Student Competition Research Articles

Student Competition (Technology Innovation) ID 1986855

Background Up to 70% of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience shoulder injuries during their lifetime. Previous studies revealed a link between the risk of shoulder injury and propulsion-related kinetic and kinematic parameters that were measured using SMARTWheel or in-lab motion-capture systems. Despite their high accuracy, these systems are time and labour intensive and not commonly accessible. Objective To develop and validate a portable and accessible method to estimate the duration of the push phase using a hand-mounted inertial measurement unit (IMU). Methods Ten volunteers (7 males, 3 females, age: 28 ± 2 y.o.) consented to participate in the study. An IMU (3D acceleration and angular velocity, sampling frequency: 512 Hz) was attached to participant’s right hand while sitting on the instrumented wheelchair equipped with SMARTWheel (sampling frequency: 240 Hz). The SMARTWheel and IMU readouts were collected while participants were propelling the wheelchair. The peaks in the resultant acceleration and continuous wavelet transform coefficients obtained from IMU were used to identify the hand contact and release, and estimate the push phase duration. Results No significant differences (p-value = 0.97, 0.89, and 0.94, respectively) were observed between the parameters obtained for the hand contact and release instants and push duration estimated using IMU compared to SMARTWheel with mean errors (standard deviation) of 8.4 (15.2) ms, 3.8 (22.1) ms and −4.6 (24.6) ms, respectively. Conclusion These findings support the validity of using IMU as a portable alternative to the in-lab systems to estimate the push phase duration of manual wheelchair users.

Student Competition (Knowledge Generation) ID 1985735

Background Individuals with chronic spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) are at an increased risk of lower extremity fractures. Novel interventions, including nutraceuticals and pharmacotherapy, are being explored to reduce fracture-related morbidity and mortality. Objective This retrospective cohort study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Denosumab injections with dietary calcium and vitamin D supplements on proximaltibia bone mineral density (BMD) in adults with low bone mass and chronic SCI/D. Design/Methods Adult patients with SCI/D over age 18 years, with a baseline distal femur or proximal tibia Z-score <-2.0 or T-score <-2.5 exposed to at least three doses of Denosumab 60mcg/1ml vial injections will consent to chart abstraction. The cumulative Denosumab dose will be the exposure variable. Calcium intake and vitamin D serum levels will be recorded as effect modifiers. Age, sex, and BMI will be recorded as potential confounders. The primary outcome will be the change in proximal tibia BMD from baseline and secondarily the incidence of lower extremity fracture(s). Results/Findings Demographic and impairment characteristics of the study population will be reported using appropriate descriptive statistics. The associations between mean BMD change and Denosumab exposure will be calculated and adjusted for confounders using an appropriate univariate/multivariate model based on sample size and data distribution. Conclusion This retrospective cohort study will determine the effectiveness of Denosumab injections (with calcium and vitamin D) for maintaining or increasing proximal tibia BMD among patients with chronic SCI/D. The study findings will have a significant impact on Denosumab prescribing practices.

Student Competition (Knowledge Generation) ID 1978805

Background Individuals with neurological injury or disease are at increased risk of experiencing falls, highlighting the need for effective balance interventions. A novel system integrating functional electrical stimulation and visual feedback balance training (FES+VFBT) is a promising balance intervention; however, this lab-based system requires a redesign to increase clinical utility. Objective To identify possible challenges and solutions to implementing the FES+VFBT system as a balance intervention, from the perspective of end users. Design/Methods This qualitative study involved three semi-structured focus group meetings to explore participants’ perspectives on the feasibility and potential challenges of implementing FES+VFBT in neurorehabilitation. Two individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), one individual with stroke, two physiotherapists and one hospital administrator participated. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a deductive-inductive content analysis. The levels of the Social Ecological Model (SEM) were used as themes for the deductive analysis. Categories and codes were detected using an inductive approach. Results The themes spanned the four levels of the SEM: intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational/training environment and society/policy. Identified categories consisted of possible challenges mapped to the intrapersonal (e.g., lack of knowledge, tolerance of user) and organizational/training environment (e.g., cost, need for space and time, technical challenges) levels. Categories also reflected possible solutions mapped to all SEM levels: intrapersonal (e.g., reading and research), interpersonal (e.g., practicing together), organizational/training environment (e.g., tailoring system parameters, social support), and society/policy (e.g., create guidelines, provide cost options). Conclusion The findings will be used to improve the FES+VFBT system design and facilitate implementation of the intervention in neurorehabilitation.

