Conventional Training Methods Research Articles

Train one and get a crew: a multilevel evaluation of team-centric leadership training for airport security screening crew leaders

Purpose This study aims to introduce a team-centric leadership training program tailored for leaders of critical action teams. It emphasizes the critical role of effective teamwork in high-stakes environments. Design/methodology/approach The authors developed a team-centric leadership training program for crew leaders of airport security teams. The training program comprised in-class teaching on the psychological foundations of teamwork and practical simulations. The training program’s effectiveness was assessed at the individual and team levels using Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model to obtain a complete evaluation of its effectiveness. First, a pre- and posttraining questionnaire recorded changes in self-efficacy, knowledge and skills about teamwork at the individual level from 62 leaders. Second, the authors assessed the transfer effects of the team-centric leadership training on self-reported team processes and team performance during a work shift of 37 crews. Findings Results indicate an improvement in the application of teamwork skills but not in self-efficacy or knowledge among crew leaders who underwent the training. Additional analysis revealed that leaders with initially high self-efficacy in teamwork experienced a reduction posttraining, whereas those with initially low levels reported an increase. Teams led by trained leaders demonstrated a higher engagement in key team processes than those led by untrained leaders. No effect has been found on team performance. Originality/value This study offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional teamwork training methods, specifically designed for high-pressure security contexts. The authors advocate for the adoption of this training model by security professionals, aiming to elevate team processes and operational efficacy in critical action teams.

The effects of e-learning using educational multimedia on the ethical decision-making and professionalism of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has created a great challenge for educational systems worldwide. During this time, educational centers have been encouraged to use e-learning programs to protect the population against infection. Online teaching has the greatest effect on the process of teaching-learning for certain topics, including professional behavior and commitment, which has prompted educational systems to use creative strategies for a greater effect on learners. The present study aims to determine the effects of e-learning using educational multimedia on the ethical decision-making and professionalism of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis study was conducted using a quasi-experimental design with a control group. The statistical population comprised second-semester nursing students in a first-rank nursing school in north western Iran. The samples were selected using simple random sampling and were divided into experimental (n = 40) and control (n = 40) groups. In the first stage of teaching, the conventional training method of the COVID-19 pandemic was used in both groups. In the second stage of teaching, an in-person workshop was organized for the control group and an e-learning workshop using educational multimedia for the experimental group. Data were collected by a tool with three parts: Demographic information, the Nursing Dilemma Test (NDT) by Crisham based on the Nurse Principled Thinking, and the Nursing Students Professional Behaviors Scale (NSPBS) designed by Goz. Data were analyzed in SPSS 25 software.ResultsThere was a statistically significant increase in the post-test mean score of professionalism (125.70 ± 6.20 vs. 120.95 ± 9.28) and ethical decision-making (46.17 ± 3.81 vs. 44.02 ± 3.21) in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe learning environment affects learning, and e-learning using educational multimedia has a greater impact than in-person workshops on improved learning outcomes with regard to ethical decision-making and professionalism.

Novel Image-Guided Simulator for Transcervical Intralaryngeal Injection Training.

To assess the impact of a novel 3D-printed simulation model with Brainlab Image Guidance on enhancing otolaryngology residents' skills and confidence in performing transcervical intralaryngeal injection (TII) compared with conventional training methods. Utilizing a 3D-printed larynx model derived from computed tomography (CT) scans, this study involved 16 otolaryngology residents divided into two groups for TII training: one with Brainlab Image Guidance (LMIG) and the other without (LM). Pre- and post-training evaluations measured participants' confidence while the Brainlab system measured the accuracy of their needle placements. After training, participants exhibited a significant increase in confidence with an average rise from 1.56 to 2.75 on a 5-point scale. The LMIG group outperformed the LM group in accuracy achieving statistically significant reductions in target distances after training (3.5 mm right, 3.6 mm left). The LMIG also demonstrated a significantly greater increase in procedural confidence over the LM group after training. The TII laryngeal model with Brainlab Image Guidance significantly improves procedural confidence and accuracy among otolaryngology residents, signifying potential advantage over a more conventional training approach. The model's realistic tactile and live instrument positioning feedback augments the process of surgical skill refinement in a controlled, risk-free, simulation environment. NA Laryngoscope, 2024.

