Usability Analysis of Freeform Marking on Engineering Problem Solving

Author(s):  
Bahar Memarian ◽  
Susan McCahan

Freeform comments as a means of providing formative feedback on engineering problems, from the perspective of feedback providers (i.e. assessors), is examined. The aim of this research is to collect and analyze assessors’ ratings on the usability of this type of task. Two course topics with different error loads in the sample solutions were used as the basis for the work. Assessors were divided into two groups: Group 1 received an evaluation package containing first year mechanics students’ test solutions with a high error load (Error1=32), while Group 2 received first year circuits students’ test solutions with low error load (Error2=11). Assessment time was held constant (ttot=20min). A standard instrument for usability was utilized. Analysis of the survey data from the assessors (n1=11, n2=19) revealed some significant differences between the two groups. In particular, Group 1 reported a lower degree of perceived consistency in marking relative to Group 2.

Author(s):  
Tamara J. Moore

Attracting students to engineering is a challenge. In addition, ABET requires that engineering graduates be able to work on multi-disciplinary teams and apply mathematics and science when solving engineering problems. One manner of integrating teamwork and engineering contexts in a first-year foundation engineering course is through the use of Model-Eliciting Activities (MEAs) — realistic, client-driven problems based on the models and modeling theoretical framework. A Model-Eliciting Activity (MEA) is a real-world client-driven problem. The solution of an MEA requires the use of one or more mathematical or engineering concepts that are unspecified by the problem — students must make new sense of their existing knowledge and understandings to formulate a generalizable mathematical model that can be used by the client to solve the given and similar problems. An MEA creates an environment in which skills beyond mathematical abilities are valued because the focus is not on the use of prescribed equations and algorithms but on the use of a broader spectrum of skills required for effective engineering problem-solving. Carefully constructed MEAs can begin to prepare students to communicate and work effectively in teams; to adopt and adapt conceptual tools; to construct, describe, and explain complex systems; and to cope with complex systems. MEAs provide a learning environment that is tailored to a more diverse population than typical engineering course experiences as they allow students with different backgrounds and values to emerge as talented, and that adapting these types of activities to engineering courses has the potential to go beyond “filling the gaps” to “opening doors” to women and underrepresented populations in engineering. Further, MEAs provide evidence of student development in regards to ABET standards. Through NSF-funded grants, multiple MEAs have been developed and implemented with a MSE-flavored nanotechnology theme. This paper will focus on the content, implementation, and student results of one of these MEAs.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aylin Karalezli ◽  
Sema Kaderli ◽  
Ahmet Kaderli ◽  
Cansu Kaya ◽  
Sabahattin Sul

Abstract Purpose: To compare the effect of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) or intravitreal dexamethasone implants (IVD) on regression of hyperreflective dots (HRDs) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) B-scan in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: 37 eyes of 37 patients with cystoid macular edema who received IVR or IVD and followed up for at least 12 months were included in this study. The patients were divided into three groups according to intravitreal treatment. Group 1 consisted of 12 eyes who received only IVD, group 2 consisted of 10 eyes who received only IVR on a pro re nata and group 3 consisted of 15 eyes who received both IVD and IVR. OCT parameters (CMT, number of HRDs, status of external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ)) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were compared between the groups over the follow-up time. HRDs were categorized as HRD in inner retinal layers (from the internal limiting membrane to the inner nuclear layer) or HRD in outer retinal layers (from the outer plexiform layer to the outer border of the photoreceptor layer).Results: There was no significant difference between groups in terms of BCVA, CMT, HRDs in the inner and the outer retinal layers at baseline visit. (p˃0.05 for all) Comparing the baseline values in all groups, a significant decrease was observed in CMT in the first year. (For group 1; p=0.013, group 2; p=0.010; group 3, p<0.001) The BCVA was significantly increased after 1 year in all groups. (p=0.001, p=0.006, p<0.001) The mean number of HRDs in inner and outer retinal layers were significantly decreased in group 1 and group 3. (For group 1; p<0.001, p=0.001, for group 3; p<0.001, p<0.001) However, there was no significant difference in terms of the mean number of HRDs in inner and outer retinal layers for group 2. (p=0.134, p=0.477) At the first year, the number of HRDs in inner and outer retinal layers was significantly lower in group 1 and group 3 than group 2. (For inner HRDs; group 1 vs. group 2 p=0.007, group 2 vs. group 3 p<0.001. For outer HRDs group 1 vs. group 2 p<0.001, group 2 vs. group 3 p<0.001.) The BCVA was higher in group 3 than group 2 at 1year. (p=0.048). There was no significant difference in terms of post-treatment CMT and the number of HRDs between group 1 and group3 in posthoc tests (p=0.621, p=0.876, and p=0.632).Conclusion: The reduction in HRDs at 12 months and better BCVA after IVD intimates that the HRDs should be considered as inflammatory markers in the follow-up of CME in BRVO. Thus, IVD injection could be more appropriate for patients with higher HRDs after BRVO.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 66-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Avdeeva ◽  
T Belicheva

