Training Supervision Research Articles

Educational supervision in internal medicine residency training – a scoping review

BackgroundAlthough supervision is an important part of residency training, its scope and how it relates to other types of support, such as mentoring, precepting and feedback, remain unclear. While clinical supervision consists of ongoing instructions and feedback in the workplace setting, educational supervision is a formalized component of postgraduate medical educational and supports the process that facilitates a trainee’s progression throughout their training. Since medical specialties have different supervisory traditions, this study focuses on educational supervision in internal medicine. Our aim was to investigate what is known about educational supervision practices in internal medicine and the role of educational supervision in supporting residents’ learning.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review of the literature on educational supervision in residency training in internal medicine based on Levac et al.’s modification of Arksey and O’Malley’s six-step framework. The literature search was performed in the following databases: Medline, Embase, Web of Science and the Educational Resources Information Center. In addition, we conducted a handsearch in Medical Teacher and Google Scholar. We followed the PRISMA guidelines for systematic research.ResultsEighteen of the 3,284 identified articles were included in the analysis. We found few empirical studies describing how educational supervision is conducted and what effect routine educational supervision has on residents’ learning. Our findings suggest that the terminology can be confusing and that educational supervision practices in internal medicine has a weak theoretical foundation.ConclusionThe distinction between educational supervision and other support structures, such as mentoring and feedback, has not been clearly defined in the research literature. We argue that shared terminology is needed to better understand current educational practices and to facilitate clear communication about how to help residents learn.

Strong and Weak Supervision Combined with CLIP for Water Surface Garbage Detection

Water surface garbage has a significant impact on the protection of water environments and ecological balance, making water surface garbage object detection a critical task. Traditional supervised object detection methods require a large amount of annotated data. To address this issue, we propose a method that combines strong and weak supervision with CLIP (Contrastive Language–Image Pretraining) for water surface garbage object detection. First, we train on a dataset annotated with strong supervision, using traditional object detection algorithms to learn the location information of water surface garbage. Then, we input the water surface garbage images into CLIP’s visual encoder to obtain visual feature representations. Simultaneously, we train CLIP’s text encoder using textual description annotations to obtain textual feature representations of the images. By fusing the visual and textual features, we obtain comprehensive feature representations. In the weak supervision training phase, we input the comprehensive feature representations into the object detection model and employ a training strategy that combines strong and weak supervision to detect and localize water surface garbage. To further improve the model’s performance, we introduce attention mechanisms and data augmentation techniques to enhance the model’s focus and robustness towards water surface garbage. By conducting experiments on two water surface garbage datasets, we validate the effectiveness of the proposed method based on the combination of strong and weak supervision with CLIP for water surface garbage object detection tasks.

Improving segmentation and detection of lesions in CT scans using intensity distribution supervision.

We propose a method to incorporate the intensity information of a target lesion on CT scans in training segmentation and detection networks. We first build an intensity-based lesion probability (ILP) function from an intensity histogram of the target lesion. It is used to compute the probability of being the lesion for each voxel based on its intensity. Finally, the computed ILP map of each input CT scan is provided as additional supervision for network training, which aims to inform the network about possible lesion locations in terms of intensity values at no additional labeling cost. The method was applied to improve the segmentation of three different lesion types, namely, small bowel carcinoid tumor, kidney tumor, and lung nodule. The effectiveness of the proposed method on a detection task was also investigated. We observed improvements of 41.3% → 47.8%, 74.2% → 76.0%, and 26.4% → 32.7% in segmenting small bowel carcinoid tumor, kidney tumor, and lung nodule, respectively, in terms of per case Dice scores. An improvement of 64.6% → 75.5% was achieved in detecting kidney tumors in terms of average precision. The results of different usages of the ILP map and the effect of varied amount of training data are also presented.

Ninety psychotherapy training programmes across the globe: Variations and commonalities in an international context

AbstractObjectivePsychotherapist training programmes have arguably a most impactful intervention on the field of psychotherapy, shaping the kinds of therapists their graduates become. Yet, little is known about the structural and organisational similarities and differences of these key learning environments in an international context.MethodNinety psychotherapy training programmes in 16 different countries comprised data for a study initiated by members of the SPR Interest Section on Therapist Training and Development (SPRISTAD). Training directors or senior faculty completed the Training Program Description Form (TPDF), surveying, for example, organisational setting and size, educational/occupational prerequisites, trainee funding and schedules, educational methods and graduation criteria.ResultsAmong otherwise highly diverse programmes, the most consistent finding was commitment to relationship‐based experiential learning, including direct supervision of trainees' treatment cases and case discussions with experts and peers. Criteria for selecting applicants focussed mainly on their personal qualities (empathy, self‐awareness and good mental health), supplemented by evaluations of relevant intellectual qualities (psychological‐mindedness, theoretical interest and intelligence). Training consistently focussed on individual psychotherapy as the dominant treatment modality.ConclusionAcross countries, essential commonalities among psychotherapy training programmes emerged. Findings suggest there may be common ground for developing therapist training, as knowledge increases on beneficial therapist characteristics and their formation.

