Technical Skills Research Articles

Comparing the impact of three-dimensional digital visualization technology versus traditional microscopy on microsurgeons in microsurgery: a prospective self-controlled study.

Emerging three-dimensional digital visualization technology (DVT) provides more advantages than traditional microscopy in microsurgery; however, its impact on microsurgeons' visual and nervous systems and delicate microsurgery is still unclear, which hinders the wider implementation of DVT in digital visualization for microsurgery. Forty-two microsurgeons from the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center were enrolled in this prospective self-controlled study. Each microsurgeon consecutively performed 30min conjunctival sutures using a three-dimensional digital display and a microscope, respectively. Visual function, autonomic nerve activity, and subjective symptoms were evaluated before and immediately after the operation. Visual functions, including accommodative lag, accommodative amplitude, near point of convergence and contrast sensitivity function (CSF), were measured by an expert optometrist. Heart rate variability was recorded by a wearable device for monitoring autonomic nervous activity. Subjective symptoms were evaluated by questionnaires. Microsurgical performance was assessed by the video-based Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) tool. Accommodative lag decreased from 0.63 (0.18) diopters (D) to 0.55 (0.16) D ( P =0.014), area under the log contrast sensitivity function increased from 1.49 (0.15) to 1.52 (0.14) ( P =0.037), and heart rate variability decreased from 36.00 (13.54) milliseconds (ms) to 32.26 (12.35) ms ( P =0.004) after using the DVT, but the changes showed no differences compared to traditional microscopy ( P >0.05). No statistical significance was observed for global OSATS scores between the two rounds of operations [mean difference, 0.05 (95% CI: -1.17 to 1.08) points; P =0.95]. Subjective symptoms were quite mild after using both techniques. The impact of DVT-based procedures on microsurgeons includes enhanced accommodation and sympathetic activity, but the changes and surgical performance are not significantly different from those of microscopy-based microsurgery. Our findings indicate that short-term use of DVT is reliable for microsurgery and the long-term effect of using DVT deserve more consideration.

Major vascular reconstructions in thoracic oncological surgery.

The replacement of the superior vena cava and thoracic outlet vessels for thoracic malignancies often becomes necessary for radical oncological surgery. The pulmonary artery can be directly infiltrated by the tumor or affected by metastatic hilar lymph nodes. In some cases, it must be resected and reconstructed to achieve oncological radicality and/or avoid pneumonectomy. This study reflects a single-surgeon, retrospective experience spanning 6years (2017-2023). We reviewed data from patients undergoing early anticoagulant therapy after superior vena cava or thoracic outlet vessels bypass and from patients undergoing early antiaggregation therapy following pulmonary artery reconstruction or resection. This series comprises 41 patients treated by a single surgeon. Fourteen patients underwent superior vena cava and thoracic outlet vessel procedures. Among these, eight patients received superior vena cava replacement (six for thymic malignancies and two for lung cancer), and six patients underwent jugular and subclavian artery/vein resection or replacement (all six had sarcomas). There was one death due to respiratory failure, not associated with bleeding or bypass closure. Additionally, there was one graft closure in a patient with severe coagulopathy and three instances of hemothorax (two patients had undiagnosed complex coagulopathies not evident in pre-operative routine blood tests). Following bleeding incidents, anticoagulation was initiated the next day in one case and based on hematological indications in the two coagulopathic patients. In the pulmonary artery series, 27 patients were involved: 20 underwent direct suture after tangential resection, and 7 received pericardial patch reconstruction. Only one case experienced bleeding necessitating redo-surgery. All these patients received early and chronic antiaggregation therapy after pulmonary artery reconstruction. We conclude that major thoracic oncological vascular surgery is safe and feasible with appropriate technical skills. However, achieving optimal results requires integration with correct early anticoagulant therapy or antiaggregation to maintain the patency of bypasses/grafts and prevent life-threatening risks associated with closure of the "new vessels."

