Virtual Tools Research Articles

A Practical Guide to Virtual Planning of Orthognathic Surgery and Splint Design Using Virtual Dentoskeletal Model

The present work is a manual that describes the practical aspects of optimizing dental precision by virtual dentoskeletal modeling, use the precises model in virtual planning, and splint design of orthognathic surgery. A single case study is used to demonstrate the stages involved in this approach, which include acquiring CBCT scan data and digital dental models, incorporating this data into developing a virtual dentoskeletal model using superimposition process to replace the unclear teeth. Utilizes virtual assessment and three-dimensional cephalometry to diagnose the maxillofacial deformity of the patient correctly. The results of the diagnosis played a crucial role in formulating a comprehensive plan for dental alignment, which involved osteotomy and correction of bone positions. The final step is to create a personalized splint. The importance of virtual tools is highlighted in our work to optimizing dental precision, diagnose and treat maxillofacial deformities. Present a virtual planning methodology for orthognathic surgeons as well as researchers.

Bound by Experience: Updating the Body Representation When Using Virtual Objects.

Four web-based experiments investigated flexibility of disembodiment of a virtual object that is no longer actively controlled. Emphasis was on possibilities to modify the timescale of this process. Interactions with virtual objects are commonplace in settings like teleoperation, rehabilitation, and computer-aided design. These objects are quickly integrated into the operator's body schema (embodiment). Less is known about how long such embodiment lasts. Understanding the dynamics of this process is crucial because different applied settings either profit from fast or slow disembodiment. To induce embodiment, participants moved a 2D virtual hand through operating a computer mouse or touchpad. After initial embodiment, participants either stopped or continued moving for a fixed period of time. Embodiment ratings were collected continuously during each trial. Results across all experiments indicated that embodiment for the virtual hand gradually increased during active use and gradually decreased after stopping to use it. Disembodiment unfolded nearly twice as fast as embodiment and showed a curved decay pattern. These dynamics remained unaffected by anticipation of active control that would be required in an upcoming task. The results highlight the importance of continuously experiencing active control in virtual interactions if aiming at inducing stable embodiment of a virtual object. Our findings suggest that applications of virtual disembodiment such as virtual tools or interventions to affect a person's body representation critically depend on continuous updating of sensorimotor experience. However, if switching between virtual objects, for example, during teleoperation or video gaming, after-effects are unlikely to affect performance.

VIRTUAL PROTOTYPING (VP) IN THE ARCHITECTURAL, ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY (AECI)

<p>Information Technologies are lieders in the fast industrial development. Virtual Prototyping, as relatively young technology, is combination of Virtual Reality and computer technologies with digital prototypes as result. It represents original's true copy in the real world, providing more efficient models' testing, prior construction. With it's implementation in the Construction Industry all the work becomes cheaper, faster, safer, environmentaly friendly and more efficient in comparison to the traditional ones. The paper's primary purpose is brief introduction to modern technologies towards which the future construction industry strives. Description of the basic terms is being followed by the explanation of main characteristics and need for the Virtual Prototyping implementation in the Architectural, Engineering & Construction Industry. Virtual Prototyping tools and real-life applications have been stated as well. At the end, limitations and possible problems are mentioned. Therefore, link between Virtual Prototyping and Architectural, Engineering & Construction Industry is created.</p>

Study on Leveraging Digital Tools for Enhancing Employee Engagement in Remote Work Settings