From knowledge to action: Assessing the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality training on safety behaviors in confined spaces using the Kirkpatrick model

Safety in the industrial sector is paramount, with national legislations establishing specific regulations to reduce accidents. These regulations emphasize risk removal and proper operator training as preventive measures. However, traditional training can be time-consuming and costly, leading companies to meet only the minimum requirements. In particular, confined spaces pose significant dangers, often resulting in fatal, cascading accidents due to a lack of proper safety procedures. Therefore, effective training is crucial to mitigate these risks.Advanced technologies like Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) present new opportunities for cost-effective and extensive training campaigns by eliminating the risks associated with real environment training, offering a safe yet realistic experience.Despite the widespread adoption of IVR training applications in industrial research, there is a notable lack of systematic approaches to evaluate their effectiveness. Conducting such evaluations is crucial to ascertain their impact on essential training outcomes, including participant engagement, knowledge transfer, and enhanced safety behavior during work activities.To address this gap, we developed an IVR-based training platform for confined space safety procedures and established a systematic validation procedure using the Kirkpatrick model to assess its effectiveness compared to conventional training methods. Results demonstrate that IVR training provides an excellent user experience, better knowledge transfer than the traditional approach, and improved performance in simulated procedures, reducing execution errors and completion times. This dual focus on creating and validating the IVR system underscores its potential as an effective training tool in hazardous environments such as confined spaces, where proper training can prevent tragic fatalities.

Model and Method for Providing Resilience to Resource-Constrained AI-System.

Artificial intelligence technologies are becoming increasingly prevalent in resource-constrained, safety-critical embedded systems. Numerous methods exist to enhance the resilience of AI systems against disruptive influences. However, when resources are limited, ensuring cost-effective resilience becomes crucial. A promising approach for reducing the resource consumption of AI systems during test-time involves applying the concepts and methods of dynamic neural networks. Nevertheless, the resilience of dynamic neural networks against various disturbances remains underexplored. This paper proposes a model architecture and training method that integrate dynamic neural networks with a focus on resilience. Compared to conventional training methods, the proposed approach yields a 24% increase in the resilience of convolutional networks and a 19.7% increase in the resilience of visual transformers under fault injections. Additionally, it results in a 16.9% increase in the resilience of convolutional network ResNet-110 and a 21.6% increase in the resilience of visual transformer DeiT-S under adversarial attacks, while saving more than 30% of computational resources. Meta-training the neural network model improves resilience to task changes by an average of 22%, while achieving the same level of resource savings.

A visual management and augmented-reality-based training module for the enhancement of short and long-term procedural knowledge retention in complex machinery setup

Proper training for operators is essential, given the complexity of modern manufacturing and the challenges posed by diverse worker demographics and high workforce turnover. Since conventional training methods are inadequate when considering the mentioned challenges, digital technologies and assistive devices can be used to improve information management. This work studies how the combination of Augmented Reality (AR) and Visual Management (VM) supports worker training by considering short- and long-term efficacy. The literature gaps on researching the training and knowledge retention of manufacturing workers using combined lean tools and digital technologies indicate that current studies focus on short-term training performed in laboratories, overlooking the integration of VM and AR for industrial training. Thus, the authors developed and validated in practice a VMAR-based training module for the setup of complex machinery in the process industry. To assess its efficacy, a comparison between a test group and a confirmation group of company’s workers has been performed. The number and types of setup error have been collected and analysed to evaluate and compare short- and long-term procedural knowledge retention. The results reveal that the VMAR-based training module better supports workers both in the short- and long-period compared with traditional working procedures. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrates the inefficacy of traditional approaches in properly supporting the training of complex machinery setups considering the study’s application. Future works should address the assessment of knowledge retention by considering a longer period, as well as on physiological data collection to better understand which elements of the training module are most crucial to the transfer of knowledge.