The Use of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and The Use of Technology (UTAUT) to Analyze the Implementation of the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) at the Indonesian Financial and Development Supervisory Agency

The training and development program for the State Civil Apparatus in the public sector is very important because it is related to public performance and services. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) for financial supervision training. The basic concept of this study uses an integrated Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). This qualitative research was conducted at the Center for Education and Training of Auditors of the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (Pusdiklatwas BPKP), which is responsible for training financial and development auditors. The subjects of this study were twelve informants who were selected using purposive sampling. Research data collected during the Covid-19 pandemic used electronic correspondence. The results of this study showed that training conducted using the massive open online course (MOOC) model is very effective and efficient because learning can be done flexibly and easily. Through MOOC, teachers and participants get physical facilities and troubleshooting services so that the learning process runs well without experiencing significant obstacles. This ICT-integrating training program has also positively contributed to the discipline of human resource management, especially concerning human development in organizations.

Analysis of the Implementation of Hotel Tax Collection on Tour Boats in West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province Year 2019-2022

Tourist who travel to tourist destinations using tourist vessels and utilize accommodation services on board generate transactions that generate revenue. However, the collection of hotel tax on tourist vessels in West Manggarai Regency has not met the target set by the local government. This phenomenon indicates a low level of taxpayer compliance. Therefore, it is essential to implement the Regent Regulation of West Manggarai Regency No. 58 of 2017 regarding the Procedures for Hotel Tax Collection on Tourist Vessels. The objective of this research is to analyze the implementation of the Regent Regulation on the Procedures for Hotel Tax Collection on Tourist Vessels and identify the obstacles faced and efforts made by the Regional Financial Management Agency to overcome these challenges. The research methodology employed in this study is qualitative with a descriptive type. The findings reveal that the implementation process of the Regent Regulation on the Procedures for Hotel Tax Collection on Tourist Vessels has not been executed effectively and doues not comply with the applicable rules due to a lack of education and information dissemination, inadequate human resources capabilities, low implementor supervision, insufficient personnel, and suboptimal inter-organizational communication. Therefore, there is a need to enhance activities related to socialization, education, supervision, and human resources training.

Radiation exposure in fluoroscopy guided spinal interventions: A prospective observational study of standard practice in a physiatry academic center

ContextFluoroscopy is the recommended image guidance modality for most spinal pain interventions. However, it exposes interventional pain physicians to chronic ionizing radiation, with known risks to the eye, skin, and hand. The use of protective glasses and gloves is variable among pain physicians. ObjectivesTo document the total radiation exposure (mSv) by pain physicians to their eyes, hands and chest in an academic setting including various spinal interventions. MethodsFour pain physicians wore a finger, head/collar (equivalent to eye exposure) and chest dosimeter over and under their lead apron during a three-month period where they performed their usual fluoroscopy-guided interventions, including close supervision of trainees. We calculated an average exposure per intervention and extrapolated the recorded exposure to a maximum, worst-case scenario of a caseload of 13 procedures per day, 5 days a week and 52 weeks per year. ResultsFour pain physicians of variable experience performed 15 different types of procedures on 607 patients throughout the study period. The yearly maximum exposure scenarios for each pain physician were all below the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission thresholds for nuclear energy workers: for the hands (31.56 mSv, 25.67 mSv, 20.59 mSv, 21.51 mSv; threshold = 500 mSv), eyes (16.01 mSv, 18.64 mSv, 24.08 mSv, 18.68 mSv; threshold = 50 mSv) and chest over the lead apron (28.27 mSv, 46.91 mSv, 30.00 mSv, 40,03 mSv; whole body threshold = 50 mSv), with some doses even below general population thresholds. The exposure under the lead apron was 0 mSv for each pain physician. ConclusionThe standard practice of an interventional pain physician using fluoroscopy in this academic setting is below radiation exposure regulations, even in a theoretical, worst-case, maximum exposure scenario. Standard radiation protection practices such as the use of lead aprons and thyroid shields should still be used. However, this data is reassuring for pain physicians with a practice in fluoroscopy-guided interventions who wish to not use protective glasses or gloves.