Student Competition (Knowledge Generation) ID 1985185

Background/Objective Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) facilitates spinal networks involving motor function. The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of stimulators used and amplitude of tSCS, applied at the cervical region of the spinal cord, on propriospinal modulation of lower limbs. Corticospinal and spinal reflex excitability were assessed with lower limb motor evoked potentials (MEPs), and Hoffman (H-) reflexes, respectively. Methods Neurologically intact participants (n=6) were recruited. Two stimulators (NeoStim-5 and DS8R) were used, and different tSCS amplitudes at threshold (thresh) and maximum tolerance (max) were applied. The effect of tSCS on the amplitude of the H-reflex evoked in the soleus muscle was assessed, as well as the effect of cervical tSCS on MEPs evoked in the tibialis anterior muscle. Participants completed five conditions including: 1) Control (no stimulation) 2) DS8R Thresh 3) DS8R Max 4) NeoStim-5 Thresh 5) NeoStim-5 Max. Results At the same tSCS amplitude, the participants subjectively tolerated the NeoStim-5 better than the DS8R. The maximum tolerated amplitude for NeoStim-5 was higher than that of the DS8R, for all participants. Preliminary analysis suggests changes in tSCS amplitude delivered, do not appear to have an effect on the H-reflex and MEP in this small sample of participants. Conclusions Preliminary findings indicate that different stimulators produce different sensations at the same tSCS amplitudes. Changes in stimulator amplitudes do not appear to have an effect on the electrophysiological outcome on propriospinal modulation. This study sets the basis for understanding mechanisms of tSCS, including cutaneous activation.

Student Competition (Knowledge Generation) ID 1973368

Background Individuals with an incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) have increased risk of falls during walking and standing. Our previous longitudinal pilot study demonstrated that a therapeutic system (FES+VFT system) using functional electrical stimulation (FES) and visual feedback training (VFT) improved the standing balance of individuals with iSCI. Purpose This study investigated the orthotic and acute therapeutic effects of FES in the FES+VFT system. Participants Fifteen individuals with iSCI will be recruited for this study. To date, four participants have completed the study. Methods The four participants completed three different sessions. In the first session, participants were evaluated for their balance, postural control and familiarized with the FES+VFT system. In the second and third sessions, the participant completed training sessions with the FES+VFT system with or without FES. Centre of pressure (COP) data were collected via force platforms. Before and after the training, the motor evoked potentials (MEP) of the soleus and tibialis anterior muscles were recorded. Results There was a greater increase in the total dynamic range of the COP with FES+VFT than VFT (Anterior posterior: increase of 17.5 ± 14.27mm, medial lateral: increase of 17.9 ± 19.45mm). Both the soleus and tibialis anterior muscles showed greater increases in MEP after FES+VFT than VFT (Soleus: 70.4 ± 31.1% vs 5.45 ± 29.1%; Tibialis Anterior: 115.3 ± 234.8% vs 11.0 ± 42.9%). Conclusions These findings suggest that FES improves the performance of VFT (positive orthotic effect) and increases the corticospinal connection (positive acute therapeutic effect) in individuals with iSCI.

Student Competition (Technology Innovation) ID 1985239

Background Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins and is the third most common cardiovascular disease today. One of the causes of DVT is venous stasis. Current methods of DVT prevention include anticoagulants and mechanical prophylaxis. Anticoagulant use is contraindicated in individuals with bleeding risks and mechanical interventions are often cumbersome and uncomfortable. Objective The overall goal of this project is to investigate a novel method for DVT prevention, termed intermittent electrical stimulation (IES). The current study investigated the effects of IES on healthy typical as well as post-stroke persons. Method Of the 32 participants, 22 were healthy subjects from Edmonton, and 10 were inpatient post-stroke subjects at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton. A two-channel stimulator was used to administer IES through electrodes placed on the posterior and anterior sides of the leg and was applied in increasing stimulation amplitudes to the gastrocnemius muscle and the resulting plantar flexion force and changes in popliteal and femoral venous velocities were recorded for each stimulation respectively using B-mode ultrasound. Results IES-induced contractions produced significant increases in venous flow compared to baseline. Small contractions induced by comfortable levels of stimulation in typical and in post-stroke persons were sufficient to increase flow in the popliteal and femoral veins. Conclusion The results indicate that IES can sufficiently increase venous flow to prevent venous stasis and is comfortable for end users. Incorporation of IES into a clinical device could provide a feasible and effective alternative for DVT prophylaxis.