Effectiveness of linear and non-linear training on psychological factors related to learning: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Learning progressions in non-linear education consider learners' growth through various learning stages and the significant implications for organizing practices, instructions, and feedback. However, the conventional linear training method has been utilized for many years and offers its own set of advantages. Aim: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of linear and non-linear training on psychological factors related to learning. Methods: In this research, articles related to the research topic from 2000 to 2020 were searched in scientific databases both in Iran and internationally. Initially, 226 study titles were collected based on the research keywords. After applying entry and exit criteria, removing duplicates and irrelevant items, 17 studies were selected as the statistical sample for final analysis. Results: Based on the existing studies and their review, it appears that more research should be conducted with a qualitative approach in this field. Many variables in the real world are qualitative and are challenging to quantify. Additionally, it was observed that both linear and non-linear training approaches have a positive impact on the psychological factors of novice athletes, with most studies favoring the non-linear method. Conclusion: Given the effectiveness of both approaches, future research should focus on determining the specific contributions of each approach to the psychological factors related to learning.

Analysis of the Effectiveness of High-Intensity Interval Training Methods in Improving Basketball Players Fitness

This research aims to analyze the effectiveness of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in improving the fitness of basketball players. Employing a literature review methodology, this study explores recent findings related to the application of HIIT in the context of basketball sports. The literature analysis involves searching and screening various scientific articles covering aspects such as improved cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, time efficiency, and safety considerations. The results indicate that HIIT holds significant potential in enhancing the cardiorespiratory fitness of basketball players, with positive effects on aerobic capacity and cardiorespiratory endurance. Furthermore, HIIT has also shown a positive impact on increasing muscle strength and endurance. The effectiveness of HIIT can be observed in its time efficiency, as this high-intensity training program can deliver significant results in a shorter time compared to conventional training methods. However, the study also highlights the importance of considering the risks and safety considerations in implementing HIIT, emphasizing the need for an individualized approach and careful monitoring. Thus, this research provides a solid foundation for the development of more focused and effective training programs to enhance the performance of basketball players. The practical implications of these findings can assist coaches and fitness professionals in designing exercise programs tailored to the specific needs of basketball players, taking into account cardiorespiratory aspects, muscle strength, time efficiency, and safety.

Effects of rhythmic auditory stimulation on gait speed in older adult inpatients in a convalescent rehabilitation ward: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

To assess the impact of gait training with rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) on enhancing gait speed in older people admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation ward (CRW), compared to conventional gait training methods. The study was designed as a single-center, open-label, pilot, randomized, parallel-group study. Thirty older people admitted to CRW were divided into two groups: the experimental group, which received gait training with RAS (n = 15, females = 53.3%, mean age = 83.9, SD = 6.5), and the control group, which underwent usual gait training (n = 15, females = 60.0%, mean age = 81.3, SD = 8.4). Regardless of their assigned group, all participants underwent 30min training sessions, five times a week, for 3 weeks. The primary outcome was the 10m walk test (10mWT), and the secondary outcomes included the Medical Outcome Study 8-Item Short-Form Health Survey and the Japanese version of the modified Gait Efficacy Scale. All measurements were taken at baseline and again at week 3. Results indicated that older people in CRWs in the experimental group showed significant improvements in their 10mWT (effect size - 1.02) compared to the control group. None of the secondary outcomes were significant. This study suggests the preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of a gait practice intervention using RAS in a CRW. The University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Registered 1 October 2022 (UMIN000049089).

Exergames as an Effective Alternative to Real Environmental Tennis Training for Adolescents.