REVISITING CRITICAL THINKING THROUGH QURANIC LENS

Despite the widespread emphasis on teaching critical thinking at international universities, there is a growing concern that graduates are inadequately prepared to navigate the complexities of contemporary crises, revealing significant shortcomings in conventional approaches to critical thinking education. Through comparative text analysis, this study examines the concept of critical thinking through a Quranic perspective, highlighting the integration of ethical, moral, and spiritual dimensions into the traditional critical thinking frameworks. The Quranic perspective acknowledges the existence of knowledge beyond the empirical and physically observable world, urging a recognition of the limitations of human intellect. The study presents a more holistic approach to critical thinking drawing on Quranic teachings to enrich contemporary understanding and practice. By exploring the Quran's emphasis on ethical reasoning, reflective and strategic thinking, restraint and self-control as elements of sound critical thinking, the study identifies both convergences and divergences with Western models of critical thinking. The findings of the Quran's unique contributions to critical thinking include the integration of spirituality for autonomous critical thinking, a holistic approach to reasoning, the central role of the heart in thinking, and the importance of character-building for sound judgment. The research aims to foster a more integrated approach to critical thinking presenting a set of Islamic critical insights that encompass not only intellectual but also spiritual and moral capacities, challenging current educational paradigms and advocating for a comprehensive development that prioritizes character-building together with technical skills such as awareness of cognitive biases and heuristics.

Applying Q-methodology to investigate computer science teachers’ preferences about students’ skills and knowledge for obtaining a degree

Students’ dropout of Computer Science (CS) education is a crucial issue. This study aims to investigate one of the aspects which can help to retain our students. It is vital to examine CS education on the challenge of competence transition within the BSc curriculum from faculty perspectives. Teachers’ expectations about students’ skills and knowledge are important to understand because they influence learning outcomes and teaching methodologies. Acquiring hard skills and professional skills has outstanding significance in preparing students for their future careers. This study uses Q-methodology to identify the different viewpoints on the skills necessary to obtain a CS degree. Teachers from CS bachelor’s programmes at a large European university participated in the study and shared their opinions. The participants were asked to rank the statements along a spectrum of “the most important skill” to “unimportant skill” (containing hard skills as well as soft skills). Factor analysis revealed five factors that are key components to obtaining a degree in CS: 1. analytical and technical skills, 2. teamwork and self-study experience, 3. group programming experience, 4. communication and problem-solving skills, 5. mathematical foundations and process modelling ability. This exploratory study applied a new research instrument and approach to incorporate teachers’ perspectives into research and practice. These findings could help administrators develop new curricula in order to increase students’ retention. We confirmed the need for acquiring professional skills and highlighted the need for designing new programmes which can improve students’ soft skills to prepare them for work in the IT field.

Requisite Skills for University Students Considering Future Job Demands and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030

The study aims to investigate the necessary skills for university students in light of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the requirements of future professions. The study adopted a descriptive and analytical method, relying on two data sources: secondary data obtained through the analysis of relevant previous studies, resulting in a proposed list of future professions and the main categories of required skills. The second source was primary data, presenting proposed professions and skills to 76 experts and academics in various core disciplines. After verifying the validity and reliability of the survey, it was applied, and data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods (Mean, standard deviation, and Percentage) to estimate the sample's responses to professions and skills. Inferential statistics (T-test & ANOVA) were used to detect the impact of sample variable differences on their estimation of professions and skills. The study identified 15 suggested future professions and a list of future skills categorized into three main groups: Personal Skills (7 key skills), Learning Skills (5 key skills), and Technical and Digital Skills (9 key skills).

Effects of blockchain technology (BT) on the university librarians and libraries: a systematic literature review (SLR)

PurposeThe objectives of the study were to identify the effects of blockchain technology (BT) on the university librarians, the impact of BT on the university library services and to reveal the challenges to adopt BT in the university libraries.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was applied to address the objectives of the study. Around 25 studies published in peer-reviewed journals were selected to conduct the study.FindingsThe findings of the study revealed that blockchain technology (BT) has positive effects on the university librarians as it assists them in digital resources management, provision of integrated library services, effective records management and continued professional development. The study also displayed that BT has a positive impact on the university libraries through effective information management, user privacy, collaboration, technological innovation and access control. Results also revealed that technical issues, financial constraints, security problems, skill issues and sociocultural issues created challenges to adopt BT in the university libraries.Originality/valueThe study has offered theoretical implications for future investigators through the provision of innovative literature on the prospectus and challenges associated with blockchain in the context of librarianship. The study has also provided practical implications for management bodies by offering recommendations for the successful adoption of blockchain in the university libraries. Additionally, a framework has been developed to adopt BT successfully in the university libraries for the delivery of smart library services to library patrons.