The global workforce has witnessed a transformative shift towards remote work arrangements, accelerated by advancements in digital technology and the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paradigm shift has necessitated a reevaluation of traditional workplace dynamics and a greater emphasis on leveraging digital tools to facilitate remote work. With the traditional office setting no longer the norm, organizations are increasingly turning to virtual collaboration platforms, communication tools, and digital solutions to enable remote work. The rise of remote work presents both opportunities and challenges for organizations. On one hand, it offers employees greater flexibility, reduces overhead costs associated with maintaining physical office spaces, and enables access to a wider talent pool. On the other hand, remote work can lead to feelings of isolation, communication barriers, and challenges in maintaining employee engagement and productivity. Employee engagement is not just about satisfaction with the job; it's about fostering a deep connection at the emotional between employees and their work and the organization they belong to. It encompasses enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment towards organizational goals, reflecting a sense of purpose and belonging within the company. As the modern workplace undergoes a seismic shift towards remote work arrangements, maintaining and nurturing this emotional connection poses a significant challenge. Remote work offers undeniable benefits, including flexibility and cost advantages, yet it also introduces unique hurdles to sustaining employee engagement. One such challenge is the preservation of a strong team spirit across geographically dispersed members. Without the physical proximity of a traditional office, communication can become fragmented, hindering team cohesion and leaving individuals feeling isolated and uninformed. Moreover, the absence of face-to-face interactions can obscure recognition of accomplishments, leading to diminished morale and motivation among remote workers. However, the digital landscape provides an array of tools to address these challenges and cultivate a thriving remote team environment. Communication platforms, such as chat features, video conferencing, and instant messaging, bridge the geographical divide, facilitating seamless interaction and information sharing among team members. Collaboration tools, including project management software and shared documents, foster transparency and teamwork, enabling remote employees to collaborate effectively despite physical separation.

Virtual Nephron: Evaluation of a Novel Virtual Reality Educational Tool

Recent technological advancements allowed the development of engaging technological tools. Using ASN funding from the ASN, we developed a 3D Virtual Reality (VR) physiology course entitledDiAL-Neph (Diuretic Action and eLectrolyte transport in the Nephron). We hereby present its evaluation. The study consisted of 2 parts: evaluation of knowledge gain, and qualitative evaluation of platform reception. Internal medicine PGY1 residents were randomly assigned into 2 groups: a VR group and a conventional group. Knowledge acquisition was assessed with a post-test administered at the end of the course and repeated within 6 to 12 weeks. Independent t-tests were used to compare the number of correct answers between the groups. A survey and focus groups composed of medicine residents evaluated the platform. Sessions were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was analyzed through the content analysis approach by two independent reviewers. Of 117 PGY1 resident participants, 64 were randomized to the VR group and 53 were randomized to the traditional group. Initial test results showed higher scores among VR compared to the traditional group (76.5% correct vs. 68.8%). Seventy-eight PGY1s participated in the follow up testing (46 VR group vs. 32 traditional group) and results showed no significant difference in test results. Greater than 90% of the residents rated the platform positively and 77% preferred it as a teaching method. The DiAL-Neph VR platform appeared to improve short-term learning but not long-term retention. Further studies are needed to investigate the impact of such teaching platforms on overall interest in nephrology.

BRAVER challenges students in radiation protection training in an international training

The nuclear industry is currently facing a significant demand for well-trained personnel. Due to the high market demand, it is essential to raise awareness among new target groups, including high school pupils and (pre-service) STEM teachers, about the potential and opportunities of pursuing a nuclear career. With this in mind, a new strategic partnership has been established under the Erasmus+ project ‘BRAVER’ (Blended and Remote teaching Activities supported by Virtual rEality for Radiation sciences). Within this 2-year project, international staff, and students from 7 partners of the CHERNE (Cooperation of Higher Education on Radiological and Nuclear Engineering) network collaborate with industry, regulatory and research institutes in developing educational virtual tools (VR and virtual online escape rooms) for nuclear sciences and engineering. The project aims to develop blended international training programs that incorporate technical, generic, and networking skills for both students and professors. This initiative can serve as a model for other scientific fields, extending its benefits to students and educators across different disciplines.

