Training Proficiency Research Articles

Personality and rater bias: How personality traits influence rater bias and training proficiency

Personality and rater bias: How personality traits influence rater bias and training proficiency

Evaluation of a 3D Printed Silicone Oral Cavity Cancer Model for Surgical Simulations.

Adequate surgical margins are essential in oral cancer treatment, this is, however, difficult to appreciate during training. With advances in training aids, we propose a silicone-based surgical simulator to improve training proficiency for the ablation of oral cavity cancers. A silicone-based tongue cancer model constructed via a 3D mold was compared to a porcine tongue model used as a training model. Participants of varying surgical experience were then asked to resect the tumors with clear margins, and thereafter asked to fill out a questionnaire to evaluate the face and content validity of the models as a training tool. Eleven participants from the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery unit were included in this pilot study. In comparison to the porcine model, the silicone model attained a higher face (4 vs. 3.6) and content validity (4.4 vs. 4.1). Tumor consistency was far superior in the silicone model compared to the porcine model (4.1 vs. 2.8, p = 0.0042). Fellows and staff demonstrated a better margin clearance compared to residents (median 3.5 mm vs. 1.0 mm), and unlike the resident group, there was no incidence of positive margins. The surgical simulation was overall useful for trainees to appreciate the nature of margin clearance in oral cavity cancer ablation.

Mixed Reality versus Mass or Self-directed Training for Adolescents’ Basic Life Support Instruction: A Prospective, Randomized Pilot Study

Background: There is limited information about adolescents' Basic-Life-Support (BLS) training. Objectives: In this study, adolescents' BLS training proficiency and knowledge retention of the Mixed Reality (MR), Mass-Training (MT), and Self-Directed Learning (SDL) methods were prospectively compared, following the training-outcomes levels-model classification. Methods: First-year secondary-school students were randomized into the MR, MT, and SDL groups, and after baseline evaluation, at T0, they received congruent BLS theoretical and Cardiopulmonary-Resuscitation (CPR) training. Knowledge, skills retention, and trainees' training-activity self-evaluation were evaluated utilizing ten (knowledge) and five-items (self-evaluation) questionnaires, a BLS-sequence checklist, and chest compressions recording mannequin one and three months after T0. We used the Kruskal-Wallis test for median comparison. Results: At all times, the MR group knowledge answers' median (≥6/10) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than groups MT and SDL (≤6/10), with no significant differences between the latter. The MR CPR skills and BLS checklist acquisition and retention were significantly superior (p<0.05) to the other groups; the SDL group showed limited results. Hands position and chest recoil showed excellent outcomes in all groups and at all times. At all times, trainees positively evaluated the BLS-training importance. Pre-training low self-confidence in BLS practice improved over time, yet not significantly, in group MT. The trainees' majority (62%) preferred the MR method. Conclusion: In an adolescent cohort, MR methods' BLS/CPR knowledge and skills acquisition and retention were comparable, if not better, than the MT method and superior to the SDL one. Future multicenter randomized and controlled studies with larger sample sizes and more limited instructor-to-participant ratios are warranted to generalize findings.

Uncertainty-Aware Self-Supervised Learning for Cross-Domain Technical Skill Assessment in Robot-Assisted Surgery

Objective technical skill assessment is crucial for effective training of new surgeons in robot-assisted surgery. With advancements in surgical training programs in both physical and virtual environments, it is imperative to develop generalizable methods for automatically assessing skills. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for skill assessment by transferring domain knowledge from labeled kinematic data to unlabeled data. Our approach leverages labeled data from common surgical training tasks such as Suturing, Needle Passing, and Knot Tying to jointly train a model with both labeled and unlabeled data. Pseudo labels are generated for the unlabeled data through an iterative manner that incorporates uncertainty estimation to ensure accurate labeling. We evaluate our method on a virtual reality simulated training task (Ring Transfer) using data from the da Vinci Research Kit (dVRK). The results show that trainees with robotic assistance have significantly higher expert probability compared to these without any assistance, p<0.05, which aligns with previous studies showing the benefits of robotic assistance in improving training proficiency. Our method offers a significant advantage over other existing works as it does not require manual labeling or prior knowledge of the surgical training task for robot-assisted surgery.