Using Digital Literacy Components to Develop ESL Learners’ Digital Mastery

The capacity to locate, assess, and communicate information via keyboards or digital media platforms is known as digital literacy. Utilizing information and communication technology to produce, assess, and distribute information requires a combination of technical and cognitive skills. Some ESL learners are still struggling when they are using the media online to search for articles and journals. In addition, there are still a lot of students that are unsure about how to use digital technology for their education. ESL learners must be proactive and digitally knowledgeable in this age of technology to successfully choose and organize their search results. Without these digital abilities, ESL Malaysian students would not be able to utilize a variety of ICT platforms for information access and processing for academic needs, as well as subsequently for career needs, specifically to fulfil the demands of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0). This study explores the development of digital mastery using the digital literacy components. The study employed a survey research design. An online questionnaire was distributed to ESL learners in a selected university. A cluster sampling was used in selecting the samples. A sample of 186 university students were involved in this study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data collected. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 27 for the questionnaire. In brief, the study contributes to a new model related to digital mastery for ESL students in higher education.

Reducing trainee mistakes. Better performance with changing to a high-fidelity simulation system?

Postpartum hemorrhage is a significant cause of both maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide and is increasing in incidence. This study aimed to assess improvement and identify shortcomings in trainee performance in different simulation systems in the management of postpartum hemorrhage. To perform a pilot study evaluating and comparing high- and low-fidelity simulation models, assessing improvement in repeated performance with high-fidelity mode and identifying mistakes made assessed using Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills and thereby exploring what aspects of emergency management of postpartum hemorrhage should be prioritized in teaching settings and assessing what simulation setup is most effective in achieving competence. This was a prospective randomized, single-blinded, single-institution trial in a population of 17 junior obstetrical trainees at the Charité University Hospital Obstetric Simulation Center in Berlin. Trainees were randomized into 2 groups, with either initial low-fidelity simulation or high-fidelity simulation, followed by repeated assessment of performance, using the high-fidelity model simulation system. Individual simulation sessions were video-recorded and transcribed, and the timing of interventions was documented. Strandardized Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills forms were used as a checklist for performance. There was a statistically significant general improvement in performance (P=.02; 24.7-27.2 of 31.0 points; average of 8.7%) in the second cycle of simulation assessment and a statistically significant training effect (P=.043; 24.4-28.4 of 31.0 points; average of 12.9%) in the group that underwent repeat simulation assessment from the initial low-fidelity system to the high-fidelity system compared with the group using the same high-fidelity setup (P=.276; 25.0-25.8 of 31.0; average of 2.4%). There was an improvement in the performance when trainees underwent a repeated cycle of simulation assessment changing from a low-fidelity system to a high-fidelity system. Simulation assessment can identify mistakes and learning gaps that are important for obstetrical trainees. This study found that trainees make the same mistakes, regardless of which simulation model was initially used.

Appraisal of surgical outcomes and oncological efficiency of intraoperative adverse events in robotic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Surgical quality control is a crucial determinant of evaluating the tumor efficacy. To assess the ClassIntra grade for quality control and oncological outcomes of robotic radical surgery for gastric cancer (GC). Data of patients undergoing robotic radical surgery for GC at a high-volume center were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into two groups, the intraoperative adverse event (iAE) group and the non-iAE group, based on the occurrence of intraoperative adverse events. The iAEs were further classified into five sublevels (ranging from I to V according to severity) based on the ClassIntra grade. Surgical performance was assessed using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) and the General Error Reporting Tool. This study included 366 patients (iAE group: n = 72 [19.7%] and non-iAE group: n = 294 [80.3%]). The proportion of ClassIntra grade II patients was the highest in the iAE group (54.2%). In total and distal gastrectomies, iAEs occurred most frequently in the suprapancreatic area (50.0% and 54.8%, respectively). In total gastrectomy, grade IV iAEs were most common during lymph node dissection in the splenic hilum area (once for bleeding [grade IV] and once for injury [grade IV]). The overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival of the non-iAE group were significantly better than those of the iAE group (Log rank P < 0.001). Uni- and multi-variate analyses showed that iAEs were key prognostic indicators, independent of tumor stage and adjuvant chemotherapy (P < 0.001). iAEs in patients who underwent robotic radical gastrectomy significantly correlated with the occurrence of postoperative complications and a poor long-term prognosis. Therefore, utilization and inclusion of ClassIntra grading as a crucial surgical quality control and prognostic indicator in the routine surgical quality evaluation system are recommended.

