Practical Test Research Articles

Development of a STEM-based digital learning space platform to enhance students’ mathematical creativity in future learning classrooms

This study focuses on developing a web-based digital learning space (DLS) designed to support a STEM learning model that fosters students’ mathematical creativity. The DLS builds upon traditional learning management systems by introducing customizable elements tailored to individual teaching and learning environments (PTEs and PLEs). These features allow for the formation of diverse learning networks within the DLS. This enhanced version integrates frameworks for STEM learning, engaging activities, instructional videos, quizzes, evaluations, feedback tools, and a chat feature for direct communication with instructors. The research and development process employed a 4D model–define, design, develop, and disseminate–and involved validation from content and media experts, confirming the DLS’s reliability for broader testing. Results indicate that the STEM-based DLS is highly suitable for mathematics education, as shown by validation from experts, practicality tests from users, and effectiveness tests that measured students’ mathematical creativity. This study also found moderate improvement in students’ creative mathematical thinking (Ng = 0.554) within classrooms using the STEM-based DLS, highlighting its effectiveness for enhancing these skills. Thus, this STEM-focused DLS offers a mobile-friendly digital environment that effectively promotes students’ mathematical creativity.

A Fast flatness deviation evaluation algorithm for point cloud data

This paper proposes and develops a novel method, namely the Partially Iterative Algorithm (PIA), for high-speed assessment of flatness deviation for point cloud data, which is typically measured data obtained by advanced instruments for precision manufacturing, such as optical scanners and industrial computed tomography. Firstly, an enhanced flatness deviation model is established based on the minimum zone principle, which is strictly adhered to the latest ISO definition. Secondly, the proposed method is detailed, including the Dynamic Point Set (DPS), the update scheme, and the terminal condition. Thirdly, comparisons are conducted with typical methods for flatness deviation assessment, along with a practicability test via the simulated dataset and measuring dataset. The results show that the proposed methods can accurately and rapidly assess flatness deviation on point cloud data with massive measuring points.

The feasibility of using the go/no-go task as a dementia screening test assessed with a cross-sectional design

The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Frontal Assessment Battery are screening tests for dementia. The go/no-go task offers an alternative approach for evaluating dementia patients. However, its role in screening for dementia remains unclear. We aimed to explore the feasibility of using the go/no-go task as a screening test for dementia via a cross-sectional design. Twenty-four Japanese individuals were evaluated using the go/no-go task, the MMSE, and the MoCA. The total MMSE and MoCA scores were correlated with the total number of errors in the go/no-go task (r=-0.699, p < 0.01; r=-0.756, p < 0.01). Moreover, When the MoCA cutoff value was 25 for MCI, the optimal cutoff score for the total number of error in the go/no-go task to detect MCI was 2, with an Area Under curve (AUC) of 0.98, a sensitivity of 0.94. When the MMSE cutoff value was 27 for MCI, the optimal cutoff score for the total number of error in the go/no-go task to detect MCI was 6, with an AUC of 0.89, a sensitivity of 0.76, showed respectively values close to 1. The go/no-go task is possible a practical screening test for dementia.

Virtual Reality in Algorithm Programming Course: Practicality and Implications for College Students

Virtual Reality (VR) is one of the revolutionary technologies in education that can simulate learning interactively and realistically. The reliability of VR supports various variations in learning, including learning programming algorithms. This research aims to design and develop VR in learning programming algorithms. The ADDIE model is applied in this study to develop products through the stages of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The analysis of learning problems shows the unavailability of interactive learning media that can support various learning styles of students in programming algorithm materials. Therefore, this VR learning design integrates various elements of students' learning styles, including visual, audiovisual, kinesthetic, and reading. The product developed is in the form of a VR application that presents learning by having a variety of learning styles. Audiovisual displays are presented in a VR environment, while kinesthetic interactions are obtained through user movements, and material information and readings are presented in a VR environment. The data collected included the results of a practicality and effectiveness test involving sixty-six students. The results of the practicality test show that this VR product is practical to use based on the indicators of convenience, attractiveness, efficiency, and benefits. Meanwhile, the effectiveness test shows that this VR product can improve learning outcomes better than traditional learning methods. Overall, the VR products developed have proven to be practical and effective in learning programming algorithms. The presence of VR, which presents a variety of realistic displays in a virtual environment, opens opportunities for further research related to distance learning through VR technology as well as an analysis of the impact of VR on health.