Student Competition (Knowledge Generation) ID 1986472

Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in physical impairments and psychosocial issues that generate challenges to individuals, families, and society. Understanding the acute care hospital experience after SCI is important as it may have an impact on persons with spinal cord injuries’ (PWSCI) subsequent journey to the rehabilitation center and community. This experience has not been studied in Nepal, especially from the perspective of PWSCI. Objectives To understand how PWSCI (1) are involved in decision-making for their care; (2) are educated about secondary complications and, (3) perceive overall positive and negative experiences regarding their care during their acute care hospital stay in Nepal. Methods Qualitative study based on Van Manen’s phenomenology using purposive sampling at the Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Center, the only dedicated SCI center in Nepal. We interviewed participants (n=24) who were referred from nine different acute hospitals using a semi-structured interview guide co-developed with SCI experts and PWSCI. Using thematic analysis, we extracted the findings with Manen’s approach. Results We identified three preliminary themes: (1) Families, but not PWSCI, are often included in the decision-making process; (2) For education on secondary complications, only pressure injury prevention was recalled; (3) Timeliness of spinal surgery was a concern. Conclusion There are opportunities to improve the acute care experience for PWSCI in Nepal. PWSCI desired to be more engaged in the decision-making process and more involved in their own care. Concerns regarding the timeliness of surgery correlated with the findings of previous Nepali studies.

Student Competition (Technology Innovation) ID 1984861

Backgrounds/Objective Intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) is a neuromodulation technique for restoring walking after spinal cord injury. The objective of this study was to fabricate a stretchable ISMS device suitable for pigs, a clinically-relevant animal model. Methods Polyimide-insulated microwires (50µm, Pt-Ir, 80%/20%) were used for fabrication of electrodes. Their tips were de-insulated (∼0.15mm2) and sharpened using nanosecond and femtosecond UV lasers. Microcoils were fabricated from 25μm microwires (Pt-Ir, 80%/20%) to add stretchability to the lead wires. Sixteen microelectrode-leads were connected to a custom, wirelessly controlled stimulator using Medtronic extension cables (Model 37081). The implants were tested in seven domestic pigs and current pulse trains were delivered to various rostro-caudal regions of the lumbar spinal cord (1s, 40Hz, 50µA-300µA) to activate locomotor-related muscle synergies. The kinematics and isometric joint forces of the evoked hindlimb responses were recorded. Results Graded joint movements were evoked with increasing stimulus amplitude. Changes in the hip, knee, and ankle joints angles evoked by ISMS at 300µA were 17.9±1˚, 28.1±1˚, and 21.6±2˚, respectively. Isometric joint forces evoked by ISMS at 300µA were 12.21±0.91N, 7.4±0.71N, and 1.7±0.15N for knee extension, hip flexion, and ankle flexion, respectively. Conclusion The movements evoked using the developed ISMS implant could generate full ranges of motion in the joints. The graded responses imply a near-physiological recruitment order of motoneurons, which is necessary for achieving long walking distances without muscle fatigue. The results show the capability of the developed ISMS device in generating movements in pigs, and the implants’ potential for future use in humans.

Student Competition (Clinical/Best Practice Implementation) ID 1983939

Background Previous research has shown that an anti-inflammatory diet can reduce inflammation and improve health outcomes in individuals with neurological disability; however, long term dietary adherence has proven to be challenging. Accordingly, we have designed a 2-part consultation targeted at identified barriers for adherence to an anti-inflammatory diet in this population. Objectives This study aimed to determine the effects of the consultation on self-efficacy for adhering to an anti-inflammatory diet, as well as adherence and health outcomes one month post-intervention. Design/Methods Eleven individuals (10 female, age 51.5±12.6 years) with neurological disability (7 multiple sclerosis, 3 spinal cord injury, 1 muscular dystrophy; 20.5±10.6 years post-injury/diagnosis) participated. The intervention group (n=7) received recipes for an anti-inflammatory diet and the 2-part consultation, while controls (n=4) received the recipes only. The consultation consisted of a home-visit that included cooking and accessible kitchen equipment demonstrations, and an accompanied trip to the grocery store. Results Both task and barrier self-efficacy improved immediately following the consultation and tended to stay above baseline one month post-intervention. The consultation was also associated with increased dietary adherence one month post-intervention and decreased depressive symptoms as measured by the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Changes in dietary adherence (r=-0.61; p=0.045), and barrier self-efficacy (r=-0.77; p=0.009) were negatively correlated to changes in CES-D scores. Conclusions A consultation targeted at barriers related to anti-inflammatory eating can improve self-efficacy for adherence as well as actual adherence and depressive symptomology one month later. Further follow-up studies to determine the persistence of these effects are warranted.