Relationship between Secondary School Teachers' Technological Proficiencies and Their Effectiveness in Instructional Practices

This study aims to find out the relationship between secondary school teachers' technical skills and their instructional competencies. It also seeks to understand the obstacles that keep teachers from utilizing technology and how they view their instructional competencies and information technology skills. The research also investigated the relationship between teachers' information technology skills and job proficiency. The study addresses the diverse landscapes among teachers and promotes broader technology adoption in assessment and evaluation. The concerns that have been identified include those linked to technology, students, and families, which emphasizes the necessity of making infrastructural upgrades and providing thorough training. The study highlights the significance of motivation and attendance in online learning, consistent with previous research. Teachers emphasize in-service training and skill development, expressing a common sense of inadequacy in technological integration. The study used a questionnaire to gather information from secondary school teachers as part of a quantitative research approach. The study's conclusion sheds light on how information technology might help teachers do better at work and develop their instructional competencies. The findings might also be useful in devising ways to get around obstacles that hinder teachers from using technology in the classroom.

Characteristics of specific training in elite handball players specialized in goalkeeper position

Background and Study Aim. Elite handball goalkeepers undergo intensive training for reflexes and advanced techniques. They develop mental toughness to handle the pressure and responsibility at key moments of the game. Thus, they protect the goal of the team. This study aims to investigate and highlight the specific training characteristics of elite handball players specialized in the goalkeeper position. Material and Methods. The best 4 goalkeepers specialized in elite handball in Romania, aged between 22 and 33 years, were selected. Specific motor tests were used: Test 1 - Jumps 15 seconds; Test 2 – Reaction speed to visual stimulus; Test 3 – Execution speed. Technical tests were used: Test specific to goalkeeper, Triangle moving, The Ten Jump, Ball throwing, Standing long jump, Passes to a fixed point; The Cooper test. To improve specific training, there were applied strategies for training optimization which include stretching for mobility, segmental muscle strength, goalkeeping specific exercises and plyometrics. The nonparametric Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between technical training and motor skills parameters. The statistical significance level was set at p&lt;0.05. Results. The performance of elite handball players specializing in goalkeeper position highlighted significant improvements in the Jumps 15 sec test. Contact time decreased by 0.13 seconds while the jump height increased by 0.55 cm, showing improved efficiency and power. In the Reaction speed to visual stimulus test, waiting time and reaction time decreased considerably, while the foot rising height increased. In the right and left leg Execution speed test, the differences observed reveal individual adaptations. The overall time is low in the right foot and there is a significant increase in the left foot. The nonparametric Spearman correlation analysis showed the relationship between the indices of technical fitness tests and the strength and speed motor skills. During Test 1 - Jumps 15 sec - 49 correlations were identified, of which 5.36% were statistically significant, highlighting strong connections between certain parameters. The analysis of Test 2 showed 56 correlations, but the lack of statistical significance reveals the absence of connections between the technical tests and the parameters of reaction speed manifestation. Regarding Test 3, a number of 28 correlations were identified. The lack of statistical significance suggests the absence of significant correlations between the technical tests and the execution speed. Conclusions. The performances of elite handball goalkeepers show significant improvements in motor and technical skills, highlighting the effectiveness of specific training and its adaptability. The progress in jumping and reaction speed indicates essential improvements for goalkeeping success, emphasizing the necessity for personalized and holistic training.

Managerial Influence Of School Principals On Teacher Competency In MAN 1 Kediri City

The aim of this research is to determine the managerial influence of school principals on teacher performance in MAN 1 Kediri City. The approach in this research is quantitative. The type of research used in this research is associative research. The population is the total number of MAN 1 Kediri City teachers, namely 83 teachers who are also the research sample. The data collection techniques are questionnaires and documentation. Data analysis used multiple linear regression. The results of the research are that there is a significant influence of conceptual skills on teacher competency in MAN 1 Kediri City, there is a significant influence of technical skills on teacher competency in MAN 1 Kediri City, there is a significant influence of Social Skills on competency teachers at MAN 1 Kediri City, there is a significant influence jointly between conceptual skills, technical skills and social skills on the competence of teachers at MAN 1 Kediri City.