Development of A Sensor-Based Tool for Measurement of Sensor-Based Capturing Skills

This research aims to develop a tool for measuring catching-throwing skills using modern, effective, and efficient sensor technology. This tool is designed to increase accuracy in measuring catch-throwing skills. This type of research uses (R&amp;D). This research involved three experts in their field: an electrical expert, an evaluation and measurement expert, and a physicist. A total of 30 participants participated in testing in a small group of 12 people and a large group of 18 people with an age range of 15-20 years. Testing is carried out with questionnaires and direct tests. The statistical analysis used is r-correlation with the help of the SPSS application. The test results show a high alpha coefficient, confirming that this tool is consistent and reliable in collecting data. Three experts carried out practicality testing: Electrical Experts, Evaluation and Measurement Experts, and Physicists. The results show that this tool is efficient, with practicality levels of 98%, 92%, and 89%, respectively. In addition, an excellent level of effectiveness is demonstrated by expert assessment results, which reach 99%, 89%, and 85%. With this tool, researchers and teachers can evaluate object control skills more efficiently and accurately and assist in collecting more comprehensive data. Overall, this tool for measuring throwing and catching skills provides significant innovation and is expected to support research and education in measuring and developing children's motor skills.

Development of Learning Tools Based on the Culturally Responsive Transformative Teaching Model with a Socio-Scientific Issues Approach: Evaluation of Validity and Practicality

The importance of conducting this research is based on observations indicating that the implementation of the Kurikulum Merdeka on the theme of local wisdom has been limited to Sabtu Budaya (Cultural Saturday) activities, without further integration into the learning process, particularly in the development of learning tools. This research aims to develop a learning tool based on the CRTT model with a SSI approach that is both valid and practical. The type of research employed is Research and Development (R&amp;D), with a 4D development design limited to the define, design, and develop stages. The development stage is restricted to validation and practicality testing. Data collection techniques included expert validation sheets, student and teacher response questionnaires, and observation sheets for the implementation of learning activities. Data analysis techniques used Aiken's V validity index, Percentage of Agreement, and percentage method. The results of the content and construct validity tests indicate that the learning tool based on the CRTT model with the SSI approach is classified as highly valid, with the assessment agreement among validators being reliable. The results of the practicality test show that student responses had an average of 89.02%, categorized as practical, teacher responses were 92.81%, categorized as practical, and the implementation of learning activities reached 85.71%. These results indicate that the learning tool based on the CRTT model with the SSI approach is both valid and practical for use in the learning process.

The freedom to learn-independent campus curriculum for shielded metal arc welding: A teaching module development

This study was triggered by the existing teaching modules for the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) subjects taught at vocational high schools, which do not align with the Freedom to Learn-Independent Campus (FLIC) learning objectives, and do not provide a systematic organization. In order to enhance the learning experience, this research developed a new learning module that integrated Problem-based Learning (PBL), promoting critical thinking, and the practical application of theoretical concepts, following the FLIC curriculum. Utilizing a Research and Development (R&amp;D) approach with the Instructional Design Institute (IDI) model, this study involved two welding instructors and four lecturers as validators to assess the content and usability of the module. The IDI model comprised three steps: instructional (define), development (develop), and institute (evaluate). The research findings regarding the validity assessment by subject matter experts yielded a final validity score of 0.924, while media and language experts provided a score of 0.936, meeting the valid criteria. The practical usability test of the learning module resulted in a score of 94%, indicating that it is highly practical for students to use as learning media. Based on the validity and practicality assessments of the developed module, it can be concluded that the SMAW learning module is highly practical to use as teaching media, aligning with FLIC curriculum.

Pengembangan Multimedia Pembelajaran IPA pada Materi Spesialisasi Sel Kelas VIII SMP

The development of this multimedia learning is motivated by the problem of learning, where teachers only use printed books as the main learning media in the classroom. Students tend to feel bored and less interested in following lessons using printed books that only contain text and images. This research aims to produce valid and practical multimedia learning products that can be used in the learning process. The type of research used is research and development, also known as Research and Development (R&amp;D). The development model used is the 4D model, which consists of four main stages: define, design, development, and disseminate. The product validity test was conducted by 4 validators, namely 2 material validators and 2 media validators. The product trial was conducted on 20 eighth-grade students of SMP Negeri 5 Linggo Sari Baganti with the aim of determining the practicality of the developed product. The results of the material validation by 2 material validators obtained an average score of 4.93 with the category "very valid." The results from the assessment by 2 media validators obtained an average score of 4.45 with the category "very valid." The results of the media practicality test obtained an average score of 4.45 with the category "very practical." Based on the results of the validity and practicality tests, it can be concluded that the IPA learning multimedia on the "Cell Specialization" material for 8th-grade junior high school produced is valid and practical, thus it can be used in the learning process

Survey on forensic DNA biology training in forensic science service laboratories in the United States.