Factors Related with Unsafe Action in Palm Oil Harvesters at PT. Priatama Riau Kebun Rupat Island

Introduction: Work accidents can be caused by unsafe action factors in the field, such as not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), not following work procedures, and not following work safety regulations. The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors related to unsafe actions (unsafe behavior) in oil palm harvesters at PT Priatama Riau. Methods: This is an observational study. The study population consisted of 111 workers in the plantation harvester section. The research sample was calculated using the Slovin formula for as many as 86 workers. The independent variables consisted of OHS knowledge, attitudes, education, length of working period, age, OHS supervision, and OSH training. The dependent variable was Unsafe Action (unsafe behavior). Essential information was obtained through meetings, perceptions, and polls. The information collection instruments used in this study were survey sheets, agenda sheets, and cameras for documentation. Data analysis consisted of univariate and bivariate analyses. Bivariate analysis was performed using the chi-squared statistical test. Results: The factors related to unsafe action/unsafe behavior in oil palm harvesters were sex, years of service, knowledge, attitudes, OHS supervision, OHS training, and unsafe conditions. Conclusion: Judging from the factual test as a whole or together, the factors of tenure, gender, attitude, knowledge, OSH supervision, OSH training, work equipment, and unsafe conditions are related to Unsafe Actions.

Standard ophthalmology residency training in China: an evaluation of resident satisfaction on training program in Guangdong Province

BackgroundNational standardized training for resident doctors (STRD) in mainland China has been formally established since 2014 as a kind of postgraduate education. The purpose of this survey was to assess the satisfaction of the training residents in Guangdong Province on the ophthalmology STRD program after a duration of 5 years.MethodA 48-item survey was sent to all postgraduate ophthalmology residents from bases in Guangdong Province to inquire about their attitude towards the program. The survey contained questions about demographic and work-related information, job satisfaction, psychological resilience, and job performance. All responses were verified, and invalid questionnaires were excluded. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software version 22.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the factors (demographic information, working environment, clinical exposure, supervision and hands-on training opportunities, and involvement in academic activities) impacting the overall satisfaction. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 471/635 (74.17%) valid questionnaires were returned from all the STRD bases of Guangdong Province, which included 38 hospitals. 60.3% of the respondents reported overall satisfaction with their training. The satisfaction with operative teaching (60.7%) was slightly lower than the other settings of teaching experience (above 65%). Meanwhile, the satisfaction on different secessions of operative experience was all below 70%, of which in the areas of cornea and orbit were 55.42% and 57.53%, respectively. Some potential factors were found to affect general satisfaction, including the training grade, marriage, working time, income level, the doctor-patient relationship, family members working as doctors, the time proportion spent on writing medical documents during clinical work, and the frequency of attending academic meetings. Improvement was observed in both performing and reporting clinical examinations in the last year of training in comparison to the first year. Finally, 82.8% of the residents acknowledged this training was helpful for future clinical work. The first five career preferences for residents were cataract (67.1%), refractive surgery (42.3%), vitreo-retina (36.5%), optometry (28.7%), and oculoplastic (27.2%).ConclusionOphthalmology residents in Guangdong Province expressed comparable satisfaction with the STRD program. To further improve satisfaction, factors such as resident subsidy, harmonious marriage, the patient-doctor relationship, and chances of attending academic conferences should be emphasized.

Comparison of high-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training in pulmonary rehabilitation for interstitial lung disease: a randomised controlled pilot feasibility trial

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) compared with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for people with interstitial lung disease...

CGFNet: 3D Convolution Guided and Multi-scale Volume Fusion Network for fast and robust stereo matching

Nowadays, although significant progress has been made by convolutional neural network, it is still difficult to realize accurate and robust stereo matching in real time. In this article, we study how to achieve more accurate and robust disparity estimation based on real-time requirement. For this reason, a Multi-scale Volume Fusion (MVF) module was proposed and embedded to improve the matching accuracy. To achieve real-time performance, an innovative way to use 3D convolution is proposed. The 3D convolution is used during training for guidance and supervision, making the inference lightweight. Based on these two structures, we designed an end-to-end stereo matching method called 3D Convolution Guided and Multi-scale Cost Volume Fusion Network (CGFNet). Experimental results showed that our CGFNet has better generalization performance on cross-domain datasets, which achieves more accurate disparity estimation without additional fine tuning process in challenging regions. On KITTI benchmark, CGFNet reached D1-all=1.98% with substantial improvement among the State-Of-The-Art (SOTA) real-time models and runs a pair of images within 38 ms (26 fps). The results are notable when considering both matching accuracy and real-time performance.