Research on the Interdependent Relationship between Teaching Methods and Technology : Focusing on the Internal Communication between Instructors and Learners

This study examines that even in an era when technology is essential to education, the essence of liberal arts education lies in the instructor's consideration and internal communication with learners. Technical skills are essential in limited physical and group learning environments, and technology and teaching methods are interdependent. By empirically observing the period of transition from non-face-to-face to face-to-face, we confirmed the interdependence between teaching methods and the university's LMS in H University's liberal arts writing class. Technology functions to sustain and promote the internal relationship between instructor and learner, and internal communication is achieved through the instructor's consideration for the learner. When a sense of trust is formed through the instructor's consideration, learners can focus on writing independently, even in a group learning environment where they do not receive attention. The university's LMS is used for hybrid education where instructors and learners maintain internal communication and communicate using online technology and offline consideration. However, the interdependent relationship with technology in education is meaningful when instructors aim for internal communication through consideration as humanization.

물류 기업의 디지털 혁신을 위한 스타트업 인수합병에 관한 연구

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to analyze the acquisition motivations of startups by incumbent logistics companies, and explore how they affect the digital transformation of incumbent logistics companies. Design/Methodology/Approach – This study used a thematic analysis method to refine data on logistics company and startup mergers and acquisitions, and adopted an open coding procedure to ensure qualitative rigor. The research process consisted of coding primary data from Internet articles and interviews for terms containing acquisition objectives or motives, and grouping them according to the similarity of motives after primary data analysis. These were reorganized into six theory-based themes in the secondary analysis. Findings – The results identify six reasons why incumbent logistics companies acquire digital startups and the three digital strategy directions they pursue through acquisitions. First, the most important reason for the acquisition of startups is to acquire technology; second, to acquire technical and management skills, experience, and capabilities in the form of new employees; and third, to acquire customers, and methods to acquire new customers include expanding market share and entering new markets. Research Implications – Using empirical data from 39 cases, this study suggests that acquiring digital startups is the fastest way for incumbent logistics companies to acquire technology, a surefire way to acquire the capabilities and talent needed for digital transformation, and a way to expand markets while ensuring that digital transformation is not hindered by internal resistance.

Teaching grassroots soccer: a systematic review of literature

Background and Study Aim. The process of soccer training for children and young people involves systematic exercise over an extended period to build a strong foundation of motor skills. These skills are designed to be both versatile and specific to the sport. The purpose of this research is to conduct a systematic review of literature related to the process of teaching grassroots football. This review aims to contribute to a better understanding of the strategies and methods employed in the development and training of young athletes. Material and Methods. To conduct this review, studies were searched in the Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus databases from 2012 to 2022. The search focused on scientific articles addressing soccer teaching for children and girls up to 14 years old, using the keywords "children AND (football OR soccer) AND teaching." The sample was limited to research in Spanish and English. The search yielded 149 articles, from which 19 studies were selected based on their titles and abstracts. Results. The findings revealed two main categories: teaching methods and their impact on technical and tactical skills in grassroots football, and factors affecting technical-tactical performance in this context. The most significant findings emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach to teaching grassroots football, which involves the coordination of knowledge, skills, strategies, decision-making, and technical abilities. Conclusions. The review concludes that a variety of teaching approaches should be considered, and methodologies should be constantly evaluated to train future footballers with a deep understanding of the game.

Modeling digital skills beyond the IT workforce: construct definition, measurement and impact on digitalization value

PurposeInformation technology (IT) personnels’ technical, business and behavioral skills are critical enablers for generating IT value. In an increasingly digitalized working environment where non-IT employees participate in digital innovations, a focus on IT personnels’ skills only doesn’t meet researchers’ need for a framework to study digital skills and managers’ need to address digital skills challenges across an enterprise’s workforce. Nevertheless, the digital skills topic is complicated by conceptual ambiguity and a lack of theoretically derived and empirically validated model. The purpose of this study is to address this problem.Design/methodology/approachTheoretically, this study draws on human capital (HC) and resource-based view (RBV) theories. Empirically, it follows mixed method combining interviews and a survey.FindingsThe digital skills construct is a multidimensional second order reflective construct. While its development is influenced by an organization’s commitment and exposure to digitalization, it influences the value organizations obtain from digitalization.Research limitations/implicationsThis study conceptualizes the digital skills construct, identifying technology agnostic subdimensions that are meaningful beyond a particular digital domain [information and communication technology (ICT), information, Internet, Inter of Things (IoT)] and establishing a valid measure. Other researchers can improve both the indicators of the existing four conceptually distinct and managerially recognizable workplace digital skills dimensions as well as testing new ones.Practical implicationsManagers can use the instrument to assess the extent to which their non-IT workforces are equipped with digital skills and get strategic insights for specific interventions such as upskilling or buying in skills.Originality/valueThe main theoretical contribution of the paper is the conceptualization and validation of the digital skills construct for the non-IT workforce. Furthermore, we provide a theoretical framework to explain the factors that could influence the development of digital skills and demonstrate the impact that digital skills have on selected digitalization value indicators. This contribution provides the foundation for investigating the drivers, outcomes and the relationship of digital skills to other constructs such as digital transformation, innovation and firm performance.