Early mobile app training proficiency predicts how well memory-impaired individuals learn to use digital memory aids in the real world

ABSTRACT Functional memory impairment following acquired brain injury can lead to decreased independence. External memory aids such as smartphones can be highly effective compensation tools, but cognitive deficits may create barriers to implementation in daily life. The present study examined predictors of real-world use of mobile calendar applications for memory compensation in an acquired brain injury sample. A retrospective chart review was completed from an outpatient rehabilitation program, extending 15 years into the past, yielding data from 34 eligible participants. All participants demonstrated skill learning of the calendar function in their digital device and subsequently completed the generalization phase of training, which is focused on real-world implementation (measured through prospective memory tasks). The results showed that the length of time required for skill learning of mobile calendars (event entry or responding to alerts) was not predictive of the duration of generalization training. Initial training performance for responding to alerts, but not event entry, was a significant predictor of the duration of generalization training needed to complete the program. A secondary analysis with a subset of the data revealed that individuals with additional executive deficits took significantly longer to complete generalization training compared to those with a more focal memory impairment.

Using Web Video Conferencing to Conduct a Program as a Proposed Model toward Teacher Leadership and Academic Vitality in the Philippines

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted private basic education in the Philippines to hold a professional developmental program for faculty members using web video conferencing (WVC). Given the uncertainties of WVC educational quality and the challenge of shifting to a fully online environment, this study aimed to evaluate the use of web video conferencing and the development of a faculty development program on sustaining teacher leadership and academic vitality through research. The training was held for nine weeks, and 33 faculty members of the institution participated. Quantitative data include survey questionnaires on perceptions on action research, perceptions on technology integration, training proficiency, and pedagogical practices. Qualitative data include analysis of video recordings, reflection journals, observation notes, and actual research outputs. It utilized descriptive developmental action research using a convergent mixed-method approach, and thematic analysis. Findings show that the use of WVC as a mode of delivery proved successful in creating an effective educational experience for all the participants as evidenced by their enhanced teacher leadership skills and academic vitality. These skills were demonstrated through their willingness to promote professional inquiry as shown by their actual research outputs and demonstration of high proficiency in the adoption of technology integration.

Optimizing Robotic Simulation Training Among Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) Residents: A Randomized Pilot Study

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To assess the efficacy of an accelerated robotic simulation protocol in reducing repetitions needed to achieve training proficiency among OBGYN residents. <h3>Design</h3> Randomized controlled trial. <h3>Setting</h3> University teaching hospital. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> Fifteen robotic-naïve OBGYN residents from post-graduate years 1 to 4 were randomized to one of two pathways. Of those, thirteen completed the study. <h3>Interventions</h3> Residents were randomized into either the Express (accelerated) Pathway to Proficiency (EPP) or the Basic (conventional) Pathway to Proficiency (BPP) Protocols for training on the da Vinci Skills Simulator. As chosen by an expert robotic surgeon, the BPP training exercises consisted of Sea Spike (SS) 1 and 2, Energy Pedal (EnP) 1 and 2, and Ring Rollercoaster (RR) 1 and 3, while the EPP intervention group trained on the highest level of each exercise, specifically SS 2, EnP 2, and RR 3. The residents performed each exercise until they reached a proficiency level of 80%. The primary outcome was the number of repetitions required to achieve proficiency for each training exercise. Transfer of the acquired skills to one non-practiced exercise, Vessel Energy Dissection (VED), was assessed as the secondary outcome. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> Participants in the EPP group acquired proficiency significantly faster (fewer repetitions required) in the EnP exercise (2.00±0.58 [EPP] vs 3.17±0.41 [BPP], <i>p</i>=0.002). The number of repetitions needed to acquire proficiency for SS (17.29±15.06 reps [EPP] vs 17.50±5.17 reps [BPP], <i>p</i>=0.97) and RR (19.14±15.22 reps [EPP] vs 21.00±13.83 reps [BPP], <i>p</i>=0.82) was similar between groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups with VED (<i>p</i>=0.98). <h3>Conclusion</h3> The EPP protocol, consisting of fewer training exercises, was not shown to be inferior to the BPP protocol. Our study suggests residents can train on the EPP Protocol without significant difference in acquisition and transfer of skills. Further research into this novel accelerated training protocol is warranted as an alternative to conventional training.