Virtual reality tools for training in gastrointestinal endoscopy: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as an innovative technology in endoscopy training, providing a simulated environment that closely resembles real-life scenarios and offering trainees a valuable platform to acquire and enhance their endoscopic skills. This systematic review will critically evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of VR-based training compared to traditional methods. AIM To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of VR-based training compared to traditional methods. By examining the current state of the field, this review seeks to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities for further research and implementation of VR in endoscopic training. METHODS The study is a systematic review, following the guidelines for reporting systematic reviews set out by the PRISMA statement. A comprehensive search command was designed and implemented and run in September 2023 to identify relevant studies available, from electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. The results were systematically reviewed. RESULTS Sixteen articles were included in the final analysis. The total number of participants was 523. Five studies focused on both upper endoscopy and colonoscopy training, two on upper endoscopy training only, eight on colonoscopy training only, and one on sigmoidoscopy training only. Gastrointestinal Mentor virtual endoscopy simulator was commonly used. Fifteen reported positive results, indicating that VR-based training was feasible and acceptable for endoscopy learners. VR technology helped the trainees enhance their skills in manipulating the endoscope, reducing the procedure time or increasing the technical accuracy, in VR scenarios and real patients. Some studies show that the patient discomfort level decreased significantly. However, some studies show there were no significant differences in patient discomfort and pain scores between VR group and other groups. CONCLUSION VR training is effective for endoscopy training. There are several well-designed randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes, proving the potential of this innovative tool. Thus, VR should be more widely adopted in endoscopy training. Furthermore, combining VR training with conventional methods could be a promising approach that should be implemented in training.

Metaverse VR technologies in contemporary Chinese music education

ABSTRACT The research purpose is to explore the need to introduce innovations in the curriculum and the classroom in music colleges and universities influenced by virtual reality multimedia environments with elements of metaverse VR technologies. Particular attention is paid to the metaverse platforms with VR games in academic disciplines such as Applied Music, Fundamentals of Composition, and Learning to Play Musical Instruments. The practical part involves the analysis of the experimental and control groups of 240 individuals, selected and structured using the sampling method and the quasi-experimental method. Method Questioning is used by scholars to summarise the information and survey results collected from students. The experiment reveals that up to 72.2% of students suppose that the introduction of the art course based on digital multimedia virtual reality is effective, and their music teachers prefer to use multimedia virtual reality learning tools. The gamification elements in different musical disciplines are interesting for 78% of students. The results’ significance is the possibility to adapt the music curriculum in colleges to students’ needs. Further research is needed to evaluate the use of VR technologies for musical workshops as part of playing musical instruments and the basics of musical composition.

Virtual Communication Patterns of Mobile Legends Gamers' Journalism in Youth Sarcasm Actions in Kisaran City, Asahan Regency

Game journalism is a field of journalism that focuses on the gaming industry and gaming culture. Online gaming journalism is the process of reporting and making news about the online gaming industry and esports content. Mobile Legend is one of the MOBA games available for mobile play. Ten players in two teams typically play these games, following a five-versus-five format. In Mobile Legends, users have the ability to communicate through the virtual world. The process of virtual communication involves conveying messages to others within the virtual environment. This study aims to determine how the virtual communication patterns used by mobile gamers influence the sarcasm of the Asahan district's remains. The results of this study show that mobile Legends gamers in the district are more likely to use the voice chat and manual chat features as a virtual communication tool to convey the circus words or sentences that players use in mobile Legends online games. Then, gamers employ circular communication patterns, which involve a message delivery process that allows both communicators to exchange functions. As is the case with a player who starts commenting on a bad game from another player, that comment is given feedback against the commentator and can be replied to by the team member to give another feedback. This study employs qualitative research methods such as library study, observation and interview techniques, virtual ethnography methods, and documentation as an additional method.