Developing a clamshell thoracotomy training model to support hybrid teaching in simulation-based education.

Thoracotomy is an acute, time-sensitive procedure. Simulation-based education provides a safe-learning platform to learn these techniques under close supervision. We used the spiral model and concepts of functional fidelity to guide the evolutionary design and fabrication of a hybrid thoracotomy simulator. This model simulates a clamshell thoracotomy that physically integrates with bespoke manikins and adds a high-fidelity technical skills element to immersive team-based simulation training. We describe the creation of a thoracotomy simulation model that allows trainees to practice these techniques in a safe-learning environment.

Feasibility of 3-dimensional printed models in simulated training and teaching of transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

In the study of TAVR, 3-dimensional (3D) printed aortic root models and pulsatile simulators were used for simulation training and teaching before procedures. The study was carried out in the following three parts: (1) experts were selected and equally divided into the 3D-printed simulation group and the non-3D-printed simulation group to conduct four times of TAVR, respectively; (2) another 10 experts and 10 young proceduralists were selected to accomplish three times of TAVR simulations; (3) overall, all the doctors were organized to complete a specific questionnaire, to evaluate the training and teaching effect of 3D printed simulations. For the 3D-printed simulation group, six proceduralists had a less crossing-valve time (8.3 ± 2.1 min vs 11.8 ± 2.7 min, P < 0.001) and total operation time (102.7 ± 15.3 min vs 137.7 ± 15.4 min, P < 0.001). In addition, the results showed that the median crossing-valve time and the total time required were significantly reduced in both the expert group and the young proceduralist group (all P<0.001). The results of the questionnaire showed that 3D-printed simulation training could enhance the understanding of anatomical structure and improve technical skills. Overall, cardiovascular 3D printing may play an important role in assisting TAVR, which can shorten the operation time and reduce potential complications.

PBL-Based Vocational Education Blended Learning Activity Design Research

There are disparities between vocational education personnel training and industrial development. The purpose of this research is to develop a PBL-based blended learning activity design aligned with vocational education talent training goals, leveraging the benefits of project-based and mixed learning approaches. The design encompasses problem clarification, goal determination, problem design, problem-solving, results display and evaluation, and summary activities. Employing a quasi-experimental research methodology, this study was conducted in the core course “Software Development Technology” within the software technology major of Vocational College X. Through comparative data analysis between the experimental and control groups, it was observed that students in the experimental group demonstrated varying degrees of improvement in their abilities related to demand analysis, software design, software development, and software testing in the field of software development technology. This finding affirms that PBL-based blended learning activities can effectively enhance students’ technical skills by extending learning opportunities in both space and time, thereby offering practical insights for vocational education talent training research.

Active Support Measure: a multilevel exploratory factor analysis.

Active Support is a person-centred practice that enables people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) to engage in meaningful activities and social interactions. The Active Support Measure (ASM) is an observational tool designed to measure the quality of support that people with IDs living in supported accommodation services receive from staff. The aim of the study was to explore the underlying constructs of the ASM. Multilevel exploratory factor analysis was conducted on ASM data (n=884 people with IDs across 236 accommodation services) collected during a longitudinal study of Active Support in Australian accommodation services. Multilevel exploratory factor analysis indicated that 12 of the ASM's 15 items loaded on two factors, named Supporting Engagement in Activities and Interacting with the Person. The 12-item ASM measures two dimensions of the quality of staff support. Both technical and interpersonal skills comprise good Active Support.