Criterion Validity of Cognitive Reflection for Predicting Job Performance and Training Proficiency: A Meta-Analysis.

This article presents a meta-analysis of the validity of cognitive reflection (CR) for predicting job performance and training proficiency. It also examines the incremental validity of CR over cognitive intelligence (CI) for predicting these two occupational criteria. CR proved to be an excellent predictor of job performance and training proficiency, and the magnitude of the true validity was very similar across the two criteria. Results also showed that the type of CR is not a moderator of CR validity. We also found that CR showed incremental variance over CI for the explanation of job performance, although the magnitude of the contribution is small. However, CR shows practically no incremental validity over CI validity in the explanation of training proficiency. Finally, we discuss the implications of these findings for the research and practice of personnel selection.

INTERNAL AUDIT PRACTICE AND FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY: PERSPECTIVE FROM NIGERIAN QUOTED FOODS AND BEVERAGES FIRMS

The corporate failures and other related downfalls which occurred around the globe and Nigeria have raised fears about confidence in financial reporting practices by the listed firm in Nigeria. In recent times, financial crime has become more pervasive, and the probability of corporate fraud occurring in Nigeria has become more severe. These aspects of business failure have put greater responsibility on financial experts particularly auditors. Therefore, this study evaluated the attributes of internal audit practice and its influence on reporting quality of selected firms. Secondary data of nine (9) years range (2010 to 2019) were obtained from the financial reports of (4) four food and beverages firms purposively selected out of the twenty-three (23) listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange as of December 2020. The internal Audit practice is the independent variable in this study and it is measured by three factors (Internal Audit fee, Technical Proficiency of internal auditor, and Firm Size). The dependent variable is the financial reporting quality. Mean ranking analysis was used to evaluate determinants of Internal Audit attributes in the selected firms while regression analysis was employed to measure the influence of internal audit quality on the financial reporting quality of sampled firms at 95% confidence level. The overall results (R2 0.8481; F-values = 21.51= and P-Value = 0.000) revealed that all the identified internal quality attributes (Internal Audit fee, Technical Training Proficiency, and Firm Size) were significantly related to internal audit practice and positively influence the financial reporting quality and performance of selected sampled food and beverages firms in Nigeria.

Do Graduating Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery Residents Feel Confident in Practicing the Full Scope of the Specialty?

Laskin (2008) suggested that the core of oral and maxillofacial surgery could be divided into 3 levels: 1) areas of expertise, such as oral pathology, oral medicine, dentoalveolar surgery, preprosthetic surgery, and maxillofacial traumatology; 2) areas of competence, including orthognathic surgery, temporomandibular joint surgery, and local reconstructive surgery; and 3) areas of familiarity that include cleft lip and palate surgery, craniofacial surgery, regional reconstructive surgery, oncologic surgery, and cosmetic surgery. The purpose of this study is to assess residents' confidence in practicing the full scope of oral-maxillofacial surgery and their perception of gaps existing in their training. The investigators hypothesized that graduating residents' confidence in practicing the full scope of oral-maxillofacial surgery falls within the suggested levels by Laskin. The investigators implemented a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was designed, and a link to a Partners REDCap (Nashville, TN) survey was electronically mailed to 252 chief residents in the final month (July 2018) of their program. The questionnaire included resident demographic characteristics, program demographic characteristics, and residents' perceived preparedness, level of proficiency, comfort, and experience for each area. The sample was composed of 78 graduating residents, with a response rate of 31%. Analyses included univariate statistics and a Wilcoxon signed rank test. Significance was set at P<.05. There was no significant difference between orthognathic surgery and each area in the expertise category, and in some cases, a significantly higher perception of ability in orthognathic surgery (P<.05). There was a significantly lower perception of training in oral medicine than each area in the expertise category (P<.05), suggesting a deficit in oral medicine training. Residents perceived that their training in orthognathic surgery was at the level of expertise, higher than expected. They also perceived a training deficit in oral medicine. Training proficiency in dentoalveolar surgery was found to be at a level higher than any other area.