What works in peer support for breast cancer survivors: A qualitative systematic review and meta-ethnography.

Breast cancer is associated with adverse physical and psychological consequences. Although research has identified the various benefits linked to psychosocial interventions, mixed results have been found in relation to peer support. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-ethnography is to explore the qualitative evidence on the experience of breast cancer survivors in peer support. A systematic search of the literature was conducted until June 2023, and a meta-ethnographic approach was used to synthesize the included papers. Eleven articles were included, collecting the experience of 345 participants. The following four core areas involved in peer support implementation were identified from the synthesis: Peer support can create understanding and a mutual therapeutic and emotional connection; peer support can facilitate an educational and supportive patient-centered journey; peer support should monitor group members for unpleasant emotional experiences; peer support should have professional supervision of recruitment and training to prioritize quality. These results can be used as patient-centered insights by healthcare professionals to provide evidence-informed peer support programs and address current limitations in the field.

Using the VERA-2R, professional and organisational aspects.

Violent extremism risk assessments of individuals suspected or convicted of terrorism are relevant for legal decisions, in prison and probation settings, and in inter-professional risk collaboration. These risk assessment reports by professionals should be applicable to and usable for the different judicial contexts. Informal and formal clinical practice evaluations, in the form of practitioners feedback and standardised evaluation of professional violent extremism risk reports are needed to gain insight in the use and quality of violent extremism risk assessments. In this study we examined how forensic professionals from three different countries (Sweden, Belgium and the Netherlands) use the VERA-2R in different judicial contexts. We also investigated which organizational aspects are important for the use of the VERA-2R. We focused on the perspective of the forensic professionals and their judicial organisations. We did a standardised survey among 86 VERA-2R trained professionals and a standardised interview with 20 executives and managers of organizations working with the VERA-2R. This study showed that professionals find the VERA-2R useful for structuring information and speaking a common risk language. However, using the VERA-2R comes with a variety of challenges, both on the professional and organisational level. VERA-2R trained professionals had few opportunities to use the instrument and when they did, they were not always offered regular supervision, intervision and booster training. Also, organisational issues in collaboration between judicial partner organisations and the lack of risk transfer information to professionals came to light. More research on the topic of risk transfer is needed. Policy implications are advised, for example the development of booster trainings, more organizational support, regulations on re-assessments, providing expertise and knowledge to indirect stakeholders and clear writing guidelines.

A Transformer Neural Network For AC series arc-fault detection

Detecting series arcing faults in the electrical networks of aircraft can help mitigate dramatic consequences such as fires. Non-Artificial Intelligence algorithms often fail to generalise due to arc fault signals diversity. Most methods in the detection literature use multiple pre-processing (descriptors) associated to a machine learning model (or deep learning). These approaches require to handcraft the descriptors. We propose a deep learning approach without descriptors. We adapted a sequence-based model called a Transformer Neural Network (TNN) model to this time series problem. We repurposed the encoder of the transformer as a sequence-to-sequence model. The model takes as an input a window of electric current, with at least one period of the signals (800 Hz). The output is the label of each point in the input window. This required to propose an original manner of labelling the signals, for which we designed an automated algorithm, increasing the training supervision. Contrary to existing models on aircraft signals, our TNN model has been verified using a public experimental database of electrical-arc signals that simulates aircraft signals (230 V AC at 400−800 Hz, arcs in series with resistive loads). Our model obtained an identification accuracy of 96.3% at a 2% false positive rate. One of the significant performance of our model is that it has the lowest parameter number (2266) that can be found in scientific literature by quite some margin. TNNs are therefore an appropriate candidate for the purpose of arc fault detection, and our labelling method provides a very high temporal resolution of the output.

