Training Tool Research Articles

Quotient Network-A Network Similar to ResNet but Learning Quotients

The emergence of ResNet provides a powerful tool for training extremely deep networks. The core idea behind it is to change the learning goals of the network. It no longer learns new features from scratch but learns the difference between the target and existing features. However, the difference between the two kinds of features does not have an independent and clear meaning, and the amount of learning is based on the absolute rather than the relative difference, which is sensitive to the size of existing features. We propose a new network that perfectly solves these two problems while still having the advantages of ResNet. Specifically, it chooses to learn the quotient of the target features with the existing features, so we call it the quotient network. In order to enable this network to learn successfully and achieve higher performance, we propose some design rules for this network so that it can be trained efficiently and achieve better performance than ResNet. Experiments on the CIFAR10, CIFAR100, and SVHN datasets prove that this network can stably achieve considerable improvements over ResNet by simply making tiny corresponding changes to the original ResNet network without adding new parameters.

Esports Training, Periodization, and Software—A Scoping Review

Electronic sports (esports) and research on this emerging field are interdisciplinary in nature. By extension, it is essential to understand how to standardize and structure training with the help of existing tools, developed over years of research in sports sciences and informatics. Our goal for this work is to review the available literature in esports research, focusing on sports sciences (training, periodization, planning, and career stages) and software (training tools, visualization, analytics, and feedback systems). To verify the existing sources, we applied the framework of a scoping review to address the search from multiple scientific databases with further local processing. We conclude that the current research on esports has mainly focused on describing and modeling performance metrics that span over multiple fragmented research areas (psychology, nutrition, informatics). However, these building blocks have not been assembled into a well-functioning theory of performance in esports by, e.g., providing exercise regimes or methods of periodization for esports.

SAVAGE: Simulation of Virtual Reality-Based for Building Fire Victim Rescue Learning Media

Airports are very dynamic and complex environments, making them high-risk places for incidents and accidents, both due to the aircraft's movement and to the building facilities or structures at the airport. Emergency service personnel must have high skills in emergency response, quick decision-making abilities, and a deep understanding of the various dangerous situations that may be encountered in the field. Continuous education and training are essential to ensure their readiness and ability to deal with emergencies. This study aims to develop Virtual Reality-based Search and Rescue learning media to improve the skills and understanding of training participants in search and rescue operations. This learning media is designed to provide a realistic and interactive simulation experience, allowing participants to practice rescue procedures in various dangerous scenarios without real risk. The development methods used in this study include the stages of needs analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE). At the analysis stage, the identification of training needs and competencies that must be achieved is carried out. The design stage involves designing Virtual Reality scenarios that cover various field conditions and rescue techniques. Effectiveness is evaluated by measuring the increase in skills and understanding of participants before and after using Virtual Reality media. The study results indicate that this learning media effectively improves the operational and decision-making skills of training participants in emergency situations. The feasibility assessment by media experts obtained an average score of 88.72%. Then, the feasibility assessment by material experts obtained an average score of 88.90%. After conducting a product trial on students, the evaluation results were 81.30%. Based on the results of the validation and trial of this product, Virtual Reality-based learning media can be recommended as an innovative and efficient training tool for Search and Rescue learning media.

Electrical Resistivity Testing of Concrete Cylinders: Bias, Precision, and Use in Process Control

Electrical resistivity is increasingly used as a test method to assess the transport properties of concrete. This paper describes an interlaboratory study that was conducted to determine precision and bias for resistivity measurements made in surface and bulk configurations of concrete cylinders. Tests were performed following AASHTO T 358-22 and AASHTO T 402-23. A verification device is introduced with a known resistivity (and impedance) to aid in determining the bias associated with resistivity measurements. However, this device can also be used as a training tool and as a tool to evaluate the qualifications of those new to performing the test. Concrete cylinders were prepared, cured, and conditioned using three methods: immersed in simulated pore solution, sealed, and immersed in lime solution. The samples were tested to determine the precision in the resistivity measurements of the samples for the different curing conditions. The paper discusses how resistivity testing can be used for quality control testing as well as quality acceptance. The results were used to develop precision and bias statements for resistivity measurements, which have been adopted in the latest American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASTHO) standards.