Інтеркультурологічна компетенція фахівця з міжнародної економіки: параметр здатності до дипломатії

The article highlights some aspects of the problem related to the training of competitive specialists in international economics. The comprehension of the bachelors’ social diplomatic ability (of those who major in Economics) has been proved to be rightful, the designated ability being the main indicator of their resultative professional training (proficiency). The resources of the educational process at a higher educational establishment as a main factor of the specialist’s personality-oriented and professional development, which has a significant image characteristic (that is the diplomatic ability), have been detailed. A productive professional training of a specialist in international economics proved to be opportune, which determines the increased interest of researchers to the resources of the educational process at higher educational establishments where the main stage of becoming a competitive specialist is actualized. In spite of the acquired by researchers theoretical and practical results that might contribute to the deepening of scientific ideas about the constructive ways and means aimed at increasing the efficiency of specialists’ professional training under conditions of modern Ukrainian higher educational establishments, the aspect of students’ professional competency (their diplomatic ability, in particular) in professionally significant situations still remains underestimated. As a result of the done analytical work based on the scientific fund on the designated problem, the issue regarding the markers of the construct «diplomatic ability» has been clarified. The comprehension of the bachelors’ social diplomatic ability has been proved to be rightful, the designated ability being the image characteristic of a competitive specialist in international economics, the indicator of his (her) intercultural competence, the parameter of a resultative professional training at the main stage of acquiring a professional identity during the period of an individual’s university training. Based on the analysis of the best European practices and some creative discoveries that the Ukrainian experience reproduces, the interactive forms of students’ learning-professional activities have been described, which demonstrates the positive dynamics of the training process aimed at the future specialists majoring in international economics. A particular attention is focused on those ones possessing a pedagogical potential in the aspect of developing students’ diplomatic ability, where professional competence and tolerance as a personal property prevail. Keywords: a future specialist in international economics, intercultural competency, diplomatic ability.

Maternal mortality and the metempsychosis of user fees in Liberia: A mixed-methods analysis

ABSTRACT Liberia, a country recently afflicted by civil conflict and an epidemic of Ebola virus disease, has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the world. A biosocial analysis of this problem can help identify and address barriers impeding access to, and equitable delivery of, quality maternal health care. We analyzed 258 maternal death reviews reported to the National Public Health Institute of Liberia in 2017 and compared data with existing demographic and health statistics. Quantitative information on maternal death was contextualized with 44 in-depth interviews conducted among four groups of study participants. Forty percent of reported maternal deaths in 2017 occurred among women 25–34 years old; 36% were due to hemorrhage; 74% occurred at a health facility; and 29% occurred within 24 h after delivery. The number of deaths reported to the government of Liberia through maternal death reviews (n = 258) was substantially lower than the number expected based on the size of the population, crude birth rate, and the maternal mortality ratio. Qualitative findings highlighted inaccessible and unreliable transportation to health facilities; staff-related challenges, including staff attrition and burnout, inadequate training and clinical proficiency, staff absences, and neglect of patients; a lack of drugs and medical supplies; and the emergence of an inefficient and financially burdensome system of referrals by trained traditional midwives. Most notable was the finding that user fees for maternal health care in Liberia—eliminated in public facilities after the war—have resurfaced in the form of informal, out-of-pocket expenditures made by patients and their families.

Building Information Modelling Uptake: Tool Training in Nigeria

Computer Aided Design software and their kind are generally considered as Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools; moreover the sophistication level of one determines its maturity level. Education and research are the background to innovation while training is a window to continuity in skills transfer. The BIM uptake in the developing countries is significantly lagging behind; amongst various reasons is the lack of trained professionals. Experts are evolving from the industry professionals who are first trained in the university. This study determined the capacity of Nigerian universities in providing BIM tools training for BIM adoption in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC). The study is quantitative in nature, with the primary data collected through a structured questionnaire survey within the built environment and engineering schools of Nigerian universities. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The institutions are physically ready with relatively sufficient hardware, however technically not ready due to insufficiency of up to date software. There is a significant correlation between software availability and proficiency level of training, while no correlation between academic qualification and the training proficiency. More than 70% of the students are graduating on ‘file based collaboration’ – 2D and 3D CAD knowledge with proficiency level between limited and practical application. However, the collaborative software training received proficiency level of basic to practical application; a 13% trained on collaboration software is very little to providing experts for the industry. This reveals a clear setback in the tools training to carter for the BIM uptake in the country.

