Level Of Technical Competence Research Articles

Effect of three training programs on surgical performance in single-port laparoscopic surgery.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three training methodologies on the acquisition of psychomotor skills for laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS), using straight and articulating instruments. A prospective study was conducted with subjects randomly divided into three groups, who performed a specific training for 12 days using three laparoscopic tasks in a laparoscopic simulator. Group-A trained in conventional laparoscopy setting using straight instruments and in LESS setting using both straight and articulating instruments. Group-B trained in LESS setting using straight and articulating instruments, whereas Group-C trained in LESS setting using articulating instruments. Participants' performance was recorded with a video-tracking system and evaluated with 12 motion analysis parameters (MAPs). All groups obtained significant differences in their performance in most of the MAPs. Group-C showed an improvement in nine MAPs, with a high level of technical competence. Group-A presented a marked improvement in bimanual dexterity skills. Training in LESS surgery using articulating laparoscopic instruments improves the quality of skills and allows smoother learning curves.

Cognitive-stylistic and metacognitive characteristics of schoolchildren and students with different indicators of digital competence

Introduction. The process of digital transformation of modern education largely depends on the digital competence of students. The relevance of the study of digital competence of students is determined by the broad involvement of young people in the use of digital educational technologies, the lack of a holistic view of the cognitive sphere of representatives of the "digital generation", the lack of empirical data on the integrative cognitive characteristics of students with different levels of digital competence. The purpose of this study is to study the relationship of indicators and types of digital competence with cognitive-style and metacognitive characteristics in schoolchildren and students. Materials and methods. The study involved students of secondary schools and university students living in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk (total sample: N=631). To diagnose digital competence, the method "Digital Competence Index" was used (G.U. Soldatova, T.A. Nestik, E.I. Rasskazova, E.Y. Zotova). To diagnose the characteristics of the cognitive sphere, the following methods were used: "Style of thinking" (A.K. Belousova), "Method of diagnosing the stylistic parameters of learning" (A. Salomon, R. Felder), "Metacognitive skills in the structure of educational and professional activity" (E.G. Denisova). Comparative and correlation analyses were used for statistical data processing. Results. The study revealed similarities in the overall level of digital competence of schoolchildren (N=281) and students (N=350), with a higher level of technical competence of school students (p ≤ 0.002) and a higher level of knowledge and skills of students in the field of practical application of digital technologies: in working with digital information (p ≤ 0.004), in online communication (p ≤ 0.002). in the use of the Internet for consumer purposes (p ≤ 0.005). Universal and specific cognitive-stylistic and metacognitive characteristics of young people with different indicators of digital competence were found. Universal characteristics include thinking styles that manifest themselves in orientation to selection, evaluation, meaning transfer and implementation in working with information. The features of subjects with a high level of digital competence are revealed: students of this subgroup, in comparison with students with a low level of digital competence, have a pronounced preference for an active learning style strategy (Uemp = 1012; p ≤ 0.0009), orientation to generating ideas in the process of joint solution of mental tasks (Uemp = 1145.5; p ≤ 0.01); students of this subgroup, in comparison with students with a low level of digital competence, are characterized by a combination of active and visual style strategies, the use of metacognitive skills in educational activities (Uemp = 1613; p ≤ 0.04). Conclusion. The study contributes to the understanding of the integrative cognitive characteristics of students with different levels of digital competence. The results obtained indicate the need to include in the programs for the development of digital competence of students of schools and universities activities aimed at the formation of metacognitive skills, and their implementation in conditions of joint educational activities.

Novices’ learning curve in single-port surgery using three surgical training programs

Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the novices’ learning curves and proficiency level reached in laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery using three surgical training programs. Material and methods Participants were randomly divided into three groups, who trained in a specific practice regimen for 12 days using a laparoscopic box simulator and three tasks. Group A trained in three stages using conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) with straight instruments, and LESS with straight and articulating instruments for four days each. Group B trained in two stages in LESS with straight and articulating instruments for six days each. Group C trained only in LESS with articulating instruments exclusively for all 12 days. Performance was registered daily during the 12 days to evaluate the participants’ progress. Results Pre- and post-training analysis of the three groups showed significant differences in performance, denoting the significant improvement in their LESS skills, with no difference between the groups. Group C reached a high level of technical competence with their specific training program in LESS, obtaining a lower asymptote and slow learning rate. Conclusion Specific training programs in LESS settings using articulated instruments showed a slower learning rate than the other programs but better proficiency in the technique with the best surgical performance.