Bridging the Gap: Virtual Reality as a Tool for De-Escalation Training in Disability Support Settings

Managing complex behaviors in disability support settings requires competent de-escalation skills. However, the current training methods often lack sufficient opportunities for realistic practice. This study details a three-stage development and evaluation of a virtual reality (VR) application for disability support staff to safely build de-escalation skills through simulated interactions. The first phase involved creating VR prototype scenarios depicting escalations with adolescent clients. Next, 12 disability support experts conducted content validation by refining the scenarios to confirm appropriateness and realism. Finally, a pilot study tested the tool’s usability and examined the initial construct validity in 20 participants. The prototype achieved high usability ratings (average 81.0 (SD 10.7) on the System Usability Scale). Additionally, a positive correlation between VR performance and empathy levels, as measured using the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire, was found (Pearson’s r = 0.487, p = 0.035). The promising results highlight the VR application’s potential as a transformative training tool. Future research should expand scenario diversity and compare VR with traditional methods to establish its efficacy in diverse settings and offer a path to enhance staff and student capabilities in challenging environments.

Predicting corrosion current density in magnesium alloy battery anodes: machine learning approach using rapid miner

ABSTRACT Magnesium (Mg) alloys are increasingly recognised for their potential as anode materials in batteries due to their high specific capacity and cost-effectiveness. However, their susceptibility to corrosion poses a significant challenge to practical applications. This study explores the effectiveness of various machine learning models – local polynomial regression, Decision Trees, Random Forest, Gradient Boost, and Extreme Gradient Boost – in predicting the corrosion behaviour of Mg alloy battery anodes in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl electrolyte. Experimental data on the corrosion current density of Mg alloys are collected and analysed using the RapidMiner tool for model training and evaluation. The findings highlight that the Extreme Gradient Boost (XGBoost) model excels among other machine learning techniques in accurately forecasting the corrosion rates of Mg alloys. XGBoost achieves an exceptional R2 value of 0.9931 in Tafel plots, indicating a robust fit to the data as evidenced by scatter plots. Furthermore, the XGBoost model demonstrates strong positive monotonic and ordinal relationships between actual and predicted corrosion current densities, as indicated by a Spearman correlation coefficient of 1 and a Kendall tau coefficient of 0.99. These outcomes underscore XGBoost's potential as a powerful tool for enhancing the understanding and management of corrosion in Mg alloy battery applications.

CommSense: A Wearable Sensing Computational Framework for Evaluating Patient-Clinician Interactions

Quality patient-provider communication is critical to improve clinical care and patient outcomes. While progress has been made with communication skills training for clinicians, significant gaps exist in how to best monitor, measure, and evaluate the implementation of communication skills in the actual clinical setting. Advancements in ubiquitous technology and natural language processing make it possible to realize more objective, real-time assessment of clinical interactions and in turn provide more timely feedback to clinicians about their communication effectiveness. In this paper, we propose CommSense, a computational sensing framework that combines smartwatch audio and transcripts with natural language processing methods to measure selected "best-practice'' communication metrics captured by wearable devices in the context of palliative care interactions, including understanding, empathy, presence, emotion, and clarity. We conducted a pilot study involving N=40 clinician participants, to test the technical feasibility and acceptability of CommSense in a simulated clinical setting. Our findings demonstrate that CommSense effectively captures most communication metrics and is well-received by both practicing clinicians and student trainees. Our study also highlights the potential for digital technology to enhance communication skills training for healthcare providers and students, ultimately resulting in more equitable delivery of healthcare and accessible, lower cost tools for training with the potential to improve patient outcomes.