Training is an essential component of onboarding new hires in forensic science service provider (FSSP) laboratories. There are several DNA training standards published by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Academy Standards Board (ASB) American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited framework. In this study, we conducted a survey of forensic DNA laboratory training programs to better understand training activities and materials. The survey was approved by the IRB and emailed to forensic laboratory directors, assistant directors, and/or DNA technical leaders and responses were submitted by them or their designees. Over thirty leaders and stakeholders responded. In this article, we report on the results of the survey. Respondents indicated that training activities included readings, writing assignments and quizzes, shadowing analysts, and mock casework and that training is documented and is a collaborative effort of the technical leader, unit supervisor, advanced forensic scientists, and other analysts and technicians. Laboratories assess competency using multiple methods including performance on mock casework, report writing, laboratory practical and competency tests, and a mock trial and testimony. The top three training activities reported are hands-on practice, shadowing, and readings. The top three focuses of the training are laboratory techniques (extraction, quantitation, amplification, and capillary electrophoresis), STR typing, and mixture analysis. Ethics violations and failure to pass the competency tests and mock trial, even after remediation, are the top reasons new hires fail training. Finally, the top items respondents would like to spend more time offering training on are troubleshooting, validation, and root cause analysis.

Development and evaluation of mobile learning application for practical chemistry among pre-service teachers

Lack of proper laboratories and inadequate facilities have become some of the factors affecting chemistry practical in Nigeria which therefore affects students’ performance. While there were many studies conducted on the effectiveness of mobile learning, literature remains very scarce in the Nigerian context. In order to tackle this problem, using Analysis, Design, Develop, Implementation and Evaluation (ADDIE) instructional design model, the researchers developed and tested the effectiveness of mobile learning towards improving college of education pre-service teachers’ achievement in practical chemistry. The study adopted the use of repeated measures design whereby 50 pre-service teachers were purposively used in the study. A 40-item Practical Chemistry Achievement Test (PCAT) which was subjected to expert validation and reliability test was used to obtain data for the study. A normality test was conducted using Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and it was revealed that the data were normally distributed (P > 0.05). The students were given two pre-test and post-measures before and after the 8-week treatment period. The data were analyzed using mixed design repeated measures analysis of variance and we found that students’ performance improved periodically with each testing period (F (3,147) = 109.475, P = 0.000 with an effect size of (ηp2) = 0.916) after the treatment. The finding also revealed no significant differences in the performance of the students on the basis of gender that (F (3,144) = 2.051, P = 0.109) with an effect size of (ηp2) 0.21. This finding has some implications for lecturers, researchers and policy experts on the need to incorporate mobile learning in education. This finding provides insights on the effectiveness of mobile learning towards enhancing students’ chemistry practical knowledge.

Inclusion-Based Model: Calculating Tooth Root Bending Strength Considering Steel Cleanliness

Current gear design guidelines and standards have given little or no consideration to the increase in strength that can be achieved by using ultra-clean steels. In order to fully exploit the potential of ultra-clean steels, it is therefore necessary to use higher-quality calculation methods that combine FEM stress calculations with local strength calculations. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to extend the inclusion-based model to allow for the calculation of the tooth root bending strength of gears with different steel cleanliness. For this purpose, a material analysis of 20MnCr5 with three different degrees of cleanliness is carried out and the respective material defect distribution is determined. In order to be able to represent the determined material defect distributions of the different cleanliness grades in the inclusion-based model, the model is extended accordingly, and a sensitivity analysis is carried out on the influence of the material defect distribution functions on the tooth root bending strength calculation. Finally, the model is applied to a pulsator test to verify the applicability of the model. The results of the verification show that the calculation of the mean bending strength of gears in pulsator investigations is generally possible with the extended inclusion-based model. The inclusion-based model thus offers the potential to improve the statistical significance of pulsator test results by supplementing the limited number of practical test points with the virtual test points of the inclusion-based model.