Aim. The article deals with establishing the effect of step aerobics and artistic gymnastics on physical performance in first year female university students. Materials and methods. 80 full-time female university students participated in the study. The first group practiced artistic gymnastics (Group 1, n = 40), the second group (Group 2, n = 40) – step aerobics. The mean age was 18.35 ± 0.04 years. In September and December 2017, their physical development, physical fitness, physical performance, respiratory and cardiovascular systems were assessed based on standard procedures using the data of maximum oxygen consumption and the step test. Results. At the beginning of the experiments, there were no statistically significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2. The mean maximum oxygen consumption values corresponded to satisfactory performance (39.85 ± 0.37 – Group 1, 38.92 ± 0.42 – Group 2, р = 0.1). At the end of the experiment, there were statistically significant differences in terms of the mean maximum oxygen consumption: 40.73 ± 0.21 – Group 1 and 41.61 ± 0.21 – Group 2. The results of the ranking showed that the majority of participants demonstrated an increase in physical performance. Group 1 showed an increase in the standing long jump, Group 2 improved 2000 m running time and the standing long jump. Group 2 also demonstrated a decrease in heart rate and an increase in adaptation capacities. Conclusion. The lessons of artistic gymnastics during a semester do not influence significantly physical performance but improve speed-strength characteristics. Step aerobics influences positively physical performance, speed-strength characteristics, and the cardio­vascular system in first-year female university students not related to sport.


2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (6) ◽  
pp. 895-901

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a common complication of congenital heart disease (CHD) with uncorrected left-to-right shunts. Currently, no consensus guideline exists on the management of PAH-CHD in children, especially those who do not meet operability criteria. Objective: To compare survival between three groups of high-risk PAH-CHD, group 1: total correction including both surgical and percutaneous intervention, group 2: palliative treatment, and group 3: conservative with medical treatment group. Materials and Methods: All pediatric patients with PAH-CHD that underwent cardiac catheterization between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were high risk PAH-CHD patients who had pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) greater than 6 Wood unit·m² and PVR-to-SVR ratio greater than 0.3 evaluated in room air. Exclusion criteria were younger than three months of age, severe left side heart disease with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure greater than 15 mmHg, obstructive total pulmonary venous return, and single ventricle physiology. The Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed from the date of PAH diagnosis to the date of all-cause mortality or to censored date at last follow-up. Results: Seventy-six patients with a median age at diagnosis of 27.5 months (IQR 14.5 to 69.0 months) were included in this study. The patients were divided into three subgroups and included 38 patients (50.0%) in group 1, six patients (7.9%) in group 2, and 32 patients (42.1%) in group 3. The median follow-up time was 554 days (IQR 103 to 2,133 days). The overall mortality was 21.7%. One-year survival in patients with simple lesion in group 1 and 3 were 79.5% and 87.5% and patients with complex lesions in group 1, 2, and 3 were 93.8%, 83.3%, and 73.1%, respectively. The results showed that most mortalities occurred in the first year. There were no statistically significant differences in survival among difference types of treatment (log rank test, p=0.522). Conclusion: The mortality of high-risk PAH-CHD patients were not different among those who underwent corrective surgery, palliative, or conservative treatment. The mortality was high in the first year after PAH diagnosis and remain stable afterward. Management decision for an individual with high-risk PAH-CHD patients requires comprehensive clinical assessment to balance the risks and benefits before making individualized clinical judgment. Keywords: Pulmonary hypertension; Congenital heart disease; High-risk patients


Author(s):  
Fatih Akova

Objective: The aim of this study is to present the frenotomy technique in cases of ankyloglossia (tongue-tie), which is diagnosed and treated in the first year of life. Patients were operated by a single surgeon. Method: Cases of ankyloglossia operated at Biruni University Faculty of Medicine Hospital Pediatric Surgery Clinic Between 2016-2020 were evaluated retrospectively in terms of clinical complaints, age, type of ankyloglossia, surgical technique, indications and results of surgery. Results: Frenotomy was performed in 56 patients including 47 boys (84%) and 9 girls (16%), between the ages of 0-1. Average age of the patients was 93 days (1-360). Patients were divided into two groups as Group 1 (n: 40: 0-90 days old) and Group 2 (n: 16: 90-360 days old). Patients were admitted with complaints of having difficulty in sucking the mother’s breast, not being able to take their tongue out, feeding with a bottle, pain at the nipple and not being able to grasp the breast. No additional intervention was required for bleeding in Group 1, and in 12 (75%) patients in Group 2 bleeding control was achieved using bipolar cautery. During follow-up, significant improvement was obtained in all patients who had difficulty in sucking and gripping the nipple. Improvement was observed in 15 of 25 patients with nipple pain. Conclusion: Frenotomy is an easily applied surgical procedure with minimal complications. Additional application may be required for bleeding control in infants older than 3 months. It should be considered that the probability of recurrence may depend on the type, intervention used and thickness of the frenulum, and phrenotomy may not be sufficient. The improvement in breast feeding function of Frenotomy may provide a significant improvement in the complaints of nipple pain, and may contribute to the emotional attachment between the mother and her baby. Randomized controlled trials are required to determine the effects of phrenotomy.