Evaluation of Nurses’ attitudes, behaviors, and barriers toward pressure ulcer prevention in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units

IntroductionPressure ulcers are a significant concern in pediatric intensive care units, with prevalence rates ranging from 0.8% to 27%. They pose serious physical and psychological challenges, particularly in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (NICU and PICU). This study explores nursing strategies, attitudes, and barriers toward pressure ulcer prevention in NICU and PICU settings.MethodsUsing a descriptive study design, data were collected from 80 nurses working in NICU and PICU through validated questionnaires, including a demographic profile and a pressure ulcer survey. Descriptive statistics were employed to calculate mean scores and percentages, while inferential statistics assessed associations between variables.ResultsThe study revealed specific nursing strategies, along with significant barriers and attitudes toward pressure ulcer prevention in NICU and PICU. The total attitude mean score was 3.57, with the highest positive response (mean = 4.29) for “most pressure sores can be avoided”, and the highest negative response (mean = 3.86) for “pressure sore prevention is a low priority for me”. Among participants, 72.5% conducted risk assessments on all patients, 60% had written prevention care plans, and 76.3% implemented preventive strategies. Barriers such as staff shortages and time constraints were reported by 76.2% of nurses. Multivariate analysis indicated that nurses with more than 10 years of qualification (OR = 3.67) and permanent staff with over 10 years of employment (OR = 4.31) were significantly more likely to engage in preventive practices. The use of a pressure ulcer grading tool (OR = 2.49, P < 0.05) and participation in formal training (OR = 3.14, P < 0.05) were also positively associated with preventive practices.DiscussionThese findings underscore the importance of structured assessment tools, ongoing education, and the need to foster positive attitudes among nurses to effectively reduce pressure ulcer prevalence and enhance patient outcomes in NICU and PICU settings.

Automatic Final-Product Assessment of Virtual Reality Mastoidectomy Performance: A Validity and Reliability Study.

Assessment is key in modern surgical education to monitor progress and document sufficient skills. Virtual reality (VR) temporal bone simulators allow automated tracking of basic metrics such as time, volume removed, and collisions. However, adequate performance assessment further includes compound rating of the stepwise bony excavation, and exposure and preservation of soft tissue structures. Such complex assessment requires further development of automated assessment routines in the VR simulation environment. In this study, we present the integration of automated mastoidectomy final-product assessment with validation against manual rating. At two international temporal bone courses, 33 ORL trainees performed anatomical mastoidectomies in the Visible Ear (VR) Simulator with automatic performance assessment using a newly implemented rating routine based on the modified Welling Scale. Automated assessment was compared with manual ratings by experts using absolute agreement, intraclass correlation, and generalizability analysis to establish validity and reliability. The overall average agreement between manual and automatic assessment was 83.9% compared with the inter-rater agreement of 88.9%. A majority of items (15 out of 26) showed high agreement between automated and manual rating (>85%). Intraclass correlation coefficients were found to be high. Generalizability analysis with D-studies found that five repetitions per participant are needed for a G coefficient >0.8, which is considered necessary for high-stakes assessments. We have demonstrated the feasibility, validity, and reliability of an automatic assessment system integrated into a VR temporal bone simulator. This can prove to be an important tool for future self-directed training with skills certification.

Assessment of early neonatal practices to prevent hypothermia ; A comparative study

Background Globally, neonatal deaths are significantly attributed to hypothermia. This is mostly because of its co-morbidity with asphyxia, premature birth and severe neonatal infections. Worldwide, neonatal hypothermia case fatality rates (CFRs) range from 8.5% to 52%. This study aimed to assess how well a video-based training intervention on mothers’ knowledge and practices in preventing neonatal hypothermia worked. Methods The knowledge and practices of two groups of primi-para mothers—one control group and one intervention group—were compared in order to achieve this. A total of 124 primipara mothers took part in the research. Using a video based tool, the intervention group was educated about preventing hypothermia in newborns. Both control and intervention group mothers were interviewed to compare the knowledge and practices. Results Sixty-one of the sixty-two mothers in the control group were unsure of which body area to cover in order to preserve the baby’s body heat. Following the intervention, 61 out of 62 mothers in the group recognised which body part to cover to protect the baby’s body heat. In the post-intervention group, 98.4% of moms wore a cap over their baby’s head, compared to just 35.5% in the control group. Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate the significant improvement in mothers’ knowledge and actions about the prevention of neonatal hypothermia resulting from the use of a video-based training tool.