The Use, Effectiveness, and Impact of Workplace-Based Assessments on Teaching, Supervision and Feedback Across Surgical Specialties

To investigate the use and effectiveness of Workplace-based assessments (WBAs) and their impact on training, feedback, and perioperative teaching in surgical training programs. A mixed methods cross-sectional, national electronic survey was conducted with surgical trainees and consultant trainers. The trainees and supervising faculty were from all 8 major surgical training universities across 11 surgical disciplines in South Africa. A total of 108 surgical trainees and 41 supervising consultant trainers from 11 surgical disciplines across 8 surgical training universities responded to the survey. The most significant educational gap identified by both the surgical trainees and trainers across all surgical disciplines was inadequate perioperative feedback. A third of the respondents were currently using workplace-based assessments. The WBA users (both trainees and trainers) had a higher rating for the general quality of surgical feedback than WBA nonusers (p = 0.02). WBA users also had a higher rating for the general quality of feedback given to trainees on their skills and competence (p = 0.04) and a higher rating for trainee supervision (p = 0.01) and the specialist training program overall (p = 0.01). The WBA users also had a higher rating for the assessment of competencies such as the trainee as an effective communicator (p < 0.01) and collaborator (p = 0.04). This study found that the use of WBAs enhances the quality and effectiveness of feedback in surgical training programs. We also found that the use of WBAs enhance perioperative teaching and learning and improves the assessment of relational competencies. This was also associated with high ratings for the quality of trainee supervision. Faculty and trainee development, strengthening the trainee-trainer relationship, and integrating iterative stakeholder feedback could help realize the full potential of WBAs to augment surgical training across disciplines.

Research on New Employee Training Management of Dalian New Oriental Training School Co., Ltd

As an important link of human resource management, training is the main means of preserving and increasing the value of human resources. In particular, new employee training is the basis and premise for new employees to carry out their work, which can effectively improve the competence of new employees in actual work, thereby promoting the improvement of enterprise economic efficiency, and has been valued by more and more enterprises.Dalian New Oriental Training School Co., Ltd is a branch of New Oriental Education Technology Group and is currently the largest education and training enterprise in Dalian market. Since its establishment, the company has been in a state of rapid development, and a large number of new employees will be recruited and trained every year. However, due to the immature training system of new employees and imperfect training guidance, the turnover rate of new employees is high, and the training costs paid by enterprises cannot be effectively converted into economic benefits. According to the main links of the training management model, this paper collects and organizes Dalian new oriental training school co., Ltd using the document method, questionnaire survey method and in-depth interview method Relevant information in the management of new employee training, and analyzed the problems in the management of existing training. According to the existing problems, combined with the main theoretical models such as training transfer theory, training demand analysis model, and Kirkoff training evaluation model, targeted optimization measures are proposed to improve the main links in training management and improve the training management performance of new employees. Dalian new oriental training school co., Ltd needs to do a good job in the process of “training needs analysis, training design, training implementation, training effect evaluation” and other processes to optimize the existing training management, and also needs to ensure the existing optimization measures from the institutional level, personnel level and resource level. Through Dalian new oriental training school co., Ltd The research on new employee training mainly has the following conclusions of training management: First, new employee training should serve the organizational strategy, and take the organizational strategy and customer needs as the direction of new employee training; In addition, a reasonable training system and process should be built in training management. Second, the training needs analysis should fully consider the needs of new employees and enhance the sense of belonging of new employees. Third, in the early stage of training, it is necessary to enhance the organizational loyalty and commitment of new employees, help new employees establish values that are highly compatible with the organizational culture, and reduce the turnover rate of new employees. Fourth, before training, it is necessary to create the necessary environment to make new employees feel valued; In addition, the focus of new employee training supervision is on training attitudes. Fifth, Dalian new oriental training school co., Ltd new employee training effect evaluation, should be based on constructive evaluation, supplemented by summary evaluation, continuous tracking of behavior layer and result evaluation, use evaluation to improve existing training.