Competence Development Of State Civil Apparatus At The Ministry Of Energy And Mineral Resources

This paper aims to describe the competency condition of personnel resources at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. This study uses interview and observation methods, the results of which are described based on the framework of the definition of competence in Law No. 5 of 2000 concerning State Civil Apparatuses. The results show that there are problems at the level of technical competence and managerial competence such as low employee ability due to the lack of opportunities to receive training and almost half of employees still do not experience higher education. Technical competence and managerial competence still have problems that need to be solved. These problems are essentially related to education, training, and placement of ASN resources at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

Sleep Bruxism in Children: A Narrative Review.

Sleep bruxism, characterized by involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth and/or by bracing or thrusting of the mandible during sleep, is common in children. Sleep bruxism occurs while the patient is asleep. As such, diagnosis can be difficult as the affected child is usually unaware of the tooth grinding sounds. This article aims to familiarize physicians with the diagnosis and management of sleep bruxism in children. A search was conducted in May 2023 in PubMed Clinical Queries using the key terms "Bruxism" OR "Teeth grinding" AND "sleep". The search strategy included all observational studies, clinical trials, and reviews published within the past 10 years. Only papers published in the English literature were included in this review. According to the International classification of sleep disorders, the minimum criteria for the diagnosis of sleep bruxism are (1) the presence of frequent or regular (at least three nights per week for at least three months) tooth grinding sounds during sleep and (2) at least one or more of the following (a) abnormal tooth wear; (b) transient morning jaw muscle fatigue or pain; (c) temporary headache; or (d) jaw locking on awaking. According to the International Consensus on the assessment of bruxism, "possible" sleep bruxism can be diagnosed based on self-report or report from family members of tooth-grinding sounds during sleep; "probable" sleep bruxism based on self-report or report from family members of tooth-grinding sounds during sleep plus clinical findings suggestive of bruxism (e.g., abnormal tooth wear, hypertrophy and/or tenderness of masseter muscles, or tongue/lip indentation); "definite" sleep bruxism based on the history and clinical findings and confirmation by polysomnography, preferably combined with video and audio recording. Although polysomnography is the gold standard for the diagnosis of sleep bruxism, because of the high cost, lengthy time involvement, and the need for high levels of technical competence, polysomnography is not available for use in most clinical settings. On the other hand, since sleep bruxism occurs while the patient is asleep, diagnosis can be difficult as the affected child is usually unaware of the tooth grinding sounds. In clinical practice, the diagnosis of sleep bruxism is often based on the history (e.g., reports of grinding noises during sleep) and clinical findings (e.g., tooth wear, hypertrophy and/or tenderness of masseter muscles). In childhood, sleep-bruxism is typically self-limited and does not require specific treatment. Causative or triggering factors should be eliminated if possible. The importance of sleep hygiene cannot be over-emphasized. Bedtime should be relaxed and enjoyable. Mental stimulation and physical activity should be limited before going to bed. For adults with frequent and severe sleep bruxism who do not respond to the above measures, oral devices can be considered to protect teeth from further damage during bruxism episodes. As the orofacial structures are still developing in the pediatric age group, the benefits and risks of using oral devices should be taken into consideration. Pharmacotherapy is not a favorable option and is rarely used in children. Current evidence on the effective interventions for the management of sleep bruxism in children is inconclusive. There is insufficient evidence to make recommendations for specific treatment at this time.

Exploring the Continuous Motivation of Algorithm Engineers under Multiple Objectives: A Mixed-Methods Study

There is a multi-objective coordination relationship between online platform enterprises and algorithm engineers. Based on principal–agent theory, this study builds a multi-objective coordination incentive model for the two using a mixed-methods approach. Qualitative analysis reveals three main attributes of algorithm items: completion time, difficulty, and quality. The quantitative analysis had two results: first, the level of effort of algorithm engineers on the three indicators—time, difficulty coefficient, and quality—is correlated positively with their own technical competence and negatively with the change rate of their marginal effort costs. Second, the company’s incentive coefficient for algorithm engineers depends on two factors: (1) comprehensive technical level, risk aversion coefficient, and marginal effort cost change rate of each algorithm engineer; and (2) the importance of the project for the company. The research findings suggest that enterprises adopt different incentive methods for different projects and enact hierarchical incentives for algorithm engineers with different levels of technical competence.