Clinical Efficacy of CBCT and 3D-Printed Replicas in Molar Autotransplantation: A Controlled Clinical Trial.

To evaluate the efficacy of the combined cone-beam (CBCT)/3D-replicas protocol on the clinical and radiographic outcomes of autotransplanted molars. Controlled clinical trial registered ISRCTN13563091 from August 2019 to September 2022. Patients aged 13-22 years requiring permanent premolar extraction and having at least one non-erupted third molar were enrolled at the Institute of Stomatology, Stradins University, Riga, Latvia. Patients in the 3D-replicas (n = 30) underwent maxillary CBCT scans and had 3D-printed replicas of the third molar fabricated, while the control group (n = 28) did not. The clinical outcomes included tooth mobility, bleeding on probing, and periodontal pocket depth assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. The radiographic outcomes included root development, obliteration, periapical status, and crown changes at 12 months. Of the 55 patients assigned to interventions, 46 completed the study. No significant differences in survival and radiographic outcomes were found between the control (n = 22) and 3D-replica group (n = 24): root development (p = 0.3), root resorption (p = 0.057), periapical status (p = 0.7), and crown/root ratio change (p = 0.4). Logistic regression showed no significant associations between radiologic predictors (root resorption: p = 0.4; periapical status: p > 0.9; root development: p = 0.8). Significant clinical outcome predictors included total operative time (β = 0.0043, p = 0.049), Moorrees' stage (stage 4: β = -0.31, p < 0.001; stage 5: β = -0.39, p < 0.001), and four donor placement times (β = 0.93, p < 0.001), but group assignment was not a significant predictor. The CBCT/3D-replica protocol showed no significant differences in the clinical or radiological outcomes. The high success rates in both groups suggest that the protocol is valuable primarily for optimizing surgical efficiency and as a training tool for clinicians.

Assessing the Use of Virtual Pointers in Laparoscopic Surgery Training Activities.

Laparoscopic surgery has advanced significantly; however, effective communication within the surgical team remains challenging, particularly in training scenarios where misinterpretation of instructions can lead to errors. Virtual pointers, indicating the instructor's gaze through eye-tracking devices and overlaying it onto the screen using augmented reality (AR), can enhance understanding and reduce errors. In a study involving 10 participants divided into experts and novices in laparoscopic surgery, various pointers (differing in shape, size and colour) were analysed in an AR environment using the HoloLens2 device. The aim was to assess the acceptance of these pointers by both groups, understand how their characteristics affect perception, and evaluate the AR device's usefulness. Initial results showed an 80% acceptance rate. After analysing the pointers, this decreased to 60%, as some experts changed their opinion from positive to neutral. The study revealed that the characteristics of the pointers significantly affect their perception, with large, thick-rimmed pointers being preferred. Orange was the best-performing colour. The device used also influenced perception, as experts who changed their perception criticised certain aspects of the head-mounted display. The study highlights the potential of virtual pointers to improve communication in laparoscopic training, particularly when their size, shape, and colour are optimised. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm these results and explore the HoloLens2's influence on users' perceptions. These insights could guide the development of more effective training tools for minimally invasive surgery.

Effectiveness evaluation of an organisational intervention, targeting pregnancy and addiction care professionals, among women who have just given birth in maternity wards and smoked tobacco during pregnancy (5A-QUIT-N): study protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial

IntroductionIn 2021, among French women who smoked when they knew they were pregnant, 59% still smoked at the end of pregnancy. Support for pregnant women to stop smoking must include...