(1) Background: The popularity of motion-sensing computer-based games, like virtual reality (VR) exergames, is increasing among adolescents. However, their efficacy compared to conventional physical training methods remains unclear. This study investigated whether VR exergames produce effects on reaction time (RT) comparable to traditional tennis training in school-aged adolescents. (2) Methods: In total, 130 adolescents (mean age: 15.6 ± 2.0 years; 67 boys: 15.5 ± 2.2 years; 63 girls: 15.7 ± 1.8 years) were recruited in schools and assigned to one of three groups: VR exergame (G1, n = 39), tennis training (G2, n = 25), or control (G3, n = 66). Participants' RTs were evaluated before and after the interventions. G1 engaged in VR exergames for 8 min, G2 underwent traditional tennis training for 30 min, and G3 did not participate in any physical activity. (3) Results: Our results indicated that in G3, girls exhibited slower RTs compared to boys (p < 0.0). No differences were observed in RTs when comparing G1 and G2. (4) Conclusions: Sex appeared to influence RT, with girls showing slower RTs than boys in G3. The findings suggest that VR exergames and traditional tennis training have similar impacts on RT. This indicates the potential of VR exergames as an alternative to conventional physical training for improving RT in adolescents.

Improvement of Physical Health of Primary School Students in the Haibo Bay Area

Background and Aim: A healthier population will have a positive impact on the entire community. In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the physical health of children, but the current physical health of primary school students in the Bay Area is still worrying. Lack of awareness in schools, limited resources, and insufficient attention to physical education are among the major causes of the decline in physical health caused by irregular lifestyles, the increase in electronic products, lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating habits, and the urgent need to implement effective interventions, The aim is to improve the physical health of primary school students in Haibo Bay to ensure that the overall health level of primary school students in Haibo Bay is improved. Thus, the purpose of this study is to find the decline in the physical health of primary school students in Haibu Bay Area, to develop appropriate teaching and training plans to improve the decline in the physical health of primary school students in Haibu Bay Area and to provide reasonable suggestions to improve students' cardiorespiratory endurance, strength, coordination, flexibility, and weight reduction through exercises. Materials and Methods: This study is an experimental study. G*power is used to calculate that the minimum sample size required for the experiment is 40 people (20 men and women each). A total of 80 students (40 men and women each) are recruited for this study. There are 141 students in grade 5. We randomly select 20 male and female students from each class for training as the experimental group (40 people in total), and 20 male and female students from each class as the control group (40 people in total). The experimental group receives systematic teaching training while the control group receives routine training. The data collected before and after the experiment were sorted out and analyzed. SPSSAU statistical software was used to conduct paired sample T-tests for intra-group comparison and paired sample T-tests for inter-group comparison. The statistical results were represented by mean ± standard deviation and the significance level was set as P&lt;0.05, which made the test scores of students more accurate and more conducive to the formulation and implementation of teaching plans. Understand the student's physical condition. Results: (1) Through systematic physical education training, the experimental group of men and women had different degrees of improvement than before the experiment, in which weight, 50 meters, one-minute jump rope, one-minute sit-up, and seat body forward bending were the most obvious, and the control group also had improvement, but compared with the experimental group, the improvement was smaller. (2) After systematic physical training, the scores of physical health tests of both male and female students in the experimental group were significantly improved, indicating that systematic physical training has a positive effect on improving the physical health of primary school students. And (3) After systematic physical training, the physical health scores of both men and women in the experimental group were higher than those of the control group. It shows that the systematic teaching and training method is more effective than the conventional teaching and training method. Conclusion: the systematic physical education training employed in the study yielded notable improvements in various fitness parameters for both male and female primary school students. The experimental group exhibited superior enhancements compared to the control group, highlighting the efficacy of the systematic teaching and training approach. These findings underscore the positive impact of structured physical education programs in enhancing the overall physical health and fitness of young students.

The impact of virtual reality simulation on dental education: A systematic review of learning outcomes and student engagement.