Exploring the Digital World of Anatomy: A Comprehensive Review of Complete Anatomy 3D App

Complete Anatomy, an educational 3D anatomy platform developed by 3D4Medical, has been in the business of creating medical products since 2009. Their educational content undergoes rigorous scrutiny from an academic review board comprising anatomical experts and clinical practitioners with extensive experience in hospital settings and academic institutions worldwide. This platform serves as a valuable resource for a wide range of users, including students, educators, medical professionals, and academic institutions. With over one million users utilizing its interactive anatomy models, clinical video animations, and virtual dissection tools, Complete Anatomy has become an indispensable tool in the realm of anatomical education. In the spring of 2019, Complete Anatomy expanded its offerings to include interactive anatomy courses, effectively becoming a publishing platform for such content [1]. These courses are designed to cater to the needs of academic faculty as they develop curricula. Simultaneously, they are also accessible to students who can use them as standalone resources to review material. The Complete Anatomy app, which has received recognition as the recipient of an Apple Design Award, offers a dynamic and engaging approach for students to delve into anatomy's intricacies, surpassing traditional atlases' limitations.

Understanding the use of CATI and web-based data collection methods during the pandemic among digitally challenged groups at FQHCs: data from the All of Us Research Program.

The All of Us Research Program (Program) is an ongoing epidemiologic cohort study focused on collecting lifestyle, health, socioeconomic, environmental, and biological data from 1 million US-based participants. The Program has a focus on enrolling populations that are underrepresented in biomedical research (UBR). Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are a key recruitment stream of UBR participants. The Program is digital by design where participants complete surveys via web-based platform. As many FQHC participants are not digitally ready, recruitment and retention is a challenge, requiring high-touch methods. However, high-touch methods ceased as an option in March 2020 when the Program paused in-person activities because of the pandemic. In January 2021, the Program introduced Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) to help participants complete surveys remotely. This paper aims to understand the association between digital readiness and mode of survey completion (CATI vs. web-based platform) by participants at FQHCs. This study included 2,089 participants who completed one or more surveys via CATI and/or web-based platform between January 28, 2021 (when CATI was introduced) and January 27, 2022 (1 year since CATI introduction). Results show that among the 700 not-digitally ready participants, 51% used CATI; and of the 1,053 digitally ready participants, 30% used CATI for completing retention surveys. The remaining 336 participants had "Unknown/Missing" digital readiness of which, 34% used CATI. CATI allowed survey completion over the phone with a trained staff member who entered responses on the participant's behalf. Regardless of participants' digital readiness, median time to complete retention surveys was longer with CATI compared to web. CATI resulted in fewer skipped responses than the web-based platform highlighting better data completeness. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of using CATI for improving response rates in online surveys, especially among populations that are digitally challenged. Analyses provide insights for NIH, healthcare providers, and researchers on the adoption of virtual tools for data collection, telehealth, telemedicine, or patient portals by digitally challenged groups even when in-person assistance continues to remain as an option. It also provides insights on the investment of staff time and support required for virtual administration of tools for health data collection.

The use of Canvas and Voice Thread in an online English master’s degree

The implementation of technology is fundamental in the educational area and the basis for e-learning. Canvas and Voice Thread are two different online tools used in the learning process of an online master’s degree in English. The two virtual tools have been used by students with a professional status for the development of both individual and collaborative learning activities. The two online tools are different, and each has a function within the learning process. Therefore, this study seeks to know the experience and perceptions of the students of the English master’s degree about the use of technology, specifically the use of technological tools such as Canvas and Voice Thread in the learning process of the students. An interpretative design will be carried out through the use of a survey to know how students perceive the use of online tools and their comparative influence. The survey consists of three sections focused on personal information, perception of the online tools, comparison between their influence, and additional comments. The result of the study provides numerical data and descriptive knowledge of the influence of the online tools Canvas and Voice Thread in the development of the academic activities of adult learners in an online master’s degree. Canvas is one the most influential tools in online learning due to its benefits and advantages.