Eliminating the Weakest Link Approach to Army Unit Readiness

One of the most difficult measurements to obtain with some level of accuracy is military readiness. While a multitude of factors exist that affect the ability of a unit to achieve success in mission, an accurate assessment of readiness is crucial and drives federal funding, defense policy, and deployment decisions. The current readiness metric for the U.S. Army statically assesses units on personnel, equipment on hand, equipment readiness/serviceability, and unit training proficiency using a weakest-link approach. This leads to reporting challenges and the tendency for commanders to subjectively upgrade their units’ assessments. This research proposes a metric that evaluates units with greater precision, flexibility, and robustness. By taking a decision analysis approach and using desirability functions, we are able to measure readiness based on a set of priorities, adapting for type of mission and unit. We test our metric using notional case studies and discuss extensions to other branches of the U.S. military and beyond.

Bilingual education in Mozambique: a case-study on educational policy, teacher beliefs, and implemented practices

ABSTRACT This qualitative study investigates the gap between curricular intentions, teacher perspectives, and practices in a primary school bilingual program in central Mozambique. It aims to provide new data regarding bilingual education program implementation in an understudied and underrepresented country in the literature. Drawing on original interview and participant-observation data, collected over nine months in central Mozambique, this study reports on how these teachers’ language perspectives impact practices, which in turn reaffirm/reject curricular mandates. Key findings indicate that despite awareness of bilingual benefits in student involvement, teachers transition early to Portuguese, preferring to teach classes in the official language to prepare students for the national exam. This preference also stems from limited mother-tongue resources, teacher training, and language proficiency. Study findings reveal a disconnect between policy and implemented practices – influenced by teachers’ beliefs towards Portuguese and local languages and by structural and classroom priorities.

The Prediction of Training Proficiency in Firefighters: A Study of Predictive Validity in Spain

The present study provides results of criterion validity in the selection of firefighters in Spain. The predictors were cognitive skills, job knowledge, and physical aptitudes, and the criterion was training proficiency. The process involves 639 candidates, but only 44 complete successfully the ion process. Our results support previous evidence showing that general cognitive ability is the best predictor of training proficiency, with an operational validity of .57. With respect to the other predictors, job knowledge presented an operational validity of .55 and physical tests of .49. In addition, multiple regression analysis showed that cognitive aptitude explains 33% of the variance, but when physical aptitudes are d the explained variance increases to 50%. If we also add job knowledge, explained variance increases to 55%. Our study offers recent results of criterion validity in a barely investigated job, gathered in a ry other than the one prior research had been carried out.

A Virtual Sailor Training Platform for Fire Drills on Ship

본 논문은 선박 화재 상황에 대한 비상 대처 훈련을 가상 환경에서 수행하는 가상 선원 훈련 플랫폼을 제안한다. 제안하는 플랫폼은 HMD 기반의 몰입형 가상 환경을 제공하여 훈련 효과를 높일 뿐 아니라 네트워크를 통하여 다중 피훈련자가 함께 훈련에 참여하기 때문에 가상 환경에서의 협동 훈련을 수행할 수 있다. 본 플랫폼은 FDS 및 CFAST 기반의 오프라인 화재 시뮬레이션 결과를 기반으로 사실적인 화재 확산 및 시각화를 제공한다. 선박 화재 상황에 대한 해양 안전 교육 기관의 교재 시나리오를 기반으로 구현한 본 훈련 플랫폼은 기존의 절차 숙달 훈련에 더불어 몰입형 가상 기술을 이용한 장비 숙달 및 환경 숙달 훈련을 제공한다. 구현된 가상 선원 훈련 플랫폼은 장비 작동, 환경 통제, 원격 현장감을 기반하여 선원의 훈련도를 향상시키고 다수의 피훈련자가 실시간으로 임무를 공동 수행하는 가상 협력 훈련이 가능함을 보였다. 또한 구현된 플랫폼은 화재 진압 요령, 승객 유도 방법 등 다양하고 세부적인 기능 숙달 훈련이 가능함을 보였다. We propose a virtual sailor training platform which supports emergency drills for ship's fire in virtual environment. Proposed platform not only enhances training efficiency by providing immersiveness, but also enables a consolidated virtual training due to the network-based multiplayer capabilities. Based on the offline fire simulation results using FDS and CFAST the platform visualizes a realistic fire spread in real-time. The training platform on the basis of the fire training material of the maritime safety education institute induces equipment proficiency and environment adaptation throughout immersive virtual environment in addition to procedure proficiency as well. In the implementation we showed that the equipment and environment controls and telepresence improve the training proficiency and enable collaborative virtual training that participates multiple trainees and induces cooperation for a common goal. Implementation of the platform demonstrated the skill mastery capability of the drill such as efficient fire apparatus controls and passenger controls.