Student Competition (Technology Innovation) ID 1970388

Background The evaluation of hand function after spinal cord injury (SCI) is conducted in clinical settings, which may not accurately reflect hand function in the real world, thereby limiting the efficacy assessment of new treatments. Wearable cameras, also known as egocentric video, are a novel method to evaluate hand function in non-clinical environments. Nonetheless, manual processing of vast quantities of complex video data is difficult, highlighting the need for automated data analysis. The objective of this study was to automatically identify distinct hand postures in egocentric video using unsupervised machine learning. Methods Seventeen participants with cervical SCI recorded activities of daily living in a home simulation laboratory. A hand pose estimation algorithm was applied on detected hands to determine 2D joint locations, which were lifted to 3D coordinates. The resulting hand posture information was subjected to a number of clustering techniques. Hand grasps were manually labelled into four categories for evaluation purposes: power, precision, intermediate, and non-prehensile. Results K-Means clustering consistently exhibited the highest Silhouette score, which reflects the presence of discrete clusters in the data. When comparing with manual annotations, Spectral Clustering applied to a feature space consisting of 2D pose estimation with confidence scores yield the best performance as quantified by maximum match (0.48), Fowlkes-Mallows score (0.46), and normalized mutual information (0.22). Conclusions This is the first attempt to develop an unsupervised, data-driven hand taxonomy for individuals with SCI using wearable technology. The findings suggest that the method is capable of grouping similar hand grasps.

Student Competition (Knowledge Generation) ID 1985014

Background Adults with spinal cord injury/dysfunction (SCI/D) are commonly prescribed multiple medications to manage secondary complications. Significant challenges managing medications have been highlighted, with the need for more support with medication self-management. Objective The objective of this study is to co-develop a toolkit to assist with medication self-management for persons with SCI/D. Methods Adults with SCI/D, caregivers, and healthcare providers will participate in the three steps of concept mapping – brainstorming, sorting and rating, and mapping to identify key components of the toolkit. Participants will generate statements about what should be incorporated into a toolkit to help persons with SCI/D manage their medications. Participants will rate the final list of statements on importance and feasibility and sort the statements into thematic piles. A visual map will be developed by a subset of participants, representing the thematic piles. Findings To date, participants have generated over 500 statements. Ideas generated around the content of the toolkit focus on information about: pharmacological and non-pharmacological options for managing secondary complications, side effects, communicating with providers, and medication access. Ideas specific to the delivery of the toolkit focus on: ensuring an individualized approach, accessibility, and the use of visuals. Statements will be synthesized for sorting and rating and mapping. Conclusion Subsequent phases of this research will refine the toolkit through interviews and input from our working group. A mixed methods pilot evaluation will then be conducted to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the toolkit, as well medication knowledge, self-efficacy, and quality of life.

Student Competition (Health Services, Economics and Policy Change) ID 1977283

Background/Objective Assistive technologies (AT) span a large range of products from mobility aides such as canes to electronic systems that provide reminders. These technologies are important in facilitating independence, recovery and improved quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, clinical and economic outcomes for AT evaluated in the scientific literature is unclear. Thus, the aim of this study is to review the clinical and economic evidence for AT in the SCI population. Design/Methods Scientific literature databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE and CINAHL will be searched using terms identified in collaboration with a Medical Librarian. In the first stage, the titles and abstracts of clinical studies and economic analyses of AT focused in SCI will be screened by two reviewers. This will be followed by a second stage full-text screening for inclusion in the review by the same reviewers. The types of ATs evaluated will be identified along with the outcomes measured. Where applicable, study results will be presented using summary statistics. Results Work is currently underway to identify the citations. Two reviewers will then screen the titles and abstracts. It is anticipated that a large majority of the citations will be screened out with a small number of studies remaining. Most studies are also expected to be for the clinical evaluation of AT with variable outcomes. Conclusions The results of this scoping review will provide valuable insight on the types of AT where clinical and economic evidence is available and identify where the current research gaps are.