Nanotechnology-Based Strategies for Effective and Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has gained worldwide attention and has prompted the development of innovative diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines to mitigate the pandemic. Diagnostic methods based on reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology are the gold standard in the fight against COVID-19. However, this test might not be easily accessible in low-resource settings for the early detection and diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The lack of access to well-equipped clinical laboratories, requirement for the high level of technical competence, and the cost of the RT-PCR test are the major limitations. Moreover, RT-PCR is unsuitable for application at the point-of-care testing (PoCT) as it is time-consuming and lab-based. Due to emerging mutations of the virus and the burden it has placed on the health care systems, there is a growing urgency to develop sensitive, selective, and rapid diagnostic devices for COVID-19. Nanotechnology has emerged as a versatile technology in the production of reliable diagnostic tools for various diseases and offers new opportunities for the development of COVID-19 diagnostic systems. This review summarizes some of the nano-enabled diagnostic systems that were explored for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. It highlights how the unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticles were exploited in the development of novel colorimetric assays and biosensors for COVID-19 at the PoCT. The potential to improve the efficiency of the current assays, as well as the challenges associated with the development of these innovative diagnostic tools, are also discussed.

Students' Technology Competency Levels for Online Learning Using MOOCs During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study was conducted with the aim of identifying technological competencies of students who use Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) as an online learning platform during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected using online surveys with 1162 undergraduates. Descriptive analysis was performed on the data obtained. The results of the data analysis and discussion have been made and it can be concluded that the level of technical competence, social competence with instructors and classmates as well as communication proficiency among students using MOOC learning is at a high level

Backlash Effect on Highly Skilled North African Males Seeking Professional Advancement in France

Abstract. This study was carried out within the context of an assessment for promotion to a high-status position. It aimed to determine the conditions in which the backlash effect occurs in a group characterized by negative stereotypes owing to their ethnicity: North African males in France. One hundred twenty-eight recruitment professionals assessed the probability of promoting one of eight fictitious male applicants with different causal attributions (internal or external) and levels of technical competence (high or average), and of different ethnicities (European or North African). Internal attribution, one of the dimensions of self-promotion, was regarded as a counterstereotypical behavior for a North African applicant compared with a European applicant. Backlash was only observed in a high-threat context.

Neuroendoscopic training in neurosurgery: a simple and feasible model for neurosurgical education.

The development of high levels of technical competence and excellent decision-making skills are key goals of all neurosurgical residency training programs. This acquisition of technical skills is becoming increasingly difficult due to many factors including less exposure to operative cases, demand for more time and cost-effective practices, and resident work hour restrictions. We describe a step-by-step method for how to build a low-cost and feasible model that allows residents to improve their neuroendoscopic skills. The bell pepper-based model was developed as an endoscopic training model. Using continuous irrigation, several hands-on procedures were proposed under direct endoscopic visualization. Endoscope setup, endoscopic third ventriculostomy, septostomy, and tumor biopsy procedures were simulated and video recorded for further edition and analysis. The model can be setup in less than 15 min with minimal cost and infrastructure requirements. A single model allows simulation of all the exercises described above. The model allows exposure to the camera skills, instrument handling, and hand-eye coordination inherent to most neuroendoscopic procedures. Minimal infrastructure requirements, simplicity, and easily setup models provide a proper environment for regular training. The bell pepper-based model is inexpensive, widely available, and a feasible model for routine training. Neurosurgery residents may benefit from the use of this model to accelerate their learning curve and familiarize themselves with the neuroendoscopic core principles in a risk-free environment without time or resource constraints.

Competencias y actitudes para el uso de las TIC de los estudiantes del grado de maestro de Galicia.

La competencia para el uso de las TIC es esencial en el desempeño profesional docente. Tras décadas de estudio se observa que es necesario mejorar el nivel formativo, atendiendo a los constantes cambios generados por las tecnologías y la innovación educativa. El objetivo es conocer las competencias, usos y actitudes hacia las TIC de estudiantes del grado en maestro de educación infantil y primaria, así como contrastar de qué manera la interacción entre variables explica el uso que el alumnado realiza de las tecnologías. La muestra es de 526 estudiantes de la Universidad de Santiago de Compostela. Se usan análisis descriptivos para describir la muestra y las variables analizadas, un análisis de componentes principales para comprobar cómo se agrupaban los ítems de las escalas y análisis no paramétricos para contrastes estadísticos. Los participantes informan de una competencia media para el uso de las TIC con más dominio técnico que para el aprendizaje. A mayor nivel de competencia técnica, mayor uso de las TIC para el aprendizaje y para informarse. A mayor nivel de competencia en el uso de las TIC para el aprendizaje, mayor uso de las tecnologías para el aprendizaje. Las actitudes hacia las TIC son positivas y esto se relaciona con su mayor uso para el aprendizaje; siendo los hombres los que consideran tener más competencia para el uso. Se pone de manifiesto que la competencia para el uso de las TIC y las actitudes tienen influencia en el uso que se realiza de las mismas para aprender.