2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 92-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arutyun F Arutyunyan ◽  
Sergey N Gaydukov ◽  
Vitaly N Kustarov

The purpose of our study was to assess the effectiveness of the use of drugs containing indole-3-carbinol and epigallocatechin-3 gallate in combination with effective natural methods (TES-therapy and hirudotherapy) depending on the degree of morphological adenomyosis. The study involved 205 women with diffuse adenomyosis. Based on survey data from 205 women surveyed in 67 verified adenomyosis first degree (Group 1), 79 - second degree adenomyosis (group 2), and 59 - third degree adenomyosis (group 3). Doppler results showed that in patients with adenomyosis first degree nizkorezistentny uterine blood flow was observed. Improvement of clinical symptoms of the disease, increasing the numerical values of R & D in the uterine arteries at the first degree adenomyosis indicates pathogenic effects of the proposed treatment. At the same time in patients with adenomyosis II-III degree was observed with highly bloodstream, indicating the deterioration of blood flow in the uterine vascular basin, as evidenced by some of hemostasis. Thus, studies have provided credible evidence pathogenesis mediated relations between the characteristics of the circulation of the uterus, the processes of neoangiogenesis, proliferation in the myometrium and the extent of spread of the disease, which will choose the appropriate methods of conservative treatment. Using drugs and Indinol epigallat affecting the basic pathogenetic mechanisms of adenomyosis, opens a new direction in the treatment of this disease, and effective natural methods - new opportunities in the treatment of adenomyosis.


Author(s):  
Deniz Kör ◽  
Berna Şeker Yılmaz ◽  
Fatma Derya Bulut ◽  
Serdar Ceylaner ◽  
Neslihan Önenli Mungan

AbstractBackground:Phenylketonuria (PKU) often requires a lifelong phenylalanine (Phe)-restricted diet. Introduction of 6R-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) has made a huge difference in the diets of patients with PKU. BH4 is the co-factor of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) and improves PAH activity and, thus, Phe tolerance in the diet. A limited number of published studies suggest a pharmacodynamic profile of BH4 more suitable to be administered in divided daily doses.Methods:After a 72-h BH4 loading test, sapropterin was initiated in 50 responsive patients. This case-control study was conducted by administering the same daily dose of sapropterin in group 1 (n=24) as a customary single dose or in two divided doses in group 2 (n=26) over 1 year.Results:Mean daily consumption of Phe increased significantly after the first year of BH4 treatment in group 2 compared to group 1 (p<0.05). At the end of the first year of treatment with BH4, another dramatic difference observed between the two groups was the ability to transition to a Phe-free diet. Eight patients from group 2 and two from group 1 could quit dietary restriction.Conclusions:When given in two divided daily doses, BH4 was more efficacious than a single daily dose in increasing daily Phe consumption, Phe tolerance and the ability to transition to a Phe-unrestricted diet at the end of the first year of treatment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S22-S22
Author(s):  
Sara Ordóñez ◽  
Marco Luque ◽  
Pamela Zacasa ◽  
Ligia Fu ◽  
Armando Peña ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Fever and neutropenia (FN) is a frequent complication in pediatric oncology patients, especially in high-risk patients. In our institution, 43% of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients in induction have at least one hospitalization for FN. A lack of institutional guidelines has led to misuse of antibiotics, prolonged antibiotic wait time and hospitalizations, and unnecessary venipunctures, among others. Implementing an algorithm has provided us with a baseline of previous FN management, and has led to an improvement in management as a whole and to critical areas such as lowering antibiotic wait time in these patients. Methods Throughout 2017 we created and revised an algorithm for the management of FN based on current international FN guidelines and, tailored to our specific setting and needs. Orientation began 2 months prior to implementation, with intense training of residents, attendings, and nursing staff one month prior, and for the first 2 months of implementation. Active surveillance of adherence and outcomes, plus periodic retraining has been done throughout implementation. Adherence measurements include antibiotic wait time, use of antibiotics according to risk stratification, number of algorithm deviations, and collection of blood cultures. Results Seventy-four patients met inclusion criteria from May 2018 to April 2019. Results were compared between early implementation, (first 3 months: group 1), to the remaining 9 months of the first year (group 2). Time to initial evaluation decreased by 75%, from 76.8 minutes in group 1 to 20.6 minutes in group 2 (P &lt; 0.05). Antibiotic wait time decreased by 54.9%, from 5.18 hours to 2.3 hours (P = 0.0074). Time to blood culture was reduced by 65.3%, from 248 minutes to 85 minutes (P = 0.0040). Incorrect use of antibiotics according to risk stratification decreased by 59.2%, from 42% in group 1 to 17% in group 2 (P = 0.10). Total number of deviations decreased from 1.39 per patient to 1.17 per patient (P = 0.22; Table 1). Conclusions Through initial and periodical training and active surveillance, key targets for adherence showed significant improvement throughout the first year of implementation. Maintaining communication with providers through monthly reports of audits, discussions of cases, and retraining improved awareness and willingness to adhere to protocol. Implementation has been particularly useful to residents and attendings outside of the Oncology Ward, where 49% of FN patients in our hospital are treated. It has provided standardized management, improved detection of cases, and reduced delays in care.