Human Cognition and Emotion using Physio Psychological Approach : A Survey

A soldier’s responsibility in the military includes his physical and mental attitudes which makes him to support the army in a full-fledged manner. This type of human dimension recognizes Soldier readiness from training proficiency to motivation for the Army’s future success. It introduces the concept of holistic fitness, a comprehensive combination of the whole person, including all components of the human dimension as a triad of moral, cognitive and physical components. The human dimension concept is directly related to the human mind and memory system. In this research, a system which will be capable of recognizing human emotions based on physiological parameters of a human body is discussed. The data from the system is fed to a computer where it is stored. Stored information regarding human parameters is retrieved and classified using support vector machine to generate a data set about the various emotions the human poses at a specific situation. The emotion, thus calculated is grouped to generate a grade for his present status. This grade is used to recommend the suitable working environment for the person.

Vestibulo‐ocular Reflex (VOR) Impact on USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training Proficiency

Objectives: The US Air Force (USAF) enrolls 1400 Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Trainees (SUPT) at 3 locations within the United States each year. SUPT training has an estimated accumulated cost of $1M to $1.5M per trainee. Attrition rates from training have ranged from 7.8% to 36.9%. The cost associated with trainee disqualification is estimated at $1M per percentage point of annual attrition. One percent of UPT disqualifications are due to medical factors and another 1.5% are due to failure to adapt to flying. Methods: In 1994 the USAF conducted rotary chair vestibulo-ocular (VOR) test on 150 SUPT candidates at the USAF Research Laboratory, Brooks Air Force Base as part of the second phase of the Enhanced Flight Screening- Medical Study (EFS-M). Retrospective review of SUPT scores was correlated with pre-training VOR test results of the original 150 pilots who participated in the EFS-M VOR data collection. Twenty-year prospective survey data collected from EFS-M study pilots was correlated to initial EFS-M VOR test results to identify trends in their subsequent pilot career progression and incidence of in-flight physiologic events deemed linked to vestibular illusions. Results: VOR performance trends exist between USAF pilot trainee cohorts. VOR performance can predict initial flight training proficiency in SUPT candidates. Long term follow-up survey responses indicate that VOR performance can predict flight career proficiency in SUPT training candidates. Conclusions: A validated correlation between VOR results and flight performance can help establish VOR test parameters associated with successful flight training ability.

A Survey of Handoff Practices in Emergency Medicine

This study aimed to assess practices in emergency department (ED) handoffs as perceived by emergency medicine (EM) residency program directors and other senior-level faculty and to determine if there are deficits in resident handoff training. This cross-sectional survey study was guided by the Kern model for medical curriculum development. A 12-member Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors (CORD) Transitions in Care task force of EM physicians performed these steps and constructed a survey. The survey was distributed to the CORD listserv. There were 147 responses to the anonymous survey, which were collected using an online tool. At least 41% of the 158 American College of Graduate Medical Education EM residency programs were represented. More than half (56.6%) of responding EM physicians reported that their ED did not use a standardized handoff. There also exists a dearth of formal handoff training and handoff proficiency assessments for EM residents.