Student Competition (Technology Innovation) ID 1985155

Background ISMS entails implanting micro-electrodes into the spinal cord to produce synergistic activations of the legs. To date, ISMS has produced in-place stepping in cats with complete spinal cord injury (SCI) (Saigal et al, 2004), and long distances of over ground walking in anesthetized cats (Holinski et al, 2016). Objective The goal of this project is to develop an intervention for restoring overground walking capacity for persons experiencing paralysis due to SCI, by investigating the potential of ISMS to enable long-distance overground walking in cats with chronic SCI. Method Experiments will be performed in eight adult cats with chronic complete SCI. The control strategy will include timed transitions between different phases of the step cycle, which will be modified using feedback from force plates and gyroscopes. The biomechanics of walking (speed of walking, stride length, left-right symmetry, inter-joint coordination) and muscle activation patterns will be recorded and analyzed. The stride-to-stride regularity of walking, amount of weight-bearing, and level of spasticity before, during, and after ISMS will be assessed. Results We expect that ISMS will produce long distances of walking (>500 m) in cats with SCI. The biomechanical features of walking will be similar to those in neurologically-intact cats. Conclusion This project is a critical step towards demonstrating the viability of ISMS as a means for restoring functional walking after severe SCI. If successful, ISMS and the control strategies developed may in the future change the lives of many people living with SCI, giving them the capability to walk independently.

Student Competition (Knowledge Generation) ID 1987548

Background Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the most common form of spinal impairment worldwide and is caused by a series of degenerative changes that compress the spinal cord. DCM can be treated with surgical decompression (DEC), but recovery is impaired by secondary injury, such that 44% of patients who undergo DEC never regain lost function, and 9% experience persistent decline. The fractalkine receptor, CX3CR1, is expressed by monocyte-derived macrophages and CNS-resident microglia, where it mediates communication with neurons expressing its ligand, CX3CL1, and maintains phagocytic, migration, and injury response functions. Objective The purpose of this study is to determine the role of fractalkine in degeneration and post-surgical injury. We hypothesize that CX3CR1 expression is elevated by DCM and DEC and that inhibiting it may attenuate inflammation and improve functional outcomes. Methods To determine this, I am using a mouse model of C5-6 myelopathy in Cx3cr1-knockout and wildtype mice to produce functional degeneration and neuropathic pain across a 12-week period. Results Immunostaining of spinal tissue from myelo-pathic wildtype mice indicates upregulation of CX3CR1 throughout DCM and confirms this expression to be mediated by resident microglia. Inhibiting fractalkine signalling attenuates neuropathic pain across DCM progression. Following DEC, these benefits are reversed, and knockouts experience more pain up to 5 weeks post-surgery, suggesting a critical role for CX3CR1 in mediating secondary injury. Conclusions My findings thus far indicate a significant role played by fractalkine signaling in DCM and DEC recovery and posit microglia as a target for therapeutic intervention.

Moving Research-Based Learning in Life Sciences Upstream, and Beyond Borders: An International Group Research Project for High School Youth.

International cooperation beyond borders, institutions, and intergenerationally is an important aspect of science and research-based learning. Timing of learning also matters. Early exposure to group research-based learning can potentially have lasting positive impacts on youth and their careers in life sciences. Here, we report our work on the International Group Project (IGP), which builds on the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) organized in Yerevan, Armenia, in 2022. The IBO is an annual international competition for high school students held since 1990 around the world. We envisioned the IGP as a novel opportunity for life sciences research-based education among youth. We formed diverse IGP research teams 2 months before the IBO, and comprised high school students from 32 countries, communicating in a digital environment via videoconferencing. Each team formulated a research question in an IGP theme from five domains of life sciences: "Biomedicine," "Molecular and cell biology," "Bioinformatics and Artificial Intelligence," "Bionics and Biomimicry," "Across Species." Subsequently, team members collectively solved their research question by applying life sciences methodologies under supervision from a facilitator scientist. Each team created a poster based on their research and presented in-person to the public at a satellite activity at the IBO. A special subcommittee of the IBO International Jury graded posters and allocated prizes based on scientific ingenuity and presentation quality. This experience from the IGP lends evidence to the feasibility of research-based learning in life sciences for high school youth beyond borders. Moving research-based learning upstream and internationally is well poised to advance 21st century life sciences from both interdisciplinary and intergenerational standpoints. The historic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic suggests that youth engagement in research-based learning and innovation in life sciences is timely.