Virtual reality (VR) simulations have been increasingly employed to train dental students prior to clinical practice. According to the literature, blended learning designs in the form of VR simulations can be utilized by both dental students and instructors to provide quality education. They can also save time and improve motor skills before students enter clinical stages. Therefore, this study was designed to review the importance of available VR simulators and their impact on student learning and outcomes. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed to review the literature systematically, and different databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched (up to December 2023) for relevant articles using keywords: "virtual reality," "virtual reality simulators," "virtual reality simulation," and "dental education." The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the study quality. After a comprehensive literature search, 1477 research articles were identified, of which 16 were included in the present study. In terms of students' learning outcomes, engagement, and optimal approach, a significant improvement was observed compared to conventional training methods, specifically in their knowledge, performance, confidence, and psychomotor skills. The findings suggest that VR simulators enhance the overall learning abilities of dental students and should be regarded as an integral component of the current curriculum. However, it is important to recognize that VR simulators cannot fully substitute traditional training methods; rather, they can effectively complement them.

The impact of gamification on training, work engagement, and job satisfaction in banking

AbstractThis study contributes to the comparative analysis of outcomes between gamified and traditional training systems in the banking sector. On‐the‐job training is a vital aspect of the process of enhancing work performance within organizations. Thus, by employing a case‐based asymmetric configural approach rooted in nonlinear and contrarian case analysis, this research investigates the impact of gamified training on human resource development. A global empirical survey of 388 banking employees revealed that a combination of complexity theory and configural analysis provides valuable insights into the outcomes of both gamified and conventional training methods. In the face of increasing competition, banks are compelled to enhance their professionalism by boosting employee motivation. It becomes apparent that there is no straightforward, necessary and sufficient path available to guarantee high levels of engagement and job satisfaction. Notably, some of these results challenge the expectations of self‐determination theory (SDT), which posits the satisfaction of three basic psychological needs during training. These findings contribute to an enriched understanding of the nuanced application of complexity theory in the context of SDT research, particularly regarding the training and development of gamified systems for banking organizations and other service‐oriented sectors that can benefit from such innovative training approaches.

Operator learning for homogenizing hyperelastic materials, without PDE data

In this work, we address operator learning for stochastic homogenization in nonlinear elasticity. A Fourier neural operator is employed to learn the map between the input field describing the material at fine scale and the deformation map. We propose a variationally-consistent loss function that does not involve solution field data. The methodology is tested on materials described either by piecewise constant fields at microscale, or by random fields at mesoscale. High prediction accuracy is obtained for both the solution field and the homogenized response. We show, in particular, that the accuracy achieved with the proposed strategy is comparable to that obtained with the conventional data-driven training method.

Adversarial attacks and adversarial training for burn image segmentation based on deep learning.

Deep learning has been widely applied in the fields of image classification and segmentation, while adversarial attacks can impact the model's results in image segmentation and classification. Especially in medical images, due to constraints from factors like shooting angles, environmental lighting, and diverse photography devices, medical images typically contain various forms of noise. In order to address the impact of these physically meaningful disturbances on existing deep learning models in the application of burn image segmentation, we simulate attack methods inspired by natural phenomena and propose an adversarial training approach specifically designed for burn image segmentation. The method is tested on our burn dataset. Through the defensive training using our approach, the segmentation accuracy of adversarial samples, initially at 54%, is elevated to 82.19%, exhibiting a 1.97% improvement compared to conventional adversarial training methods, while substantially reducing the training time. Ablation experiments validate the effectiveness of individual losses, and we assess and compare training results with different adversarial samples using various metrics.