Prognostic value of lymphocyte to monocyte ratio in patients with esophageal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesTo report the largest systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate prognostic value of lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) in patients with esophageal cancer.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature retrieval via PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane until December, 2023 for studies which evaluated the prognostic value of LMR in patients with esophageal cancer. Outcomes measured were overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and progression-free survival (PFS).Results11 studies including 3,377 patients with esophageal cancer were included for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis demonstrated that OS (HR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.31; P = 0.003) and DFS (HR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.01; P = 0.01) were significantly shorter in the low LMR group compared with the high LMR group. In addition, meta-analysis revealed a similar PFS (HR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.00, 2.51; P = 0.05) and RFS (HR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.93, 1.46; P = 0.18) in the two groups. Subgroup analysis found that the predictive value of LMR for OS remained significant in resectable and unresectable esophageal cancers, and in studies with follow-up ≥24 months and &amp;lt; 24 months. Subgroup analysis based on treatment methods found that the prognostic value of LMR was significant for both patients who received PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and those who did not receive PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. However, subgroup analysis based on LMR threshold found that the significance remained in studies with LMR threshold&amp;lt;3.5 (HR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.13, 3.87; P = 0.02) but disappeared in studies with LMR threshold ≥ 3.5 (HR: 1.39; 95% CI: 0.93, 2.07; P = 0.11).ConclusionsLow LMR is associated with poor prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer. Due to the simple availability and low cost of routine blood tests in clinical practice, LMR can be widely used to assess prognosis and construct risk prediction models for patients with esophageal cancer.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO, identifier CRD42024509796.

Development of a Mobile Pocket Book with a Problem-Based Learning Model to Improve Students Physics Literacy

Physics learning, especially on heat, often faces various obstacles, such as low student literacy and limited interactive learning media. Mobile pocketbooks come as one of the solutions to overcome these problems. This application-based digital learning media is designed to provide easy access to students ' learning materials through mobile devices. The mobile pocketbook is an application-based digital learning media designed to facilitate students' flexible access to learning materials through mobile devices. Using the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model in the mobile pocketbook supports Active Learning, where students solve real problems to improve concept understanding and science literacy. This research aims to develop and test the validity and practicality of the product in the form of a mobile pocketbook as a medium to support physics learning, especially on heat material. The research method used was Research and Development (R&amp;D) with the 4D development model (Define, Design, Develop, Disseminate). However, due to time and cost constraints, this research did not reach the dissemination stage. Product validity was evaluated through assessments from experts and practitioners. The results of the expert assessment showed a validity level of 92.50%, while the practitioner gave a validity value of 96.25%, which indicated that the product was very valid. In addition, the product practicality test was evaluated through a questionnaire given to students and teachers. The questionnaire’s results show that this media is very practical, with a practicality value from the students' response of 90.76% and the teacher reaching 96.47%. Thus, the mobile pocketbook was designed using a problem-based learning model to improve students' physics science literacy. The results showed that this media is valid and practical for enhancing students' understanding of physics material, especially the concept of heat, as evidenced by the average practicality value of 93.61%. Therefore, this mobile pocketbook is expected to be one of the learning media innovations that can improve the quality of physics learning in schools.

A hydraulic control system integrating adaptive and PWM algorithms for hydro-mechanical continuously variable transmission

IntroductionWith the development of technology, the hydraulic control system for hydro-mechanical continuously variable transmission has also made rapid progress. However, the traditional control system for hydro-mechanical continuously variable transmission has drawbacks such as efficiency loss and slow response speed. The study fused the adaptive and pulse width modulation algorithms to solve these problems effectively, and they were applied to the hydraulic mechanical continuously variable drive control system.MethodFirst, the study analyzed the continuously variable transmission control of hydraulic machinery and designed the control scheme on the basis of the analysis. Then, a new scheme fusing adaptive and pulse-width modulation algorithms was proposed on the basis of the control scheme. Finally, simulation experiments and practical tests were carried out to verify the performance of the control scheme.ResultsThe results showed that the time to reach the maximum pressure was 2.15 s when the volume of the pilot valve cavity was 5 × 109/L. When the oil flow rate was 70 L/min, the corresponding maximum and minimum values of the main oil circuit pressure were 1.63 MPa and 0.37 MPa, respectively. The time to reach the maximum value of the pressure was 2.05 s, respectively. These values were in line with the design requirements and were better than the comparison values.DiscussionThese results confirm that the system has important theoretical and practical significance, which has a positive promoting effect on the development of the hydraulic machinery industry. This article aims to provide a new approach for research and application in related fields.