Factors Associated With Comfort Using Telemedicine for Upper Limb Specialty Care

There is a growing interest in diagnosis and treatment through telemedicine because of its convenience, accessibility, and lower costs. There are clinician and patient barriers to wider adoption of telemedicine. To support the effective and equitable use of telemedicine, we investigated the patient, illness, and surgeon factors associated with the specialist level of comfort in providing upper limb care via telemedicine. Seventy-five upper-extremity musculoskeletal specialists completed an online survey-based experiment in which they viewed 12 patient scenarios with randomized patient age, gender, diagnosis, pain intensity, and patient preference for surgical treatment (yes or no) and rated their comfort with telemedicine from 0, no comfort, to 10, complete comfort. The participants were able to provide a rationale for their stance in open text boxes. We recorded the following specialist factors: gender, location of practice, years in practice, subspecialty, the supervision of trainees, and surgeon-rated importance of a physical examination. In a multivariable analysis, greater surgeon comfort using telemedicine was associated with nontrauma conditions, four specific diagnoses, and patients who did not have severe pain. Lower surgeon comfort with telemedicine was associated with the higher clinician-rated importance of a hands-on physical examination and supervising trainees. Text-based reasons provided for relative comfort with telemedicine included nonsurgical treatment and facility of diagnosis based on interviews alone. Text-based reasons for relative discomfort with telemedicine included a perceived need for a hands-on physical examination and a preference for an in-person conversation for specific discussions, including scheduling surgery. Greater specialist enthusiasm for telemedicine is associated with personal preferences regarding the upper-extremity condition, patients with less severe pain, and a willingness to forego a hands-on examination. Utilization of telemedicine for upper-extremity specialty care may be facilitated by diagnosis-specific care strategies and strategies for video examination, with a focus on tactics that are effective for people with more intense symptoms.

Adipokines as Predictive Biomarkers for Training Adaptation in Subjects with Multimorbidity-A Hypothesis-Generating Study.

Physical exercise exerts a positive effect on many chronic conditions, specifically lifestyle-related diseases such as overweight and obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular conditions and osteoarthritis (OA). As a result of common risk factors, most of these patients present with multiple conditions. Exercise- and disease-related biomarkers, such as adipokines, are emerging tools in training supervision and regulation; however, their significance in subjects with multimorbidities is unknown. To address this issue, adipokines leptin, adiponectin and resistin were assessed in a cohort of subjects with multimorbidities (n = 39) presenting with at least two of the abovementioned conditions or relevant risk factors before and after a six-month exercise and lifestyle intervention program ('MultiPill-Exercise'), and correlated with training adaptation, namely changes in relative maximum oxygen uptake (V·O2max). There was a significant negative correlation between baseline leptin concentrations and training effect for relative V·O2max (after three months: rho = -0.54, p = 0.020 *; after six months: rho = -0.45, p = 0.013 *), with baseline leptin explaining 35% of the variance in delta relative V·O2max after three months and 23% after six months. Leptin might be a suitable surrogate biomarker in the context of exercise-based lifestyle intervention programs in subjects with multimorbidity.

Unsupervised Contrastive Representation Learning for 3D Mesh Segmentation (Student Abstract)

3D deep learning is a growing field of interest due to the vast amount of information stored in 3D formats. Triangular meshes are an efficient representation for irregular, non-uniform 3D objects. However, meshes are often challenging to annotate due to their high computational complexity. Therefore, it is desirable to train segmentation networks with limited-labeled data. Self-supervised learning (SSL), a form of unsupervised representation learning, is a growing alternative to fully-supervised learning which can decrease the burden of supervision for training. Specifically, contrastive learning (CL), a form of SSL, has recently been explored to solve limited-labeled data tasks. We propose SSL-MeshCNN, a CL method for pre-training CNNs for mesh segmentation. We take inspiration from prior CL frameworks to design a novel CL algorithm specialized for meshes. Our preliminary experiments show promising results in reducing the heavy labeled data requirement needed for mesh segmentation by at least 33%.

Current postgraduate training in emergency medicine in the Nordic countries

BackgroundEmergency Medicine (EM) is an independent specialty in all five Nordic countries. This study aims to evaluate the structure of post-graduate EM training in the area.MethodsA leading hospital or hospitals in EM training in each country were identified. An e-survey was sent to each hospital to gather data on patient volume and physician staffing, curriculum, trainee supervision, and monitoring of progression in training.ResultsData were collected from one center in Iceland and Norway, two in Finland and Sweden, and four centers in Denmark. The data from each country in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, were pooled to represent that country. The percentage of consultants with EM specialist recognition ranged from 49–100% of all consultants working in the participating departments. The number of patients seen annually per each full time EM consultant was almost three times higher in Finland than in Sweden. In Iceland, Denmark, and Sweden a consultant was present 24/7 in the ED but not in all centers in the other countries. The level of trainee autonomy in clinical practice varied between countries. Requirements for completing standardized courses, completing final exams, scientific and quality improvement projects, and evaluation of trainee progression, varied between the countries.ConclusionsAll Nordic countries have established EM training programs. Despite cultural similarities, there are significant differences in how the EM training is structured between the countries. Writing and implementing a standardized training curriculum and assessment system for EM training in the Nordic countries should be considered.