). Conclusions 3D video surgical training tutorials may improve speed of certain steps of cataract surgery for surgically naïve ophthalmology trainees. Given the limited sample size of this study, further investigation of their effectiveness is warranted.

Discovering atomistic pathways for supply of metal atoms from methyl-based precursors to graphene surface.

Conceptual 2D group III nitrides and oxides (e.g., 2D InN and 2D InO) in heterostructures with graphene have been realized by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). MOCVD is expected to bring forth the same impact in the advancement of 2D semiconductor materials as in the fabrication of established semiconductor materials and device heterostructures. MOCVD employs metal-organic precursors such as trimethyl-indium, -gallium, and -aluminum, with (strong) metal-carbon bonds. Mechanisms that regulate MOCVD processes at the atomic scale are largely unknown. Here, we employ density-functional molecular dynamics - accounting for van der Waals interactions - to identify the reaction pathways responsible for dissociation of the trimethylindium (TMIn) precursor in the gas phase as well as on top-layer and zero-layer graphene. The simulations reveal how collisions with hydrogen molecules, intramolecular or surface-mediated proton transfer, and direct TMIn/graphene reactions assist TMIn transformations, which ultimately enables delivery of In monomers or InH and CH3In admolecules, on graphene. This work provides knowledge for understanding the nucleation and intercalation mechanisms at the atomic scale and for carrying out epitaxial growth of 2D materials and graphene heterostructures.

The Integration of Digital Techniques in Engineering Education: A Case Study to Evaluate Student’s Motivation and Performance

The importance of a paradigm shift in the current traditional teaching strategies is becoming of high importance. Integrating disruptive technologies into undergraduate civil engineering students can improve their performance and motivation levels. Students were assessed on their ability to identify mistakes in a concrete design developed using Autodesk Revit®. The students were divided into three different groups and assessed using three different media: 2 dimensional plans (2D), 3 dimensional models (3D) and virtual reality (VR). The results have shown that 3D and VR students managed to score 54.9% and 62.5% respectively. 2D students scored 20.5%. This shows a substantial difference between VR and 3D relative to the 2D group. From the surveys conducted, it was also perceived that students found 3D and VR methods more motivating than the 2D traditional method. Spearman correlation also indicated a positive and medium to strong correlation between the level of motivation and performance of VR students. The results show that VR is a valid alternative to conventional methods of teaching. This study is part of an ongoing research effort related to utilization of VR in engineering education.

Aspiration thrombectomy with the Penumbra System for patients with stroke and late onset to treatment: a subset analysis of the COMPLETE registry.

The purpose of this study was to report the safety and performance of aspiration thrombectomy with the Penumbra System for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) and late onset to treatment. This is a retrospective subset analysis of a global prospective multicenter registry (COMPLETE) that enrolled adults with AIS due to LVO and a pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) of 0 or 1 who were treated first-line with aspiration thrombectomy either alone (A Direct Aspiration First Pass Technique [ADAPT]) or in combination with the 3D Revascularization Device (ADAPT + 3D). This subset analysis included all patients in the registry who had anterior circulation LVO, an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score of at least 6, and late onset to treatment (>6 h from stroke onset to puncture). Of the 650 patients in the COMPLETE registry, 167 were included in this subset analysis. The rate of successful revascularization (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score 2b-3 achieved) at the end of the procedure was 83.2%, the rate of good functional outcome (mRS 0-2) at 90 days was 55.4%, and the all-cause mortality rate at 90 days was 14.4%. No device-related serious adverse events (SAEs) occurred. Procedure-related SAEs occurred in 9 patients (5.4%) within 24 h and in 12 patients (7.2%) overall. The rate of successful revascularization was higher for patients treated first-line with ADAPT (88.0%) than for patients treated first-line with ADAPT + 3D (75.0%; p = 0.035); no significant difference was observed between the ADAPT and ADAPT + 3D groups for any other primary or secondary outcome. For patients with AIS due to anterior circulation LVO and with late onset to treatment, aspiration thrombectomy with the Penumbra System appears to be safe and effective. The rates of good functional outcome and all-cause mortality from this study compared favorably with those rates from the medical management arms of the DAWN and DEFUSE-3 studies. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03464565.