Rewiring the evolution of the human hand: How the embodiment of a virtual bionic tool improves behavior

Humans are the most versatile tool users among animals. Accordingly, our manual skills evolved alongside the shape of the hand. In the future, further evolution may take place: humans may merge with their tools, and technology may integrate into our biology in a way that blurs the line between the two. So, the question is whether humans can embody a bionic tool (i.e., experience it as part of their body) and thus if this would affect behavior. We investigated in virtual reality how the substitution of the hand with a virtual grafting of an end-effector, either non-naturalistic (a bionic tool) or naturalistic (a hand), impacts embodiment and behavior. Across four experiments, we show that the virtual grafting of a bionic tool elicits a sense of embodiment similar to or even stronger than its natural counterpart. In conclusion, the natural usage of bionic tools can rewire the evolution of human behavior.

Estimating Uncertainties from Dual-Doppler Radar Measurements of Onshore Wind Plants Using LES

Towards the ongoing work of improving the capability of flow modeling within and around wind plants, an onshore model validation benchmark campaign is underway based on a field experiment involving multiple wind plants in Oklahoma, U.S.A. Dual-Doppler radar is being leveraged to provide flowfield information for the benchmarking owing to the unparalleled capability of such radar to capture minute-by-minute horizontal wind fields over a scale of tens of kilometers. However, dual-Doppler radar exhibits sampling artifacts that must be considered during model validation, and these are due to probe-volume averaging, coarse azimuthal/elevational resolution, non-ideal stereo angles, and coarse temporal sampling. Such sources of error in radar-reconstructed flowfields can be quantified using virtual radar sampling in the high-fidelity simulation environment (i.e., large-eddy simulation (LES)) where the true velocity field is known with confidence, and this is the uncertainty quantification approach adopted in this article. We leverage a virtual radar tool designed to replicate the specific sampling strategy of the X-band dual-Doppler instrument installed in the field campaign. This tool is featured in LES of an expansive 100 km by 100 km region of Oklahoma including hundreds of wind turbines modeled as actuator disks. In agreement with the sampling principles of radar, the results show that large-scale flow structures are qualitatively well-resolved by the instrument, though more simulation time and analysis are needed to determine the accuracy of the radar’s integral lengthscale estimates. At the turbine scale, the radar struggles to capture all of the features of the turbine wakes. The process of probe-volume averaging, as well as the subsequent interpolation to a Cartesian grid, biases the reconstruction of the peak near-wake deficit by an average of 2 m/s, or around 20% of the freestream velocity. Errors in this quantity of interest, as well as one characterizing the magnitude of the free-flow wind speed around the wakes, are found to be sensitive to the radar beam-crossing angle and beam range.

Using Artificial Intelligence Tools for Developing Conversational Skills for English Majors

Despite the potential of Virtual Conversation Assistants as effective tools for conversing support in developing students’ conversational skills, their presence in Vietnamese schools or universities remains limited, often due to cost constraints, quality of language interaction, and their unpopularity among Vietnamese students. Therefore, it is essential that English language educators seek alternative strategies to offer additional assistance for the enhancement of students' abilities to converse effectively. This experimental study pilots the implementation of Call Annie and Praktika, two artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in a local teacher education university in Vietnam, as an innovative approach to the fostering of students' conversational skills. The research discusses the utilization of two such virtual conversational assistant tools for a group of 14 English major freshmen as the experimental group, examining their impacts on the development of students’ conversational proficiency compared to another 14 students in the control group. The study findings analyzed indicate that there was a remarkable improvement in the experimental group’s conversational skills regarding their initiation of conversation, and their active listening through two AI tools. Moreover, there was also remarkable improvement in their verbal fluency and clarity; which contributed to their adaptability, flexibility, and conversational engagement. Moreover, it suggests further application of AI tools in educational contexts to facilitate the instruction and reinforcement of students' conversational skills, where human expertise seamlessly integrates with the power of AI tools to create a more effectively expanded language learning environment.