Development of Realistic Based Interactive Media to Improve Class IV Elementary School Learning Outcomes

The learning process is a communication process and takes place in a system between interactive media and learning tools. This research was carried out with a 4-D approach.The products developed were validated by experts and then tested on grade IV elementary school students. Of the four validators who had conducted the assessment, an average of 86% was obtained with a very valid category. There are nine aspects assessed, namely aspects of accuracy, completeness, interest, providing learning opportunities, providing assistance for learning, motivational quality, learning flexibility, social quality of instructional interactions, can have an impact on students, and can have an impact on teachers and their learning. The results of the practicality test by grade IV teachers of SD IT Nurul Ikhlas, SD Islam Al-Azhar 32, and SD IT Buah Hati showed that the interactive media based on RME that had been developed obtained very practical results with a practicality percentage of 92%. The results of the practicality test by grade IV students of SD IT Nurul Ikhlas, SD Islam Al-Azhar 32, and SD IT Buah Hati showed that the interactive media based on RME in mathematics learning that had been developed had a practicality percentage of 91% and was included in the very practical category. The results of the effectiveness test by grade IV students of SD IT Nurul Ikhlas, SD Islam Al-Azhar 32, and SD IT Buah Hati showed that the interactive media based on RME that had been developed was effective in use with an average value of 0.74 with an effective category using the N-gain percentage. The Development of Interactive Media Based on Realistic for Grade IV Elementary Schools is a valid, practical and effective learning media

Development of Ethno-STEM Integrated Digital Teaching Material of Heat Concept to Promote Students’ Learning and Innovation Skills

Twenty-first century learning requires students to have student’ learning and innovation skills. However, in fact, students' learning and innovation skills are still low. The solution to this problem is the development of ethno-STEM integrated digital teaching material of heat concept to promote students' learning and innovation skills. The aims of this study were to determine the needs analysis, validity, and practicality of the use of ethno-STEM integrated digital teaching materials. The type of research is research and development (R&amp;D) using the Hannafin and Peck model. The research instruments used include needs analysis, validity, and practicality instruments. Data analysis techniques using descriptive statistical analysis. Based on the data analysis, there were three research results. First, the needs analysis showed that students' critical and creative thinking skills were categorized as less with values of 54.36 and 52.92, respectively. Second, the product validity test obtained a value of 91.44 in the excellent category. Third, the product practicality test obtained a value of 82.29 in the excellent category. These results indicate that students' learning and innovation skills can be improved through digital teaching materials. Therefore, the ethno-STEM integrated digital teaching materials are valid and practical for use in learning.

Integrating Qur’an and Integer Learning in Developing Electronic Students’ Worksheet through Problem-Based Learning

Despite the growing interest in contextualizing mathematics education, research integrating Qur’an contexts into mathematics instruction remains limited. Prior studies have largely concentrated on conventional teaching methods, Qur’an-centered instruction, or Problem-based Learning (PBL) as independent approaches. This study addresses a critical gap by integrating Qur’an contexts into integer learning, supported by problem-based learning and facilitated through a technology-enhanced Electronic Student Worksheet (E-SW). The primary objective of this study is to design and assess the reliability and applicability of a Quran-based E-SW using the PBL framework for teaching integers to 7th-grade junior high school students. Employing a Research and Development (R&amp;D) methodology with the ADDIE development model—comprising analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation phases—this research utilizes expert validation sheets and student practicality questionnaires as instruments. The study sample consists of 7th-grade students from SMP IT LHI Yogyakarta, with class 7B selected through purposive sampling. Validation results indicate that the E-SW meets established validity criteria, with scores from subject matter and media experts reaching 99 and 91, respectively, both classified as "Good." Practicality testing revealed positive student responses, yielding a practicality score of 61, categorized as "Practical." Furthermore, a paired sample t-test demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in student performance between pretest and posttest results, with a significance (2-tailed) value below 0.05 and an average N-Gain score of 0.4391, which is classified as moderate. These findings suggest that the Quran-based E-SW, structured around the PBL model, effectively enhances students' problem-solving abilities and is suitable for educational use.