Development of a Virtual Reality Training Tool Promoted at Skill Acquisition in Preparatory Clinical Education for Pharmacy Students and Verification of Its Educational Effectiveness: Preparation of Liquid Medications

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has garnered attention as an educational tool. It is believed to be beneficial to utilize VR technology for the acquisition of pharmacist skills. Therefore, we developed a VR training tool aimed at acquiring skills in the preparation of pharmaceuticals in preparatory clinical education for pharmacy students. Additionally, we evaluated the effectiveness of the VR training tool by having beginners learn about the preparation of liquid medications through VR materials or existing texts (Tx) and assessing their learning outcomes in subsequent practical exams. The study included 12 participants in the VR group and 10 in the Tx group. For the items "smoothly and rhythmically performing a series of actions or operations," "aligning the meniscus with eye level during scale confirmation," "marking lines on the dispensing bottle," and "placing lines at the appropriate scale on the dispensing bottle," students in the VR group were significantly more capable in practical application. The time required to prepare the liquid medication was significantly shorter for students in the VR group, with over half of the Tx group students exceeding 10 min and terminating the task. According to the survey results, many students cited VR as a method for acquiring dispensing skills. Based on these results, our developed VR training tool for liquid formulation showed usefulness in teaching practical skills to beginners.

Participatory development of training videos for respiratory equipment.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, medical oxygen therapy was urgently needed for patients with hypoxaemia. Many low- and middle-income countries lacked the medical devices for oxygen therapy and experience in their use. In addition to providing medical devices for oxygen therapy for countries in need, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners developed training videos to help local health workers select, use and maintain this equipment. Diverse health professionals, including engineers and clinicians from resource-constrained countries, collaborated in developing draft videos in their local settings. A production team refined these drafts and delivered the training videos through the platform OpenWHO. OpenWHO is WHO's free open-access platform providing courses for health workers and others. The courses, based on WHO's scientific and operational guidance, can be easily adapted, contextualized and translated. The production team refined the drafts into 32 training videos. More than 17 505 health workers participated in the OpenWHO course on COVID-19 respiratory equipment between 28 February 2022 and 30 November 2023. Participants were from 189 countries and 38% (6027/16 047) were from low- and lower-middle-income countries. Involving volunteer biomedical engineers and clinicians from low- and middle-income countries helped provide an appropriate training resource. WHO should continue to develop such training tools and offer them through OpenWHO, especially for emergencies.

Extended higher-order modeling of a 3D nanocomposite reinforced intelligent panel for skiing tools in ice and snow athlete training

This article presents a comprehensive multi-field analysis on the analysis of hybrid sandwich curved shell composed of a metal matrix core reinforced with tunable three-dimensional origami-enabled reinforcement. The characteristics and governing equations are derived using the energy-based formulation and a minimization process. The hybrid modeling is performed with accounting the multi-loading structures as an attachment. The characterized material properties are evaluated using the experimental and statistical-based analysis in the material science works. The stress and strain analyses of the composite sandwich curved shell are presented with changes of volume fraction and foldability parameters as well as multi-filed loading along the thickness direction. These materials and structures can be used in electromechanical systems and structures.

Calendars as an educational tool for life, training and socio-environmental challenges

Este trabajo aborda el reto que supone para la educación materializar en la práctica cotidiana constructos abstractos que prometan dar soluciones a las necesidades sociales y ambientales actuales. A partir de una experiencia educativa con comunidades nahuas de la sierra de Zongolica, en Veracruz (México), se creó de manera colectiva el Calendario Estacional Nahua como una alternativa pedagógica. El seguimiento y análisis de las posibilidades educativas de esta herramienta, objetivo de este trabajo, se ha realizado de manera individual en un proceso autoetnográfico en el que se identifican y describen los elementos constitutivos del calendario, se sistematiza la experiencia como estrategia educativa y se sintetizan los aportes bioculturales y educativos del uso del calendario. Se presentan los alcances de esta herramienta educativa en términos de su construcción como proceso pedagógico social, como experiencia de aprendizaje individual y colectivo, en términos de su dinámica y su diseño, y como herramienta didáctica. El valor de esta propuesta radica en identificar las relaciones bioculturales como germen de interacciones cognitivas contextualizadas y pertinentes. La limitación del estudio radica en una evaluación colectiva de los procesos. Concluimos que los aportes de la herramienta calendario se ubican en su carácter integrador y complejo.