The "Crater" Arteriotomy: A Technique Aiding Precise Intimal Apposition in End-to-side Microvascular Anastomosis.

Summary:End-to-side arterial anastomoses require a high level of technical competency. The main challenge to a successfully patent anastomosis is intimal interposition during the standardized microvascular suturing. Technical errors during arteriotomy pose a significant challenge for the microsurgical technique, making the end-to-side anastomosis prone to failure. We describe a basic yet fundamental method of performing an arteriotomy, the “crater” technique, which facilitates good visualization of all vessel layers before placement of microsurgical sutures. Using curved microsurgical scissors, the adventitia layer is dissected off the outer surface of the side vessel, a V-shaped cut is then made obliquely at a 30–45 degrees angle to the longitudinal axis of the vessel, and a full thickness oblique cut is made along an elliptical circumference, as the curved scissors enable the creation of a slope-like crater. This concept ensures the intimal layer is adequately exposed through the complete circumference of the arteriotomy rim, while enabling a variable increase in the arterial wall hypotenuse-width circumference. When performed in a standardized manner, the crater arteriotomy can minimize the risk of endothelial misalignment and further technical errors during suturing, thus minimizing the risk of anastomotic failure.

The role of medical simulation in obstetrics

Medical simulation is widely recognized as a didactic learning tool for students and health care professionals, with the aim to promote and implement measures dedicated to patient’s safety. It is growing rapidly worldwide, becoming part of the curricula in medical schools and medical societies. It represents a useful method of training for rare and complex situations, with catastrophic potential, for which health care professionals have no experience, could not learn it individually and which could overcome them cognitively. Obstetrics is the only specialty in which relevant results on clinical outcome have been demonstrated in the area of great obstetric emergencies. Medical simulation will increase the level of technical competence and communication, will promote an ethical and responsible behavior and a multidisciplinary teamwork. Its end result will be the improvement of patients’ safety.

DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNICAL COMPETENCE OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

The review of national and international references is provided in article, the need of formation technical competences of students of the technical university in educational process is proved. The personality of a modern highly qualified engineer is objectively promoted in society as one of the key figures of socio-economic development. Crucial to the successful performance of their professional functions by engineers is the present level of technical competence of a specialist. It justifies the creation in the educational process of the conditions under which students can form technical competence, which is one of the priorities of higher education. In this paper, technical competencies are considered as a complex of knowledge, skills and personal qualities that determine the effectiveness of engineering work, based on the application of scientific and technical knowledge, and aimed at developing, researching and improving engineering and technical facilities. As a basis, vocationally-directed training in disclosing a positive attitude towards a future profession is considered based on the training profile, in knowing and understanding the requirements of the profession for personal qualities, and in an adequate self-assessment of their already formed technical competencies. In the second semester of the 2018-2019 academic year, a study was conducted on the basis of the Almaty University of Energy and Communications Key words: competence, technical competences, educational process, professionally-directed training.

Factors Affecting Internal Auditor’s Performance in Public Universities in Kenya

The study focused on the factors affecting internal auditors ‘performance in public universities in Kenya. It aimed at achieving the objectives: to determine how the working environment, to assess how the challenges to the independence of internal auditors, to assess the impact of the level of technical competency affects the performance of internal auditors in public universities in Kenya. Thus this study evaluates the effect of working environment, establishes the effect of internal auditor’s independence and the effect of internal auditors competence on the performance of internal auditor in public universities in Kenya. Descriptive research design was applied, with a target population of the chief internal auditors from 31 chartered public universities in Kenya which are registered by the Higher Education ministry. A random simple sampling technique was applied o give the sample size of 31. Primary data was used for analysis. The study found out that the internal auditors working environment, internal audit independence and authority, internal auditor’s technical competence impacted on the performance of internal audit function. The study recommended that auditors should consider complying with professional standards as the most important contributor to internal auditing performance. The management in the public universities should keep organizing seminars and workshops where the internal auditors would be trained frequently by experts either internally or externally.