Analysis of the effect of training on the explosive power of the pencak silat sickle kick: a comparative study of plyometric and conventional exercises

This study aimed to find out the differences between the effects of plyometric and conventional exercises on the explosive power of the spark. This study used an experimental method where the sample is given treatment. The subjects in this study were 4th semester students of the STKIP Setiabudhi Sports Education study program. The sampling technique used cluster random sampling, so a sample of 40 students was obtained. The study was conducted for 14 meetings with a training frequency of twice a week. The sample was given treatment in the form of plyometric training to increase the explosive power of the sickle kick. The data obtained was analyzed using the SPSS version 26 application. The results of the comparison between plyometric and conventional exercises for low hand-foot coordination were reviewed. The study indicated that the value of Qcount = 12.96 exceeded Qtable = 4.90, or Qcount &gt; Qtable, suggesting significant differences, with the plyometric exercise method proving superior to conventional exercise. Further, the results of the comparison of plyometric and conventional exercises were reviewed for high hand-foot coordination and the results showed that the value of Qcount = 6.65 was greater than Qtable = 4.90, or Qcount &gt; Qtable, indicating significant differences favoring the plyometric exercise method over conventional exercise. The plyometric training method and the conventional training method have an influence on the explosive power of the sickle kick. However, the plyometric training method is more influential, effective, and good for the explosive power of the sickle kick than the conventional training method. This study aimed to find out the differences between the effects of plyometric and conventional exercises on the explosive power of the spark. This study used an experimental method where the sample is given treatment. The subjects in this study were 4th semester students of the STKIP Setiabudhi Sports Education study program. The sampling technique used cluster random sampling, so a sample of 40 students was obtained. The study was conducted for 14 meetings with a training frequency of twice a week. The sample was given treatment in the form of plyometric training to increase the explosive power of the sickle kick. The data obtained was analyzed using the SPSS version 26 application. The results of the comparison between plyometric and conventional exercises for low hand-foot coordination were reviewed. The study indicated that the value of Qcount = 12.96 exceeded Qtable = 4.90, or Qcount &gt; Qtable, suggesting significant differences, with the plyometric exercise method proving superior to conventional exercise. Further, the results of the comparison of plyometric and conventional exercises were reviewed for high hand-foot coordination and the results showed that the value of Qcount = 6.65 was greater than Qtable = 4.90, or Qcount &gt; Qtable, indicating significant differences favoring the plyometric exercise method over conventional exercise. The plyometric training method and the conventional training method have an influence on the explosive power of the sickle kick. However, the plyometric training method is more influential, effective, and good for the explosive power of the sickle kick than the conventional training method.

Application of augmented reality for crime scene investigation training and education

The role of the crime scene investigator is complex, and investigators need to be able to conduct multiple frequently performed tasks. Appropriate training and education are critical to impart the crime scene investigator with the necessary capabilities. For a range of reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for multi-disciplinary capabilities, training and education requirements have evolved in recent times to be more flexible and accessible.The skills of a crime scene investigator can be broadly categorised into two types of fundamental skills: decision-making and psychomotor skills. Both these skills need to be taught and assessed within training and education programs. The most common approach to impart these skills is by incorporating a crime scene simulation facility; however, not everyone has access to these facilities. Furthermore, crime scene staff often undertake refresher courses and are required to complete proficiency assessments. Conducting these activities in a dedicated crime scene simulation facility is time consuming and costly. Virtual tools have been developed in recent years to address this, but these tools only assess decision-making skills and not psychomotor skills.This paper argues that the implementation of augmented reality (AR) technology should be considered in crime scene investigator training and university education, because it can provide significant advantages when paired with conventional methods of training and education. When appropriately managed, AR can provide an avenue of training where both decision-making and psychomotor skills can be addressed simultaneously, while providing a more flexible and accessible approach. The implementation of AR has the potential to significantly improve the standards of teaching, resulting in better equipped crime scene investigators.The paper will explore how AR has the potential to improve accessibility of training, increase safety, enhance the student experience, enhance collaboration and feedback through connectivity and potentially reduce cost. This paper will also provide an insight into what would need to be considered before implementing AR technology into crime scene investigation training and education alongside current approaches. It is argued that the inclusion of AR into the current training and education arsenal provides significant benefits that are worthy of exploration.

Developing and Validating an Intelligent Mouth-Opening Training Device: A New Solution for Restricted Mouth Opening.