Synthetic Speech Attribution: Highlights From the IEEE Signal Processing Cup 2022 Student Competition [SP Competitions

Synthetic Speech Attribution: Highlights From the IEEE Signal Processing Cup 2022 Student Competition [SP Competitions

Pengembangan Model Inovasi dan Kreativitas Keilmuan Pendidikan Islam Anak Usia Dini

One of the important tasks of the study program is to carry out educational innovation and creativity. This research was conducted to find a model for developing scientific innovation and creativity in the study program. The research method used is field research in which the data is identified through interviews, documentation, and observation. The results of the research are First, PIAUD Study Program students realize the importance of scientific innovation and creativity in early childhood education because it is based on the scientific reality of early childhood education that requires creativity, the demands of institutional work that want creative graduates, and scientific opportunities in early childhood education that have market opportunities. good to develop. Second, the model for developing scientific innovation and creativity in early childhood education is carried out through intensive collaboration between lecturers and students which is realized by institutional mentoring of lecturers with the PIAUD Studio community which is established and developed according to students' interests and talents in the scientific field of early childhood education. With this model, PIAUD Study Program students have good creativity and innovation as evidenced by various achievements at the national level in innovation and creativity competitions for early childhood education students.

Competence of Islamic Religious Education Teachers from The Perspective of the Quran

This study aims to obtain a map of the pedagogic, professional, and personality competencies of Islamic religious education teachers from the perspective of the Koran in the city of South Tangerang and their development strategy. This type of research is library and field research using a qualitative descriptive research design. The methodology used in this study is a mixed-method research approach. The object of this research is the teacher of Islamic religious education in South Tangerang. The research data were obtained through questionnaires, observation, interviews, and documentation techniques. Data were analyzed using an interactive data analysis model carried out descriptively. Based on the results of the study shows that the personality competence of Islamic religious education teachers in South Tangerang City on several achievement indicators shows a low level of competence, including; lack of innovation in learning, lack of activating students, lack of self-development, lack of discipline in assignments, not completing assignments thoroughly and improving the quality of personality competence of Islamic religious education teachers, including coaching Islamic religious education teachers, fostering Islamic religious education curricula at the kindergarten, junior high, and high school/vocational school levels, collaboration with the South Tangerang city government in developing Islamic religious education, conducting studies, research and mock studies, holding competitions for students and teachers.

Strategies for Utilising Educational Technology to Improve the Competitiveness of Student Small Businesses

In the era of globalisation and advances in information technology, competition in various business sectors is increasingly fierce, including in the world of small businesses. On the other hand, higher education also faces the challenge of preparing students to become graduates who have high competitiveness in the ever-changing labour market. The purpose of this study is to explain the strategy of utilising educational technology to improve the competitiveness of students' small businesses. This research is a literature review that uses a qualitative method approach, which means it will analyse and interpret data by relying on information and text from various sources. The study results show that the integration of educational technology has a significant positive impact on the growth of small businesses as well as students' readiness to face competition in the global market. Through technology-based education, students are given the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of business aspects, develop relevant technological skills, and design smarter strategies. Technology adoption supports operational efficiency with automation of routine tasks, more accurate inventory management, and better financial management. The utilisation of technology also provides opportunities for innovation in products, services, and business processes, which in turn helps small businesses to compete better in the marketplace.

Current Employment Situation and Countermeasures of Students in Chinese Higher Colleges and Universities

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the current situation of student employment and countermeasures in Chinese higher vocational colleges and universities. By analyzing the current situation, it is found that students of higher vocational colleges and universities are facing many challenges in the process of employment, including the severe form of employment rate, academic bias, unbalanced quality of education, lack of career planning and employment skills, and changes in the structure of talent demand. The specific reasons are as follows: imbalance of educational resources, unreasonable employment concepts, industry restructuring, skill matching problems, and lack of practical experience. Aiming at these status quo problems and reasons, this paper puts forward some countermeasures, including designing a good cultivation system at the school level, strengthening employment guidance services, carrying out entrepreneurship services, carrying out the matching of the talent market, deepening the co-operation between schools and enterprises, and strengthening the support of the government, and so on. By implementing these countermeasures, it is hoped that the employment competitiveness of students in higher vocational colleges and universities can be improved and their successful employment promoted.