An anthropomorphic phantom for atrial transseptal puncture simulation training

BackgroundTransseptal puncture (TSP) is a critical prerequisite for left-sided cardiac interventions, such as atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation and left atrial appendage closure. Despite its routine nature, TSP can be technically demanding and carries a risk of complications. This study presents a novel, patient-specific, anthropomorphic phantom for TSP simulation training that can be used with X-ray fluoroscopy and ultrasound imaging.MethodsThe TSP phantom was developed using additive manufacturing techniques and features a replaceable fossa ovalis (FO) component to allow for multiple punctures without replacing the entire model. Four cardiologists and one cardiology trainee performed TSP on the simulator, and their performance was assessed using four metrics: global isotropy index, distance from the centroid, time taken to perform TSP, and a set of 5-point Likert scale questions to evaluate the clinicians’ perception of the phantom’s realism and utility.ResultsThe results demonstrate the simulator’s potential as a training tool for interventional cardiology, providing a realistic and controllable environment for clinicians to refine their TSP skills. Experienced cardiologists tended to cluster their puncture points closer to regions of the FO associated with higher global isotropy index scores, indicating a relationship between experience and optimal puncture localization. The questionnaire analysis revealed that participants generally agreed on the phantom’s realistic anatomical representation and ability to accurately visualize the TSP site under fluoroscopic guidance.ConclusionsThe TSP simulator can be incorporated into training programs, offering trainees the opportunity to improve tool handling, spatial coordination, and manual dexterity prior to performing the procedure on patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longitudinal assessments are needed to establish the simulator’s impact on TSP performance and patient outcomes.

A Narrative Review of Haptic Technologies and Their Value for Training, Rehabilitation, and the Education of Persons with Special Needs

Haptic technologies are increasingly valuable for human–computer interaction in its many flavors, including, of course, virtual reality systems, which are becoming very useful tools for education, training, and rehabilitation in many areas of medicine, engineering, and daily life. There is a broad spectrum of technologies and approaches that provide haptic stimuli, ranging from the well-known force feedback to subtile pseudo-haptics and visual haptics. Correspondingly, there is a broad spectrum of applications and system designs that include haptic technologies as a relevant component and interaction feature. Paramount is their use in training of medical procedures, but they appear in a plethora of systems deploying virtual reality applications. This narrative review covers the panorama of haptic devices and approaches and the most salient areas of application. Special emphasis is given to education of persons with special needs, aiming to foster the development of innovative systems and methods addressing the enhancement of the quality of life of this segment of the population.

Development and Validation of a Low-Cost, High-Fidelity Simulation Model for Robotic Internal Mammary Artery Harvest Using the da Vinci Xi Robot.

We created and validated a low-cost simulation model for robotic internal mammary artery (IMA) takedown. The simulation model utilized a calf fetus thorax cavity stented open internally and secured to a table. The simulation model was validated at a 2-day robotic cardiac surgery workshop. Each participant harvested one IMA using the da Vinci Xi robot (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). We compared participant self-reported confidence at robotic IMA harvest before and after using the simulator. Our novel thorax-securing strategy resulted in a stable structure and allowed access to both IMAs from the same 3 ports. The cost to set up the first simulation model was $176 and $133 for every subsequent model. Fifty participants used the simulation model: 42 cardiothoracic surgery attendings and 8 fellows or residents. The feedback form response rate was 78% (n = 39). On the Likert scale, participants rated realism of the calf model to simulate robotic IMA harvesting (0 = not realistic, 10 = highly realistic) with a median of 8 out of 10 (interquartile range [IQR] 7 to 9). Participant confidence (0 = not at all confident, 10 = very confident) in robotic IMA harvesting before and after using the simulator increased (P = 0.001) from a median of 5 (IQR 1 to 7) to 9 (IQR 7 to 10). This robotic IMA harvest simulation model is affordable, realistic, and improved participant confidence in robotic IMA harvest. It may provide a valuable training tool for surgeons learning robotic coronary bypass surgery and allows for training frequency necessary to pass basic learning curves.