Restricted mouth opening (trismus) is one of the most common complications following head and neck cancer treatment. Early initiation of mouth-opening exercises is crucial for preventing or minimizing trismus. Current methods for these exercises predominantly involve finger exercises and traditional mouth-opening training devices. Our research group successfully designed an intelligent mouth-opening training device (IMOTD) that addresses the limitations of traditional home training methods, including the inability to quantify mouth-opening exercises, a lack of guided training resulting in temporomandibular joint injuries, and poor training continuity leading to poor training effect. For this device, an interactive remote guidance mode is introduced to address these concerns. The device was designed with a focus on the safety and effectiveness of medical devices. The accuracy of the training data was verified through piezoelectric sensor calibration. Through mechanical analysis, the stress points of the structure were identified, and finite element analysis of the connecting rod and the occlusal plate connection structure was conducted to ensure the safety of the device. The findings support the effectiveness of the intelligent device in rehabilitation through preclinical experiments when compared with conventional mouth-opening training methods. This intelligent device facilitates the quantification and visualization of mouth-opening training indicators, ensuring both the comfort and safety of the training process. Additionally, it enables remote supervision and guidance for patient training, thereby enhancing patient compliance and ultimately ensuring the effectiveness of mouth-opening exercises.

Effectiveness of virtual reality interactive simulation practice in prosthodontic education: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Virtual reality-based interactive simulation (VRIS) provides a safe and controlled environment for dental students and professionals to develop skills and knowledge. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of using the VRIS for prosthodontic practice and to explore the trends, application areas, and users' attitudes towards VRIS. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for searching studies published until 21 March 2023 that reported quantitative or qualitative learning outcomes related to the use of VRIS for dental prosthodontic practice and clinical training. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale-Education (NOS-E) tools. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to compare the intervention group (utilizing VRIS) and the control group (employing conventional prosthodontic training methods) based on performance skill scores and task completion time, with a significance level set at <.05. The meta-analysis revealed that the utilization of VRIS generally improves students' performance scores (SMD = 1.04; 95% CI, -0.35 to 2.44; I2 > 50%; p = .13) and reduces task completion time (SMD = -0.03; 95% CI, 1.39-7.72; I2 > 50%; p = .93). Notably, using VRIS significantly enhanced the performance scores in implant surgery practice (SMD = 0.26; 95% CI, 0.09-0.42; p < .05). Additionally, the VRIS method significantly reduced task completion time in the cavity restorative preparation task (SMD = -1.19; 95% CI, -1.85 to -0.53; p < .05). Engaging in practice with VRIS has the potential to enhance learning proficiency in prosthodontic education. The advantages associated with VRIS encompass the provision of immediate feedback, decreased task completion time, heightened confidence and motivation, accelerated skill acquisition, improved performance scores, and increased learning engagement.

Investigation of Compressor Cascade Flow Using Physics-Informed Neural Networks with Adaptive Learning Strategy

In this study, we utilize the emerging physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) approach for the first time to predict the flowfield of a compressor cascade. Different from conventional training methods, a new adaptive learning strategy that mitigates gradient imbalance through incorporating adaptive weights in conjunction with a dynamically adjusting learning rate is used during the training process to improve the convergence of PINNs. The performance of PINNs is assessed here by solving both the forward and inverse problems. In the forward problem, by encapsulating the physical relations among relevant variables, PINNs demonstrate their effectiveness in accurately forecasting the compressor’s flowfield. PINNs also show obvious advantages over the traditional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approaches, particularly in scenarios lacking complete boundary conditions, as is often the case in inverse engineering problems. PINNs successfully reconstruct the flowfield of the compressor cascade solely based on partial velocity vectors and near-wall pressure information. Furthermore, PINNs show robust performance in the environment of various levels of aleatory uncertainties stemming from labeled data. This research provides evidence that PINNs can offer turbomachinery designers an additional and promising option alongside the current dominant CFD methods.