Effects of Outsourcing on National Forest Plantation Development Programme in Ghana

The study aimed at management of outsourcing of National Forest Plantation Development Programme (NFPDP) and its effects in the Atebubu Forest District as a case study in Ghana. The key issues examined are the level of technical competence of the contractors, the role of the lead implementing agency and the natural resource base sustainability. Two stage sampling technique was used to sample one hundred and ten respondents for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to solicit information from the respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The results of the study indicate that the award of seedlings contracts and workers’ salaries and logistics to African Foresters Brigade and Zoil Ghana Limited respectively were transparent. However, most of the activities the participating institutions performed were behind schedule indicating poor performance. It is therefore recommended that, Forestry Commission should put in place proper modalities to ensure effective implementation if outsourcing is to be continued.

Monitoring and evaluation of physical activity interventions in the primary care network of Pernambuco

The aim of this study was to analyze the elements that characterize monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in physical activity interventions developed in the primary care network in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. A statewide cross-sectional study was carried out in 104 cities, and questionnaires were used to collect data from managers, professionals, and users of the interventions. Among the managers, the following variables were analyzed: presence and frequency of M&E actions; participation of users and professionals; use of M&E results in planning; type of instrument that was used; level of importance attributed to M&E actions; and perception of barriers and of professionals’ level of technical competence to develop M&E actions. The professionals provided information about their level of knowledge and skills to perform M&E, and the users reported the frequency of their participation in M&E actions. Among the 145 managers who were interviewed, 82.4% referred performing M&E actions. This proportion was not significantly different comparing the types of interventions that were evaluated. Only 47.6% of the managers used M&E results to support planning. Among the 481 professionals who were interviewed, only 21.6% reported a high or very high level of knowledge about M&E actions. Among the 942 users, 44% reported that they had never participated in M&E actions. Although most of the managers reported performing M&E actions, less than half used M&E results to support planning. Furthermore, we found a low proportion of professionals with adequate levels of technical competence to develop M&E actions and a low participation of users in these actions.

The MoSGrid - e-science gateway: molecular simulations in a distributed computing environment

Modern tools for computational chemistry allow the calculation of a wide range of properties of all sorts of molecules applying various levels of theory. But to perform convincing and significant calculations with these tools not only requires insight into the scientific theory itself, but also knowledge and experience on how to operate the simulation tools. In addition to the general challenge of gaining access to a powerful computing environment, very often a high level of technical competence is necessary to set up and run calculations efficiently. These prerequisites often hamper scientists to routinely use computational tools to support or confirm their perceptions. To overcome some of these problems, the MoSGrid consortium develops an open source e-science portal for grid based environments with respect to computational chemistry. At present residing in the German Grid Initiative (D-Grid), MoSGrid enables users to set up, run and evaluate calculations using tools from the domains of Quantum Chemistry, Molecular Dynamics and Docking [1]. This talk underlines the basic motivation, layout, development, properties and available tools of MoSGrid as well as the procedure of gaining access to the grid environment.

Using successful graduates to improve the quality of undergraduate nursing programs

This paper outlines the context and focus of the late 2008 survey of 45 early career nursing graduates working in public hospitals in an outer-urban area of Sydney who were identified by their supervisors as performing successfully. It gives an overview of the key quantitative and qualitative results for 2008 compared with the results of earlier studies of successfully performing nurses and other professionals in the first 3-5 years of their career. Based on this analysis it makes a range of recommendations on how to optimise the quality and relevance of the learning design, support and assessment systems experienced by undergraduate nursing students.
 The study confirms that, in addition to possessing a high level of technical competence, it is a particular combination of personal, interpersonal and cognitive capabilities which characterises the most effective performers. The most productive approaches to developing these capabilities focus on: consistent two-way links between theory and practice; the availability of responsive, committed academic staff with current clinical experience; provision of clear direction and integration between different units of study; the systematic use of case-based learning, simulations, clinical placements and associated assessment tasks which are a "real world" focused, integrated and problem-based, and which concentrate on the key capabilities identified as counting most for successful early career practice in this and parallel studies.

Invitation for University Programs to Apply for Accreditation by the ERM Institute International (ERM-II)

ERM Institute International (ERM-II) is a non-profit educational and research organization, initiated by an international group of universities and professional organizations with a focus on education, research, and training within an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) conceptual framework, quantitative methods and tools, and best practices. More information about ERM-II is available from: http://www.ermii.org and about its educational objectives at http://www.ermii.org/Education/Educ_ ndx.html The standards for university program accreditation of ERM-II are founded on the premise of improving the competence of those entering the risk management profession by ensuring a minimum level of technical competence and enough breadth across the mathematical, economic and statistical tools required to conduct sound quantitative risk analysis as applied in a range of industries. University accreditation requirements cover program content, study requirements, entry requirements, course instructors, and research program. The details are available for the University Program Requirements at