2016 ◽  
Vol 695 ◽  
pp. 205-211
Author(s):  
Iulian Popa ◽  
Petre Matusz ◽  
Diana Andrei ◽  
Mihai Mardare ◽  
Dan V. Poenaru

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures can lead to late collapse which often cause kyphotic spinal deformity, persistent back pain, decreased lung capacity, increased fracture risk and increased mortality. The purpose of our study is to compare the efficacy and safety of vertebroplasty against conservative management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures without neurologic symptoms. A total of 66 patients with recent OVF on MRI examination were included in the study. All patients were admitted from September 2009 to September 2012. The cohort was divided in two groups: first study group consisted of 33 prospectively followed consecutive patients who suffered 40 vertebral osteoporotic fractures treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty (Group 1), and the control group consisted of 33 patients who suffered 41 vertebral osteoporotic fractures treated conservatory because they reffused vertebroplasty (Group 2). Vertebroplasty with PMMA was performed in 30 patients on 39 VBs, including four thoracic vertebras, 27 vertebras of the thoracolumbar jonction and 8 lumbar vertebras. In the Group 2 were included 30 patients with 39 OVFs (four thoracic vertebras, 23 vertebras of the thoracolumbar junction and 11 lumbar vertebras). In our study on OVF, vertebroplasty delivered superior clinical and radiological outcomes over the first year from intervention when compared to consevative treatment of patients with osteoporotic compression fractures without neurological deficit.


1998 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 470-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen J. Martin ◽  
Janet H. Chrispeels ◽  
Marianne D'Emidio-Caston

This paper examines the implementation of two Problem-Based Learning (PBL) seminars at a university administrative credential program for graduate students preparing to become administrators. PBL is an instructional strategy that focuses students on a relevant problem to solve within a collaborative group. It explores in what ways PBL contributes to their development as administrators, ability to work in groups, and to use reflection as a part of their practice. Students worked in small groups to complete a relevant job-related problem. They were expected to apply theory to a real situation, use problem-solving skills, witness the impact of those skills, and reflect on their actions and those of others. Throughout the two seminars, a variety of data were collected including journal notes, videotapes, and process papers. When analyzed, the data provided important insights about the use of PBL for students as an instructional strategy. Analysis of data revealed that students found the content and process relevant to their work as administrators, saw patterns in their own growth, and gained an understanding of the importance of identifying implicit theories. The faculty also learned important lessons from this action research about the use of PBL as a pedagogical strategy. First, students need time to develop and practice both problem-solving as well as group process skills. Second, faculty needed to take an active role in teaching group process and reflective skills. This is important learning given the dynamic context of schools where collaboration with others and group work are essential components of effective organizations. The data indicate that in the HRM Seminar, Group 1 and Group 2 present a stark contrast to how well each group functioned. In Group 1, the lack of attention to group process, member's primary focus on individual achievement, lack of joint leadership, presence of conflict, and perception of not being heard led to low satisfaction with the task and process. Almost the opposite pattern occurred in Group 2. Members reported both high task and process focus and primary attention on group rather than individual achievement. In addition, they reported a sense of being valued and heard, minimal conflict between group members, and a balance between solitary and joint leadership. In addition, group members were more satisfied with the task and process. Group 3 experienced some difficulties and conflict; however, group members felt they accomplished the task well. In the UTE Seminar, the data indicate that Groups A and C functioned well with minimal conflict, and they were satisfied with the product and enjoyed the process. Group B struggled and was not fully satisfied with the product produced by the group and was only marginally satisfied with the group process.


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