EXPLORING TRENDS IN PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION: A FOCUS ON THE BALTIC COUNTRIES

This scientific article delves into the dynamic landscape of vocational education in the Baltic countries – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It focuses on the evolving trends in public-private partnerships (PPPs) within this sector. Vocational education serves as a crucial link between academic learning and industry demands, equipping individuals with the specialized skills needed for the workforce. In recent years, significant strides have been made in enhancing vocational education in the Baltic region through collaborative efforts between government bodies, educational institutions and private enterprises. This article particularly emphasizes emerging trends in PPPs, including joint initiatives, government incentives, digitalization and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Joint initiatives between educational institutions and industry stakeholders are becoming increasingly prevalent, fostering collaboration in curriculum development, internship programmes and skills training tailored to meet industry needs. Government incentives, such as financial support and tax benefits, are encouraging private sector involvement in vocational education, thereby enriching the quality and accessibility of educational offerings. Moreover, digitalization is reshaping vocational education, with PPPs leveraging technology to deliver innovative learning experiences. E-learning platforms, virtual reality simulations and online collaboration tools are being integrated into vocational education curricula, enhancing the effectiveness and relevance of training programmes. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges, accelerating the adoption of online learning and remote delivery models. By analyzing these trends, the article aims to provide insights into the dynamics of vocational education development and the role of collaboration between public and private sectors in shaping the future of the workforce in the Baltic countries.

Identifying novel small molecule integrin agonists to mimic the favourable effects of the RGD domain of IGFBP-1 to treat cardiometabolic disease

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation (BHF) 4-Year PhD Programme Background Insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-1 has previously been shown to be associated with reduced type 2 diabetes (T2D) progression and preferable cardiovascular profiles in patients. Our laboratory previously demonstrated that IGFBP-1 is an insulin sensitiser in mouse models, in addition to having favourable vascular effects, independently of IGFs. IGFBP-1 has an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) domain which is thought to facilitate the direct interaction with the heterodimeric cell-surface receptor, integrin α5β1, inducing downstream cell signalling. We then showed the positive effects of IGFBP-1 could be mimicked with an RGD-containing linear peptide, GRGDTP, however this peptide is not a suitable therapeutic as it is rapidly metabolised in vivo. To our knowledge, RGD-based therapeutics have not been explored for cardiometabolic disease. Purpose There are currently few therapeutics which have been specifically designed to address both insulin resistance and the high risk of macrovascular disease in T2D. Therefore, exploring RGD-based integrin agonists will be essential in developing new insulin sensitising therapeutics which prevent cardiovascular complications. Methods The ROCS high speed ligand-based virtual screening tool was used to screen commercially available small molecule libraries mimicking the chemical structure of the RGD sequence of IGFBP-1. Additionally, we performed in silico modelling to predict the binding interactions of these molecules with the integrin α5β1 headpiece to select candidates. We then used a LIVE/DEAD cell viability assay to initially profile any cytotoxic effects of our selected compounds in integrin-expressing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and C2C12 skeletal muscle myotubes. We further assessed the effects of compounds on relevant HUVEC functions using a high-throughput wound closure assay. Results The structure of the RGD domain of IGFBP-1 can be mimicked with small molecules containing amino acid moieties. These molecules are predicted to bind with micromolar affinity to the integrin, promoting beneficial interactions for integrin agonism. We selected 17 structurally diverse small molecules with the best predicted binding interactions. Initial in vitro profiling demonstrates that the molecules are not cytotoxic. In preliminary analyses, three of the selected compounds show a trend towards inhibition of HUVEC migration and proliferation, while six show a trend towards increased migration and proliferation. Conclusion The RGD domain of IGFBP-1 can be mimicked with novel small molecules, of which we have selected 17 ligands. Our compounds do not affect cell viability in relevant cell types, so can be further profiled. Our initial findings indicate that the compounds have different functional effects on HUVECs which allows us to prioritise hits having favourable effects in the context of T2D, such as enhancing angiogenic properties of endothelial cells.