Development of Stem-Loaded Teaching Modules with PBL Learning Model to Improve Critical Thinking Skills of Elementary School Students

Critical thinking skills are the ability to solve problems by connecting knowledge in the student's cognitive system, so that they can find and choose solutions that are in accordance with the problems they face. This study aims to develop a stem-loaded teaching module with a PBL learning model to improve students' critical thinking skills. This research adapts the ADDIE development model which is an instructional development process with 5 stages, namely analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation. The results of this study include: 1) Teaching module with stem content with PBL learning model; 2) The teaching module is very valid with an overall average value of the media validation test of 0.95 and the teaching module developed is very practical quality with an overall average value of the media practicality test of 95.5%; 3) The classical completeness value of the potential effect test obtained high effectiveness results with a percentage of 87%; 4) The module is declared effective with the difference between pretest and posttest scores, as well as the results of the n-gain test with an average of 0.48. The conclusion of this study is that teaching modules with stem content with PBL learning models are effectively used to improve the critical thinking skills of elementary school students. Suggestions from the author for the use of teaching modules in learning that will be implemented should be designed very carefully and pay attention to learning needs, the environment, facilities and infrastructure, and pay attention to the times so that the media developed can be implemented in learning properly, effectively, and efficiently. Learning about photosynthesis should often be trained in order to foster students' skills in understanding the basic concepts of IPAS so that students can think critically and simply in the environment around them. The conclusion of this study is that the teaching module containing STEM with the PBL learning model is effective for improving the critical thinking skills of elementary school students. Keywords: teaching modules, stem, PBL and critical thinking skills

Which novel teaching strategy is most recommended in medical education? A systematic review and network meta-analysis

AimThere is no conclusive evidence which one is the optimal methodology for enhancing the quality and efficacy of learning for medical students. Therefore, this systematic review and network meta-analysis aims to evaluate and prioritize various teaching strategies in medical education, including simulation-based learning (SBL), flipped classrooms (FC), problem-based learning (PBL), team-based learning (TBL), case-based learning (CBL), and bridge-in, objective, pre-assessment, participatory learning, post-assessment, and summary (BOPPPS).MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and some key medical education journals up to November 31, 2023. The following keywords were searched in MeSH: (“medical students”) AND (“problem-based learning” OR “problem solving”) AND (“Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic”). Two authors independently carried out data extraction and quality assessment from the final selection of records following a full-text assessment based on strict eligibility criteria. Pairwise and network meta-analyses were then applied to calculate pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) using a random-effects model. Statistical analysis was performed by R software (4.3.1) and Stata 14 software.ResultsA total of 80 randomized controlled trials with 6,180 students were included in the study. Compared to LBL, CBL (SMD = 1.19; 95% CI 0.49–1.90; p < 0.05; SUCRA = 89.4%), PBL (SMD = 3.37; 95% CI 1.23–5.51; p < 0.05; SUCRA = 93.3%), and SBL (SMD = 2.64; 95% CI 1.28–4.00; p < 0.05; SUCRA = 96.2%) were identified as the most effective methods in enhancing theoretical test scores, experimental or practical test scores, and students’ satisfaction scores, respectively. Furthermore, subgroup analysis indicated that CBL (SUCRA = 97.7%) and PBL (SUCRA = 60.3%) were the most effective method for enhancing learning effectiveness within clinical curricula.ConclusionsAmong the six novel teaching strategies evaluated, CBL and PBL are more effective in enhancing the quality and efficacy of learning for medical students; SBL was determined to offer a superior learning experience throughout the educational process. However, this analysis revealed only minor differences among those novel teaching strategies.

A 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 Multi-Hop Network for Mountainous Forest and Watercourse Environments: Sensor Node Deployment and Performance Evaluation

In this paper, we demonstrate the realistic test of a 2.4 GHz multi-hop wireless network for mountainous forest and watercourse environments. A multi-hop network using IEEE 802.15.4 XBee3 micro-modules and a communication protocol among nodes were developed. A wireless node deployment solution was introduced for practical testing. The proposed system’s communication reliability was tested in two different scenarios: a mountainous forest with sloping areas and trees and a watercourse, which referred to environmental and flooding monitoring applications. Wireless network performances were evaluated through the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) level of each wireless link, a packet delivery ratio (PDR), as the successful rate of packet transmission, and the end-to-end delay (ETED) of all data packets from the transmitter to the receiver. The experimental results demonstrate the success of the multi-hop WSN deployment and communication in both scenarios, where the RSSI of each link was kept at the accepted level and the PDR achieved the highest result. Furthermore, as a real-time response, the data from the source could be sent to the sink with a small ETED.