Dramaturgy of Cirebon Teenage Consumer Behavior in Building Self-Image on Instagram

Instagram is just one of several social media programmes made possible by the latest developments in digital technology. Instagram is more than just a virtual communication tool, but helps teenagers also build their self-image through its many functions. This study aims to uncover how Cirebon teenagers' self-image building works on Instagram, as well as their purchasing habits. The research methodology, particularly the qualitative approach. Results were obtained from an extensive literature review, in-depth interviews, and participant observation. Erving Goffman's dramaturgical perspective was used to examine the data obtained. Teenagers in Cirebon use Instagram as a dramaturgical tool to shape their self-image, according to the research conclusion. Their front stage consistently displays positive aspects and the best material, helping them cultivate a positive self-image and get positive reactions from fans. In addition, Instagram users' real lives are very different from their Instagram appearances, and often users do not want other users to know the ins and outs of their personal lives, including the steps used to create their Instagram appearances.

Strategies Adopted by Employees Toward Meeting the Requirements of International Company Needs and Developing Global Efficiency

"In the modern world, the international company cultivates a culture on a global scale. Employees face challenges in adapting to critical international cultural levels. Employees need to develop skills, language proficiency, and cultural understanding based on the needs and requirements of international company strategies for the work culture. Employees must develop communication skills to interact with colleagues and clients worldwide. Employees are encouraged to learn multiple languages to engage with different cultures for global business activities. They can leverage technology to bridge geographical gaps. With the rise of virtual collaboration tools, employees can now work seamlessly across borders. By embracing digital platforms and staying up-to-date with the latest technology trends, employees can enhance their productivity and contribute to global efficiency. They can seek training opportunities that specifically address the challenges of working in an international context, such as cross-cultural communication or global project management. By embracing cultural intelligence, enhancing language skills, leveraging technology, and investing in continuous learning, employees can play a vital role in driving the success of international organizations in today's interconnected world. To achieve these goals, employees can adopt several strategies that help them navigate the challenges of working in a global setting."

Predicting the PSQA results of volumetric modulated arc therapy based on dosiomics features: a multi-center study

Backgroud and objectivesThe implementation of patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) has become a crucial aspect of the radiation therapy process. Machine learning models have demonstrated their potential as virtual QA tools, accurately predicting the gamma passing rate (GPR) of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)plans, thereby ensuring safe and efficient treatment for patients. However, there is limited multi-center research dedicated to predicting the GPR. In this study, a dosiomics-based machine learning approach was employed to construct a prediction model for classifying GPR in multiple radiotherapy institutions. Additionally, the model’s performance was compared by evaluating the impact of two distinct feature selection methods.MethodsA retrospective data collection was conducted on 572 VMAT patients across three radiotherapy institutions. Utilizing a three-dimensional dose verification technique grounded in real-time measurements, γ analysis was conducted according to the criteria of 3%/2 mm and 2%/2 mm, employing a dose threshold of 10% along with absolute dose and global normalization mode. Dosiomics features were extracted from the dose files, and distinct subsets of features were selected as inputs for the model using the random forest (RF) and RF combined with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) methods. The data underwent training using the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithm, and the model’s classification performance was assessed through F1-score and area under the curve (AUC) values.ResultsThe model exhibited optimal performance under the 3%/2 mm criteria, utilizing a subset of 20 features and attaining an AUC value of 0.88 and an F1-score of 0.89. Similarly, under the 2%/2 mm criteria, the model demonstrated superior performance with a subset of 10 features, resulting in an AUC value of 0.91 and an F1-score of 0.89. The feature selection methods of RF and RF + SHAP have achieved good model performance by selecting as few features as possible.ConclusionBased on the multi-center PSQA results, it is possible to utilize dosiomics features extracted from dose files to construct a machine learning predictive model. This model demonstrates excellent discriminative abilities, thus promoting the progress of gamma passing rate prognostic models in clinical application and implementation. Furthermore, it holds potential in providing patients with secure and efficient personalized QA management, while also reducing the workload of medical physicists.